News and updates on human rights developments in Lithuania and Europe
“Ideology, especially in its modern utopian forms – all these ideologies are inherently dangerous, even murderous, because… someone always stands in the way, whether it be a race, or a political group or so on. We must understand that Nazi anti-Semitism was of a unique type… it was uniquely genocidal,” claimed professor Saulius Sužiedėlis, speaking at …
We must understand the inner logic of radicalism Read More »
“We have to be ready to respond to EU-wide challenges and help victims of crime“, vice-minister of social affairs Algirdas Šešelgis opened a seminar for the officers and specialists. During the seminar held by HRMI and Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, the experts of Victim Support Europe discussed with the seminar participants how to …
Lithuanian Government should improve draft law proposals on transgender rights – claim HRMI and Lithuanian Gay League in their joint submission to the Committee of Ministers. The submission evaluates the steps the Lithuanian Government took so far to implement European Court of Human Rights judgement in the case of L v Lithuania (2007). The court …
Every year, around 50 thousand people in Lithuania become victims of crime. 2014 research shows that victims lack information on their rights, legal advice, psychological and emotional support. HRMI has recently submitted to the Lithuanian Government recommendations to ensure effective transposition of EU Victims’ Rights Directive to the national legal system. The Directive establishes minimum …
Stronger Protection of Victims’ Rights in Lithuania Needed Read More »
“I got scared – if I refuse to work with Taliban, they will kill me. I was told that Lithuania helps people.” – Q.N., applicant in the case Proceedings initiated: 2013 Proceedings closed: 2015 Case in brief: minors asylum-seekers from Afghanistan were unlawfully detained in Lithuania and convicted for illegal border crossing Outcome of the case: …
Case of Afghan minors – unlawful detention and conviction Read More »
On June 17, HRMI released its 8th overview „Human Rights in Lithuania: 2013-2014“. The Overview is the only periodic assessment of the human rights situation in Lithuania conducted by more than 20 independent experts. It covers rights of the child, women’s rights, freedom of speech, assembly and religion, prohibition of torture and other fundamental rights. Read …
The Lithuanian Parliament recently revealed the new draft Law on Lobbying Activities. Allegedly, it seeks to prevent unlawful lobbying and undue influence based on private interests. However, the law also attempts to regulate NGO activities as lobbying – it would also apply to employees of non-profit organizations. Lobbying is defined as acts that seek to …
During their visits to children’s socialization centers of Lithuania, the country’s ombudsmen were able to establish numerous human rights violations. “The law provides that children may only be placed in relaxation rooms when they pose a threat to themselves and others because of an uncontrolled emotional outburst. However, in many socialization centers children are placed …
Starting in 2004, Human Rights Monitoring Institute began assessing the prevailing attitudes in society towards the human rights situation in Lithuania. For this purpose HRMI, in cooperation with the Market and Opinion Research Centre “Vilmorus Ltd.”, carries out a biennial public opinion poll on human rights related questions. The opinion polls are primarily aimed at …
“The grounds for pre-trial detention should be substantive and conclusive, not general and abstract; the court should ground its decision in the specific circumstances of the case. When sanctioning pre-trial detention or extending it, the court should consider arguments both in favor and against a restriction of person’s liberty and may order to detain a person only when convinced …
Gataevs’ Case – compensation for unlawful detention Read More »
