discrimination based on gender in various fields, including labour, education, and social security.5 Further, the Law on Judicial Power guarantees a fair trial irrespective of a person’s sex.6 Latvia’s accession to the European Union in 2004 and the adoption of the Union’s acquis further strengthened the inclusion of the principle of gender equality in the country’s legislation and policies.7 8. Latvia is ranked below the EU average on the European Gender Equality Index, although it shows results above the average in specific areas, such as the economic participation of women.8 In 2016, the Global Gender Gap Report ranked Latvia among the 18 leading countries with notable results in the category of economic participation and educational attainment. However, the gender pay gap continues to persist, mostly due to the concentration of women in certain fields characterised by lower remuneration, such as health and education.9 For example, according to data published in 2015, 89% of teachers in Latvia were women.10 Moreover, the involvement of women in politics remains relatively low. Currently, the percentage of women in the Latvian parliament is 18%, which is below the global average of 22.9% and falls significantly short of the widely-accepted 30% target for women in decision-making, as set by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1990 and the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995.11 At local level, the percentages of women mayors and members of local councils were respectively 24% and 31% in 2015.12 9. The national gender-equality institutions were designated in 1999, with the Ministry of Welfare being the main government actor responsible for policies in this regard. The Gender Equality Committee, established in May 2010 under the Ministry of Welfare, has a broad-based representation of government agencies and NGOs, and oversees the implementation of gender equality policies. Other institutions with competencies in this field include the Ombudsman’s office, in its capacity as the country’s equality body,13 and the Labour Inspectorate, as concerns the application of the principle of gender equality in labour relations.14 10. The first strategic policy document for gender equality in Latvia was the Concept Paper on Gender Equality Implementation, adopted in 2001, which served as a basis for the development of further action plans and policies. Three operational documents have been adopted by the government to implement activities in this field: the Programme for the Implementation of Gender Equality 20042006; the Programme for Implementation of Gender Equality 2007-2010; and the Plan for the Implementation of Gender Equality 2012-2014.15 The main directions in those documents are the following: women's and men's economic independence and the promotion of equal opportunities in the labour market; gender roles and the reduction of stereotypes; reconciliation of work and family life; reduction of gender-based violence; and capacity building, education and awareness raising about gender equality.16 During the visit, the Commissioner was informed that work was underway to prepare a follow-up action plan for 2016-2020. 11. Systematic implementation of the principle of equality between women and men can have a wider positive impact on the development of Latvian society as a whole. While acknowledging the efforts made by the authorities in Latvia to develop and pursue policies in this regard, the Commissioner 5 Ibid. 6 Section 4, Law on Judicial Power, adopted in 1992 by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia. 7 The Policy on Gender Equality in Latvia, Policy Department C: Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs, European Parliament, January 2015. 8 Latvia, Gender Equality Index, 2005-2012 Trends, European Institute for Gender Equality. 9 The Policy on Gender Equality in Latvia, European Parliament, January 2015. 10 Latvia: Education for All 2015 National Review, report submitted in response to UNESCO’s invitation to its Member States to assess progress made since 2000 towards achieving Education for All (EFA). 11 Inter-Parliamentary Union, Women in National Parliaments, Situation as of 1st August 2016. ECOSOC Resolution 1990/15, Recommendations and conclusions arising from the first review and appraisal of the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women to the Year 2000 (E/1990/68), 24 May 1990. ECOSOC Official Records, 1990; Women in Parliament: 20 Years in Review, Inter-parliamentary Union, 2015. 12 European Commission, Local/municipal councils. 13 Office of the Ombudsman, Latvia: Brief Profile: Equinet, the European Network of Equality Bodies. 14 The Policy on Gender Equality in Latvia, European Parliament, January 2015. 15 Cabinet Order No 35 on the Plan for Gender Equality (2012 -2014), 17 January 2012. 16 Latvia, National report on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action (1995) and the results of the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly (2000), July 2014. 5