Country profile LVA
National Legal Framework
National Legal Framework
| Provision | Legislation date | Convention | Legislation info | sources | Value | sort_order | Provision description | Legislation description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 for use in armed conflict prohibited? | 2023-04-05 | C182 | National Defence Service Law – Section 2. (2) and (4) | [{"link_name":"National Defence Service Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/341210-national-defence-service-law"}] | Yes | 9 | C182 defines forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 for use in armed conflict as a worst form of child labour. Nevertheless, C182 only prohibits the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18, and does not cover the voluntary recruitment of children under 18. | Section 2, Paragraph 2 of the Law stipulates that the citizens, i.e. males, shall be subject to the national defence service within one year after attaining 18 years of age. A citizen who, after attaining 18 years of age, continues the acquisition of education (except for higher education) shall be subject to the national defence service within one year after graduation from an educational institution or discontinuation of the educational process. If a citizen, after attaining 18 years of age, continues the acquisition of education (except for higher education) and has not graduated from an educational institution until attaining 24 years of age, he shall be subject to the national defence service within one year after attaining 24 years of age. Paragraph 4 of the same Section prescribes that the citizens, i.e. males and females, from 18 years of age until attaining 27 years of age may voluntarily apply for the national defence military service. Unless otherwise specified in the Law, the same legal framework shall be applicable to the citizens who have voluntarily applied for the national defence military service as to other recruits. |
| Is the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, prohibited? | 1998-06-19 ; 1998-06-17 | C182 | Law on the Protection of the Children’s Rights - Section 49. (1) and (2); Criminal Law – Section 172. | [{"link_name":"-Law on the Protection of the Children\u2019s Rights","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/49096-bernu-tiesibu-aizsardzibas-likums"},{"link_name":"-Criminal Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/88966-kriminallikums"}] | Yes | 11 | C182 prohibits the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. | Section 49, Paragraph 1 of the Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights prescribes that a child shall be protected from the use of narcotic, psychotropic, toxic and other such intoxicating substances as have a negative influence on the organism and from the manufacture, sale and any form of distribution of such substances. Section 49 Paragraph 2 of the Law Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights determines that the persons at fault shall be held criminally liable for the giving of narcotic, psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances at the disposal of a child or creating such conditions that these substances have become freely available to a child, inciting a child to use narcotic, psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances, or involving a child in the use or distribution of such substances. Section 172 of the Criminal Law provides for criminal liability for involvement of a minor in a criminal offence. |
| Is the use, procuring or offering of a child for the purpose of prostitution and for production of pornography prohibited? | 1998-06-17; 1998-06-19; 2007-05-03 | C182 | Criminal Law – Section 164. (1), (3), (3') and (4); Section 166. (2), (3) and (4) ; Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights – Section 51. (1), Section 50. (5) and (6) ; Law on the Restriction of Pornography - Section 1 | [{"link_name":"-Criminal Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/88966-kriminallikums"},{"link_name":"-Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/49096-bernu-tiesibu-aizsardzibas-likums"},{"link_name":"-Law on the Restriction of Pornography","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/157638-law-on-the-restriction-of-pornography"}] | Yes | 10 | C182 prohibits the use of a child under the age of 18 for prostitution, regardless of the child's consent. The use, procuring or offering of any person under the age of 18 for commercial sexual exploitation constitutes a worst form of child labour, even if prostitution is a legalised. In regard to the prohibition of child pornography, States need to make sure that national legislation addresses the involvement of a child in the production of pornographic materials, including non-recorded performances. | While 164. Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law punishes any person who involves a person in prostitution, Paragraph 3 of the same Section considers the committing of such offence on a minor to be an aggravating circumstance. In addition, Paragraphs 3' and 4 of the same Section of the Criminal Law determine criminal liability for a person who commits use of prostitution of a minor and for a person who commits encouraging, involvement, or compelling to engage in prostitution of a person who has not attained the age of sixteen years. For its part, Section 166 Paragraph 3 of the Law Criinal Law prohibits the encouraging, involvement, forced participation or utilisation of minors in a pornographic performance or the production of a material of pornographic nature. At the same time, Section 51, Paragraph 1 of the Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights prescribes that for involvement of a child in prostitution, the persons at fault shall be held liable as laid down in law. For its part, Paragraphs 5 and 6 of Section 50 of the Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights stipulate that it is prohibited to involve a child in the manufacture or distribution of materials of pornographic nature, and also in preparation or showings of a pornographic performance. Issues related to the prohibition of the circulation of child pornography are governed by Law on the Restriction of Pornography. Besides, it is worth noting that; the purpose of the Law on the Restriction of Pornography is to protect persons from unwanted contact with the materials of a pornographic nature and pornographic performances, respecting the right of a person to privacy, and to preclude the involvement of children in pornographic performances and circulation of the materials of a pornographic nature. Clause 2 of Section 1 of the Law on the Restriction of Pornography provides definition for child pornography. |
