Displaying items by tag: Community Policing

Crises such as hybrid threats, armed conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, and economic turmoil frequently pose significant challenges to the protection of human rights. In these circumstances, states and the international community must ensure that fundamental freedoms and rights remain safeguarded—even when drastic measures become necessary.

When thinking about human rights in times of crisis, many are reminded of the saying, “Those who are drowning must save themselves.” Yet we should remember that the cornerstone here is each individual’s right to be protected by the state. So just how far or close are we to that ideal when it comes to receiving state support in critical moments? And what specific situations and crises are we talking about?

Human Rights Protection During War and Armed Conflicts

Armed conflicts pose one of the greatest threats to human rights and to adherence to humanitarian law, often involving war crimes and mass refugee flows. International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, mandates the protection of civilians and prisoners of war. However, many governments and armed groups disregard these principles, leading to large-scale rights violations. Sadly, this is still happening in the 21st century, including in Europe. There are reports of deliberate attacks on civilians, a failure to aid the wounded and sick, shortages or complete lack of first-aid supplies, and other abuses targeting the local population.

Natural Disasters and Pandemics

Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes can force people to relocate, overwhelm healthcare systems, and cause food shortages. In such situations, human rights include ensuring people’s access to basic needs, as well as imposing on the state a duty to provide information and take effective action.

Pandemics like COVID-19 have shown how difficult it is to balance the protection of public health with individual freedoms. The restrictions on movement we experienced had a considerable impact on both economic and social rights. Human rights advocates and influential public figures have questioned whether health and the right to life should have justified such sweeping limits on freedom of movement and assembly. In many places—especially authoritarian regimes—these measures opened the door to further human rights restrictions, including unmerited tracking of personal data such as people’s habits and movements.

A Fundamental Need: The Right to Health and Healthcare

In all of the scenarios noted above, access to sustainable healthcare is an essential requirement. The right to health is a key human right protected by various international agreements, including the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as well as Article 111 of Latvia’s Constitution. It is the government’s responsibility to strengthen support mechanisms and ensure that people have access to medical care and medications—even in emergencies.

Adequate access to medicines and healthcare services is vital for public health. International law obligates governments to guarantee people’s access to necessary medicines, vaccines, and medical treatment, including state-funded care for vulnerable groups. But are we in Latvia really prepared to confront potential challenges?

It seems absurd that more and more people are afraid to call an ambulance for fear of a hefty bill. It is equally troubling that healthcare professionals feel underfunded and underappreciated. Although efforts have been made to explain the situation, public concern remains high. Doctors and nurses continue to complain about low pay and insufficient social protections.

During the pandemic, several countries introduced emergency measures to keep healthcare accessible for everyone. Experts, however, have debated just how well these measures worked. Providing equal treatment and equal access is no simple task, especially given many individuals’ unique circumstances. Keeping the public safe while protecting vulnerable groups—children, seniors, and those with chronic conditions who may lack financial reserves—is a complex endeavour. To do this effectively, it is not enough to rely on past experience; proactive planning for different crisis scenarios is needed.

Such crises often exacerbate existing inequalities and discrimination, limiting people’s access to work, education, and healthcare. Governments need to put support systems in place to protect those who are most at risk, since the treatment of vulnerable groups reveals how fragile society is as a whole. In Latvia, we have long discussed unequal access to goods and services, particularly in rural regions and remote areas. Lately, there has also been growing focus on pharmacy availability in both urban and rural settings, as well as on maintaining adequate reserves of essential medicines for crisis situations. Certified pharmacist Zane Dzirkale, a co-founder of the “Health Care System Resilience” think tank, addressed these issues in a recent publication.

Potential Solutions

When we talk about “the state,” we are also talking about every one of us—each playing our role and fulfilling our responsibilities. Yet recent years have shown the significant power of communities and civic organizations, including community centres and service hubs in towns and cities. We have no shortage of good practices in this realm. For instance, the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation responded rapidly to Ukraine’s need for assistance; there are also inspiring examples of local community collaboration both in Latvia’s regions and in Riga. Support for Ukraine is ongoing, provided by the Marta Centre, the association “Tavi draugi,” and numerous other civic organizations. Crises have shown that the potential of communities is undervalued—even though the need for community engagement continues to grow.

