WJC at UNHRC | Statement on the UPR Outcome of Latvia

At the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Vice President of the WJC-affiliated Latvian Jewish Community, Dmitry Krupnikov, delivered a statement under Item 6 expressing gratitude for Latvia's efforts to protect Holocaust memory.

Read the full statement below:

Thank you, Mr. President,

My name is Dmitry Krupnikov, I am the Vice President of the Latvian Jewish Community, and I am honored to make this statement on behalf of the World Jewish Congress.

As we stated in our previous review, Latvia had made remarkable progress since regaining independence after collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. We are pleased to attest that progress has continued.

At the time of the previous review, the Latvian Jewish Community was working closely with the Saeima and the Government of Latvia on the Law on Goodwill Compensation to the Latvian Jewish Community. Adopted by the Saeima and signed by the President in early 2022, the law provides compensation for nearly 300 properties that could not be reclaimed after Latvia regained independence because the legitimate heirs perished in the Holocaust.

Through a ten-year payment program, the Latvian Jewish Community Restitution Fund receives support for community initiatives and assistance to Holocaust survivors in Latvia.

The adoption of this law, and the strong majority it received in its final reading, reflects the positive relationship between Latvia and its Jewish community. We also welcome the attention given by the Government of Latvia and relevant authorities to combating antisemitism and online hate speech.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is on the Latvian calendar, and every year the leaders of Latvia joint the Community in commemorating those who died in the tragedy, always noting that the Holocaust robbed Latvia of vital and vibrant part of it.

We are thankful to the Government of Latvia for our good working relationship and proud of our strong and vibrant community.

Thank you.