| Is the sale and trafficking of children for sexual and labour exploitation prohibited? | 1998-06-17; 1998-06-19 | C182 | Criminal Law - Section 11, Section 154.1. (1), (2) and (3) ; Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights - Section 3, Section 15 (1) and (2) | [{"link_name":"-Criminal Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/88966-kriminallikums"},{"link_name":"-Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/49096-bernu-tiesibu-aizsardzibas-likums"}] | Yes | 8 | C182 defines all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour as worst forms of child labour. | While Section 154.1. Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law punishes human trafficking, Paragraph 2 and 3 of that same Section consider the committing of such offence against a minor or an underaged person to be an aggravating circumstance. At the same time, pursuant to Section 3, Paragraph 3 of the Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights in the area of criminal law, all relevant legal provisions applicable to minors shall be applied to a person under 18 years of age. For its part, according to Section 11 of the Criminal Law an underaged person is a person who has not attained fourteen years of age. In addition, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Section 15 of the Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights prescribe that a child has the right to be protected from economic exploitation, and from employment in conditions that are dangerous or harmful to his or her health or physical, psychological, or moral development, or in night work or during such working periods as hinder his or her education. A child has the right to be protected from physical and mental exploitation, from sexual exploitation and seduction, and from any other forms of exploitation which may in any way harm the child. |
| List of hazardous activities prohibited for children | 2002-05-28 | C138 & C182 | Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 206 of May 2002 "Regulations regarding Work in which Employment of Adolescents is prohibited and Exceptions when Employment in such Work is Permitted in Connection with Vocational Training of the Adolescent” - Annex 1 and 2 | [{"link_name":"-Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.206 of 28 May 2002","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/62644-regulations-regarding-work-in-which-employment-of-adolescents-is-prohibited-and-exceptions-when-employment-in-such-work-is-permitted-in-connection-with-vocational-training-of-the-adolescent"},{"link_name":"-CECAR Direct Request","source_link":"https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/nrmlx_en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID,P13100_COUNTRY_ID:2699921,102738"}] | Yes | 7 | C138 and C182 require the national determination of a list of hazardous work prohibited for children under 18 years of age. The competent authorities should consult with workers' and employers' organizations to determine what types of employment or work are considered to be hazardous. Such a list shall be periodically examined and revised as necessary. | Annex 1 of the Regulation No.206 lists the 53 types of work in which adolescent employment is prohibited, while Annex 2 outlines the workplace risk factors to which adolescents must not be directly exposed. In its Point 3., the Regulation No.206 permits, in exceptional cases, the employment of adolescents (persons between 15 and 18 years) in such hazardous work in connection with vocational training, while also observing that the work is performed in direct presence of the supervisor of the work or a trusted representative, and compliance with regulatory enactments related to labour protection has been ensured. In a Direct Request published in 2012, the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) noted that "section 37(4) of the Labour Code allows adolescents over the age of 15, who have completed basic education, to engage in work that is otherwise prohibited for the adolescent, in connection with occupational training. [...] The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that young persons usually complete the acquisition of basic education in Latvia at 16 years of age, and therefore would only be eligible to engage in the types of work usually prohibited for adolescents (i.e. hazardous work) from the age of 16 years. The Government indicates in this regard, that the employment of an adolescent under the age of 18 in hazardous types of work is only permissible in exceptional cases: if it is related to vocational training, if the work is performed in the direct presence of a supervisor and if compliance with regulatory enactments related to labour protection has been ensured.". |
| Minimum age for hazardous work | 2001-06-20: 1998-06-19 | C138 & C182 | Labour Law - Section 37. (1) - (6), Section 115. (1) ; Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights - Section 15. (1) | [{"link_name":"-Labour Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/26019-labour-law"},{"link_name":"-Law on the Protection of the Children's Rights","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/49096-bernu-tiesibu-aizsardzibas-likums"}] | 18 | 6 | C138 and C182 set 18 as the minimum age for hazardous work, which is defined as work that, due to its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to jeopardize children’s health, safety or morals. C138 and C182 allow countries to permit hazardous work exceptionally as from 16, provided that the health, safety and morals of the young persons concerned are fully protected and that they have received adequate specific instruction or training. | Section 115 Paragraph 1 of the Labour Law provides that the parents (guardians) or the State Labour Inspection may request in writing the termination of employment legal relationships with a person who is under 18 years of age if such person performs work which jeopardises his or her safety, health or morals or negatively affects his or her development or education; which does not clearly prohibit the employment of children below that age in such work. Furthermore, Section 15, Paragraph 1 of the Law on the Protection of the Children’s Rights prescribes that a child has the right to be protected from employment in conditions that are dangerous or harmful to his or her health or physical, psychological, or moral development, or in night work or during such working periods as hinder his or her education. Paragraphs 1 to 6 of Section 37 of the Labour Law further elaborate on the conditions accompanying the prohibition of employing children in hazardous occupations. |