Community strength is also reflected in the concept of community policing, where maintaining public order is not left solely to the police; residents, too, share responsibility. Community policing is built on trust, prevention, and more efficient crime reduction—rather than merely responding after the fact, the police work hand in hand with residents to solve problems at the neighbourhood level. Recall how a local resident in Latgale discovered a drone, alerted the local police unit, and set in motion a response well before the media picked up the story. This community-focused approach has proven successful elsewhere in the European Union and has become an integral part of Latvia’s State Police strategy.

Conclusions

Protecting human rights—especially the right to life and health—in times of crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing the modern world. The international community, national governments, and nongovernmental organizations must coordinate to ensure these rights remain intact, no matter how severe the crisis. Sustainable and effective healthcare policies can greatly enhance people’s living conditions and foster societal stability and resilience—offering protection for individuals’ health and lives. Equally important is the support of communities and NGOs, both in normal times and during periods of crisis.

Ilze Bērziņa
EUNWA Advisory Board, and co-founder of the think tank “Health Care System Resilience”; human rights expert, and lecturer at the Rīga Stradiņš University Faculty of Social Sciences.

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References:

Health Resilience

Geneva Conventions

Community Policing

The relationship between young people and law enforcement is a dynamic and evolving issue, shaped by history, societal challenges, and emerging strategies aimed at building trust and cooperation. While tensions have existed for decades, there is growing momentum toward fostering understanding and collaboration between these two groups. This article explores the complexities of their relationship, examining past obstacles, modern influences, and potential solutions for a more constructive future.

Historically, interactions between youth and law enforcement have often been fraught with tension. Many young people perceive law enforcement as disconnected from their lived experiences, a sentiment fuelled by past incidents, media representations, and broader systemic issues. This distrust is particularly pronounced in marginalized communities, where economic and racial disparities have exacerbated feelings of alienation. However, societal progress has led to shifting expectations for both youth and law enforcement. Communities and police departments alike recognize the need for change, seeking ways to bridge the divide through engagement and reform.

In today’s digital world, information spreads rapidly, shaping public perception almost instantly. Social media platforms amplify both positive interactions and moments of misconduct, creating a complex landscape where law enforcement is scrutinized in real time. Viral incidents of excessive force have intensified scepticism, particularly among young people who are highly engaged in digital activism and civic movements. At the same time, these platforms provide opportunities for law enforcement agencies to foster transparency and open communication. Many departments are now embracing digital outreach to engage with the public, share success stories, and clarify policies in an effort to rebuild trust.

Recognizing the urgent need for stronger relationships, many national police forces across Europe and beyond are adopting community policing strategies. These approaches emphasize direct engagement in several ways. For instance, educational programs help teach young people about civic responsibility, the legal system, and conflict resolution, equipping them with the knowledge to better understand the role of law enforcement in their communities. Public forums provide a space for open and honest discussions, allowing youth and police officers to share their perspectives and build mutual understanding. Additionally, mentorship initiatives are proving to be effective in strengthening bonds, as they foster personal connections between officers and young individuals, humanizing both sides of the equation. Lastly, youth advisory boards give young people a platform to voice their concerns and actively participate in discussions on policies that directly impact them. These efforts shift policing from a purely enforcement-driven model to a collaborative approach, humanizing officers and making young people feel heard and valued.

While law enforcement must evolve, young people also play a crucial role in fostering a better relationship. Education and engagement initiatives empower youth to take an active part in their communities, promoting safety, accountability, and positive interactions. Encouraging youth participation in community initiatives, local governance, and law enforcement discussions can help reshape perceptions and policies from the ground up.

Legislators and civic leaders are increasingly prioritizing community-based solutions. Reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and community-oriented practices are gaining traction. Initiatives such as neighbourhood policing programs and youth advisory councils are proving to be effective bridges between law enforcement and young citizens. Moreover, addressing mental health challenges—both among officers and within communities—has become a critical aspect of modern policing. Training officers in de-escalation techniques and integrating mental health professionals into law enforcement practices help reduce conflicts and promote a more supportive environment for youth.

The journey toward strengthening the relationship between youth and law enforcement is ongoing. Building mutual trust requires commitment, policy reform, and continuous dialogue. By embracing comprehensive education, community engagement, and mental health awareness, both parties can work toward a future rooted in respect, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Investing in these initiatives today lays the foundation for a safer, more inclusive society tomorrow—one where young people grow into engaged citizens, and law enforcement officers serve as trusted protectors and community partners. By acknowledging past challenges and working toward meaningful change, we can create an environment where youth and police succeed together.

EUNWA Board