Last week, teachers of Latvian, literature, social studies, and history from across Latvia gathered at the Kuldīga Technology and Tourism Technical School for a professional development conference. Senator and Professor Sanita Osipova delivered a lecture titled “Fundamental Rights and the Constitution.”

In her lecture, Senator Osipova provided an overview of the history of fundamental rights, highlighting their essence – the minimum guarantees that the state must ensure. This includes the right to a fair trial; without it, access to the exercise of other fundamental rights is effectively denied.

She urged teachers to foster students’ freedom of conscience, describing it as both the foundation and the limit for all other freedoms. Freedom of conscience gives rise to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of artistic and scientific expression, as well as the right to education, the right to work, and other fundamental rights. Senator Osipova emphasized freedom of speech, noting that while it is not absolute, it is a value to be carefully safeguarded, and that it is exercised through responsible communication.

The lecture sparked an engaging discussion on fundamental human rights, including the right to family life and privacy, as well as scenarios in which state intervention might be justified and restrictions on fundamental rights proportionate.

When we look at the state, it is always about people living together – the society, its identity, and its culture. The state takes shape from the people who form it.” Senator Osipova concluded.

Recognizing the vital role of teachers in educating young citizens, Senator Osipova expressed her eagerness to engage with educators at various events, including conferences such as the Entrepreneurship Education and Inspiration Conference “Code of Growth”, History and Social Sciences Teachers’ Summer Days held last year in Bauska, and other similar gatherings.

For the past 12 years, Kuldīga has become an important gathering place for educators from diverse fields every March. The event combines professional development with exploration of the region’s cultural and historical heritage, fostering a strong nationwide community of educators.

 

Information prepared by

Rasma Zvejniece, Head of the Division of Communication of the Supreme Court

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: +371 67020396, +371 28652211

Photo by Iveta Roga