RIGA, June 25 (LETA) - Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks (Greens/Farmers) is skeptical about carrying out the custody court reform proposed by Ombudsman Karina Palkova, as, in his view, many could exploit it for political purposes in the run-up to this year's parliamentary elections, the minister said in an interview with Latvian Television.

Uzulnieks noted that the Ministry of Welfare had previously put forward various proposals on how to improve the work of the custody courts, and that some of the proposals align with the Ombudsman's recommendations, but there is certainly no question of abolishing the custody courts.

According to the welfare minister, it is clear that the custody courts are overburdened with unnecessary functions from which they should be relieved, "but we should not rush in and rip out random parts, as that could damage the overall system". In Uzulnieks' view, the Ombudsman, the Association of Custody Courts, and the Ministry of Welfare should come together to discuss how to improve the operation of custody courts.

Uzulnieks explained that he regularly visits Latvia's regions, where he meets with representatives of custody courts. The atmosphere within the custody courts is currently quite tense because of high uncertainty. "I would therefore call against making loud statements. Rather, we need to get things in order to ensure that the system works," the minister said.

As reported, Ombudsman Palkova is calling for an immediate reform of the custody court system, proposing two potential models - the division of custody court functions between the municipal social services and the court, or between the court and a centralized Child Protection Center with branches in municipalities.

The Ombudsman's Office has called on the Cabinet of Ministers to develop a new institutional model for custody courts by December 1 this year and to implement it by January 1, 2028.

The Saeima has been asked to ensure parliamentary oversight of the development of the child rights protection system and the development and implementation of a new institutional model.

The Ombudsman's Office pointed out that, as regards the work of custody courts, there are different practices in different municipalities, weak monitoring and serious violations, ranging from insufficient listening to children to unjustified separation of children from their families.

Palkova stressed that the custody court system in Latvia was created in a different time and under different circumstances. "It may have served its purpose in the past, but many facts show that this is not the case today. Moreover, the quality of protection of children's rights depends on where they live in Latvia and on the understanding, resources, experience and professionalism of local authorities and their custody court officials," says the Ombudsman.

This means that the current system does not ensure equal, professional and timely protection of children's rights. "This situation is worrying, it has a negative impact on the fate of many children and families and must not be ignored," she stressed.

Palkova said that the state has a duty to change this, because the interests and rights of children cannot be subordinated to institutional inertia. "Children's rights are a priority of my work and the launch of the reform of the orphan courts is part of it. I call on the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima to take immediate action to build a strong child rights protection system in Latvia," said Palkova.

The Ombudsman's report pointed out that the custody court system in Latvia is structurally fragmented and uneven. In fact, Latvia has "one system but 42 different practices", as each municipality organizes the work of the custody court differently, including in terms of funding, remuneration, resources and approach, the Ombudsman concluded.

As Palkova pointed out, a worrying and fundamental flaw in the current system is that decisions on important human rights issues are often taken by people without legal background. "The fact that a custody court is composed of several members does not in itself guarantee quality. Consequently, the quality of protection of children's rights depends on the place of residence, as there are significant differences between municipalities," the report concludes.

The report proposes two possible reform paths. One model would split the functions of the custody court between the municipal social services and the court, meaning that the social services would provide early help and support rather than crisis resolution, while the most sensitive decisions about a child's fate would be taken by the court rather than the municipal authority.

The second model involves a redistribution of functions between a centralized Child Protection Center with branches in the municipalities and the court. The main benefits of this model would be a uniform quality standard throughout the country, professional recruitment and training of staff, centralized supervision and faster handling of complaints, as well as a more objective assessment of the child's needs, explained the Ombudsman's Office.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) has given the Ministries of Welfare and Justice until October 1 to prepare proposals for a new model for the protection of children's rights.