On 23 February 2023, in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), Sima Sami Iskandar Bahous. The officials discussed Latvia’s efforts in the matters of women’s empowerment, including the active work of Latvia in the structures of UN Women.
During the meeting, Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed Latvia’s support for and appreciation of the work of UN Women, informed the Executive Director about Latvia’s accomplishments in the field of gender equality, and he underlined the shared need to protect the rights of girls and women worldwide, especially in Ukraine. Afghanistan and Iran.
Latvia’s foreign minister expressed satisfaction that the agency had been expanding its presence and programmes in Ukraine since 2015. UN support for Ukraine must be increased amid Russia’s war of aggression. The Minister informed the Executive Director that Latvia provided psychological support to Ukrainian women and girls who had suffered violence. A rehabilitation centre for victims of war crimes is being established in Latvia. Latvia also provides assistance and advice to Ukraine in updating its national Action Plan “Women, Peace and Security”.
The minister also commended the Executive Director’s recent visit to Afghanistan. Latvia supports the efforts of UN Women to promote and protect women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran and provide them with the necessary resources to continue their important work.
Background information
The main objective of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women, including the eradication of gender-related violence and discrimination.
Latvia has been elected to the Board of the agency for the term of 2023–2025. This post complements Latvia’s current work on the UN Commission on the Status of Women (until 2025), where Latvia acts as Vice-Chair of the Bureau.