UNHCR law observations on Latvian declaration of emergency situation

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has submitted its observations on the Declaration of Emergency Situation (No 518) by the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers.

UNHCR's Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries has submitted its observations to the Latvian Ministry of the Interior on the Order No 518 on the Declaration of Emergency Situation. UNHCR shared its initial observations to the Order on 17 August, 2021.

UNHCR acknowledges the challenges faced by Latvia following the sudden increase in arrivals of refugees and migrants via Belarus. Nevertheless, UNHCR maintains that response measures should not undermine the fundamental right to seek asylum or the principle of non-refoulement.

UNHCR's observations are available here.