| Minimum age for admission to apprenticeship | 1999-06-10 | C138 | Vocational Education Law - Section 1; (2) (2.3), (19) and Section 27. (1), (2) | [{"link_name":"Vocational Education Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/20244-profesionalas-izglitibas-likums"}] | 15 | 5 | C138 does not apply to work done in school for general, vocational or technical education or in training institutions or work done by children at least 14 years of age in undertakings, where such work is carried out in accordance with conditions prescribed by the competent authority. Such work must be an integral part of: (i) a course of education or training for which a school or training institution is primarily responsible; (ii) a programme of training mainly or entirely in an undertaking, which programme has been approved by the competent authority; or (iii) a programme of guidance or orientation designed to facilitate the choice of an occupation or of a line of training. | Clauses 2.3 and 19 of Paragraph 2 of Section 1 of the Law provide definition for traineeship and work-based learning. The work-based learning scheme is offered as an alternative option to other existing school-based schemes. Enrolment age is related to the enrolment age or programmes, In this context, there is no age limit set for the apprenticeship scheme per se, but the age limits for the corresponding vocational education programme apply Section 27, Paragraph 1 of the Law states that a person shall be admitted to an initial vocational education programme no earlier than in the calendar year when he or she reaches the age of 15 years. Section 27, Paragraph 2 of the Law states that a person shall be admitted to a vocational secondary education programme after the acquisition of a general primary education or vocational basic education (this is between the ages of 14 and 16). |
| Is the minimum age for admission to work not less than the age for completion of compulsory schooling? | 1998-06-10 | C138 | General Education Law – Section 30. (1), Section 32. (2) and (3) | [{"link_name":"-General Education Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/20243-visparejas-izglitibas-likum"},{"link_name":"-CEACR Direct Request","source_link":"https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/nrmlx_en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID,P13100_COUNTRY_ID:2316500,102738"}] | N/A | 4 | C138 requires that the minimum age for admission to work shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, shall not be less than 15 years. | Section 30, Paragraph 1 of the Law prescribes that complete basic education programme shall be implemented within nine years. At the same time, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Section 32 stipulate that the acquisition of basic education shall be commenced in the calendar year when the educatee attains 7 years of age. An educatee is entitled to commence the acquisition of basic education one year earlier or later depending on his or her health condition and psychological preparedness according to the wishes of parents on the basis of an opinion of the family doctor. In a Direct Request published in 2010, the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) "notes the Government’s statement that section 30(1) of the General Education Law of 10 June 1999 provides that the programme of basic education shall be implemented within a time period of nine years. The Committee also notes that section 32(2) specifies that a child shall begin basic education in the calendar year in which they reach 7 years of age. Section 32(3) specifies that a student is entitled to begin school one year earlier or later, depending on his or her state of health and psychological preparedness. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that basic education should be completed between the ages of 14 and 16". |
| Light work - Determination of types and conditions of activities | 2002-02-08 ; 2001-06-20 | C138 | Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.10 of 8 January 2002 “Regulations regarding Work in which Employment of Children from the Age of 13 is permitted" ; Labour Law - Section 132 | [{"link_name":"-Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 10","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/57347-noteikumi-par-darbiem-kuros-atlauts-nodarbinat-bernus-vecuma-no-13-gadiem"},{"link_name":"-Labour Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/26019-labour-law"}] | Yes | 3 | If the country chooses to allow light work, States must determine what activities are considered light work, and the hours and the circumstances under which they may be carried out. | The Cabinet of Ministers Regulation sets out a list of 20 light work activities allowed to children aged at least 13 years. Furthermore, Section 132 Paragraph 2 of the Labour Law stipulates that "Children who have reached the age of 13 years may not be employed: 1) for more than two hours a day and more than 10 hours a week if the work is performed during the school year; and 2) for more than four hours a day and more than 20 hours a week if the work is performed at the time when there are holidays at an educational institution but if the child has reached 15 years of age - for more than seven hours a day and more than 35 hours a week.”. |
