Project “The Importance of International Conventions in Ensuring Human Rights and Security”
In November 2024, YATA Latvia organised a three-day international conference in Riga titled “The Importance of International Conventions.” The conference brought together 49 young people from Latvia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and South Africa to explore how international conventions help protect peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights. Through lectures, panel discussions, study visits, and interactive workshops, participants strengthened their understanding of international cooperation and discussed why global agreements remain essential in today’s security environment.
The programme opened with a speech by the Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia, Ine Måreng, and continued with discussions on the role of society in national resilience and security challenges in Northern Europe. The conference featured a range of experts, including Sigita Struberga (Secretary General of LATO), Stefan Erikson (Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia), and Solvita Denisa-Liepniece (communications researcher), as well as representatives of YATA organisations from different countries. Participants also attended academic lectures by Māris Lejnieks, Professor of Law at the University of Latvia, and Tiril H. Rahn, a PhD candidate at the University of Oxford, who explored the functioning of international conventions, the Geneva Conventions, war crimes, and the rights of prisoners of war.
To connect theory with practice, participants took part in a workshop led by Liene Valdmane, where they worked in groups, debated priorities, and negotiated compromises to create their own “convention,” simulating real diplomatic processes. In addition, the programme included thematic visits to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia – the Corner House (Stūra māja) and the Latvian War Museum, providing participants with a deeper understanding of Latvia’s 20th-century history and how it continues to shape the region today.
The conference content was linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Throughout the event, young people developed their knowledge, critical thinking, and dialogue skills – tools that will support them in continuing to defend democratic values and promote international cooperation beyond the conference.
The project is supported by the United States Embassy – Riga, Latvia, the Nordic Council of Ministers, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riga. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the coordinators of this project and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Embassy – Riga, Latvia, the Nordic Council of Ministers, or the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riga.