On 5 and 6 October 2020, the annual training session is taking place for consular employees working at Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad. The session is now being held in a new format – remotely – due to the epidemiological safety measures that restrict meetings in-person.
This year, special attention is being devoted to questions of addressing the COVID-19 crisis, including the impact of the pandemic on the provision of consular assistance to Latvian nationals and the accessibility of consular services in diplomatic missions and consular posts of Latvia abroad.
In addition, the training session covers the issues of sanction mechanisms and their application in the performance of consular functions, and the aspects of the protection of patients’ rights. Knowledge is also being acquired for successful work with people with special needs.
This year’s training event brings together 43 participants who are members of the consular staff from the Latvian diplomatic missions and consular posts in foreign countries. Lecturers are both co-workers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and invited experts, including those from the Latvian Collegium of Sworn Advocates, the State Police, and Sustento, an umbrella organisation representing and uniting NGOs in Latvia that work for the welfare of persons with disabilities and special needs.
Annual training sessions for consular officers have been held since 1995. They have become a tradition that ensures the sharing of information and experience among consular officials working both in Riga and abroad.