| Minimum age for light work | 2001-06-20; 2002-01-08; 2002-05-28 | C138 | Labour Law - Section 37. (2); Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.10 of 8 January 2002 “Regulations regarding Work in which Employment of Children from the Age of 13 is permitted” ; Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.205 of 28 May 2002 “Procedures for Issuing Permits for Employment of Children as Performers in Cultural, Artistic, Sporting and Advertising Activities, and Restrictions to be included in Permits” | [{"link_name":"-Labour Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/26019-labour-law"},{"link_name":"-Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.10 of 8 January 2002","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=57347&from=off"},{"link_name":"-Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.205 of 28 May 2002","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=62588&from=off"}] | 13 | 2 | C138 defines light work as work that does not interfere with children’s schooling, or their ability to benefit from it, and that is not hazardous. C138 allows countries to permit light work for children younger than the general minimum age. For countries that set the minimum age at 15, this means children aged 13-14, and for those that set it at 14, children aged 12-13 may engage in light work. | Section 37 Paragraph 2 provides that, in exceptional cases, children aged 13 and over may, if one of the parents (guardian) has given written consent, be employed in light work during their free time from school that is not harmful to the child's safety, health, morals and development, provided it does not hinder his or her education.The Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.10 of 8 January 2002 “Regulations regarding Work in which Employment of Children from the Age of 13 is permitted” prescribes work in which employment of children from the age of 13 years is permitted if one of the parents (guardian) has given written consent. For its part, the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.205 of 28 May 2002 “Procedures for Issuing Permits for Employment of Children as Performers in Cultural, Artistic, Sporting and Advertising Activities, and Restrictions to be included in Permits” prescribes the procedures by which the State Labour Inspection shall issue permits for the employment of children as performers in cultural, artistic, sporting and advertising activities, as well as determines the restrictions to be included in permits with respect to working conditions and employment conditions. |
| Minimum age for admission to work | 2001-06-20 | C138 | Labour Law - Section 37. (1) | [{"link_name":"Labour Law","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/26019-labour-law"}] | 15 | 1 | C138 establishes 15 as the minimum age for work in general. Developing countries have the option of setting a minimum age of 14 as a transitional measure as they strengthen their education systems and economies. | Section 37 Paragraph 1 of the Law prohibits the employment of children in permanent work. Within the meaning of the Labour Law, a child shall mean a person who is under 15 years of age or who until reaching the age of 18 continues to acquire a basic education. |
International Legal Framework
International Legal Framework
| Ratification status | Convention | Convention description | Date of ratification | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in-force | C182 | Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) | 02-JUN-2006 | Source |
| in-force | C138 | Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) | 02-JUN-2006 | Source |
Policies and Plans
Policies and Plans
| Description | sources | Period | Policy name | Implementing agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021, establishing the European Child Guarantee, aims to prevent and combat social exclusion by ensuring that children in need have access to essential services. This initiative supports children's rights by addressing child poverty and promoting equal opportunities. The recommendation outlines proposals for Member States regarding key services, including early childhood education and care, inclusive education and school-based activities (including a nutritious meal each school day), medical care, healthy nutrition, and adequate housing. It applies to all children under 18 who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. In response to the Council Recommendation and in alignment with previously adopted strategic guidelines, Latvia has developed a national action plan to safeguard children's rights the Child Guarantee National Action Plan. The Plan focuses on 5 main pillars including: 1- Provide material support for families with children including social insurance, state social benefits and remuneration, assistance provided by municipalities, tax relief; 2- Develop a high-quality and Inclusive Education by improving early education programmes, admission priority to orphans and children deprived of parental care, project to reduce school drop-out and free school; 3- Develop free healthcare by allowing its free access to all, insuring a full or partial reimbursement of medicines, implementing individual rehabilitation plan and ensuring accessible information; 4- Develop adequate housing by making available various assistances in resolving housing issues, improving social housing availability and developing temporary accommodation; 5- Improve out-of-family care: by ensuring the precedence of family-like environment, increasing state financial assistance and allow continued support for young people deprived of family care until age 24. | [{"link_name":"Latvia's Child Guarantee National Action Plan","source_link":"https://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=27262&langId=en"}] | 2023 | Latvia's Child Guarantee National Action Plan | Ministry of Welfare |
| The new National Action Plan for the period 2025–2027 was approved by Order No. 534 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 26 August 2025 “On the Human Trafficking Prevention Plan 2025–2027.” Its overall objective is to strengthen institutional capacities and promote an effective approach to preventing human trafficking by targeting traffickers, improving the identification and referral of potential victims, and providing appropriate support to those affected. To achieve this goal, four strategic objectives have been established: Prevention of human trafficking; Support for victims of human trafficking through effective identification, referral, and service provision; Enhancement of detection, investigation, prosecution, and judicial proceedings; Strengthening policy coordination and inter-institutional cooperation. | [{"link_name":"Human Trafficking Prevention Plan","source_link":"https://likumi.lv/ta/id/362691-par-cilveku-tirdzniecibas-noversanas-planu-20252027-gadam"}] | 2025-2027 | Human Trafficking Prevention Plan | Ministry of the Interior |