In Latvia there are over 12 000 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which are active and important players in different fields and give significant benefit for the society as service providers, educators and advocates for public interests and rights.
The role of non-governmental organizations in policy-making processes is also recognized by state authorities due to broad advocacy and participation activities of NGOs. The environment for the work of the non-governmental organizations in Latvia can generally be considered as favorable - the legal framework is quite advanced and legally there are no obstacles for the freedom of association in Latvia. There are diverse possibilities for individuals and NGOs to engage in the decision making process both on the national and local level.
The most serious problem for Latvian NGOs is the lack of sustainable and long-term financial resources. After the country's entrance into the European Union foreign support funds for Latvian NGOs have dissolved and organizations have to find new financial sources. There is a disparity between capacity and access to resources between stronger and bigger NGOs compared to smaller, newly established ones.
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