Student’s thesis successful in inducing change in Latvian legislation

Anete Ilves, a graduate of the European Union-Russia Studies programme, proposed measures in her MA thesis to overcome shortcomings in Latvia’s legislation on the rights of people with disabilities. These measures have now provided the basis for amending Latvian law to grant full participation rights to people with disabilities.

Anete Ilves graduated in the summer of 2016 with a thesis titled “Incorporation of article 5, 12 and 13 of UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities into notariate law of the Republic of Latvia”. The thesis discussed issues related to the inclusion of people with disabilities, such as signing contracts or official declarations and serving as witnesses at a trial without a legal tutor.

Anete’s proposed steps to change the current Latvian legislation and make it in line with the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities have formed the basis for amending Latvia’s legislation. These changes have now also been approved by the Seima, Latvia’s parliament.

According to Dr. Stefano Braghiroli, EURUS programme director and Anete’s former supervisor: “This result shows how much our students, with their passion and ideas, can contribute to improving our societies and making the world a better place. Our students can not only acquire knowledge but also apply it in a practical setting, bridging academia and the ‘real world’.”

Forwarded by:
Heidi Mõttus
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies
University of Tartu
heidi.mottus@ut.eee