| LITHUANIA Republic of Lithuania Lietuvos Respublika Joined United Nations: 17 September 1991 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 10/01/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Vilnius
3,555,179 (July 2010 est.)
Andrius Kubilius
Prime Minister since 27 November 2008
Prime Minister since 27 November 2008
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term); election last held 17 May 2009
Next scheduled election: May 2014
second term); election last held 17 May 2009
Next scheduled election: May 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Prime minister appointed by the president on the approval of the
Parliament
Next scheduled election: None
Parliament
Next scheduled election: None
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Lithuanian 84%, Polish 6.1%, Russian 4.9%, Belarusian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.9% (2009)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 79%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Protestant (including Lutheran and Evangelical Christian Baptist) 1.9%, other or
unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% (2001 census)
unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% (2001 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary democracy with 10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Legal system is based on civil law system; legislative acts
can be appealed to the constitutional court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 17 May 2009 (next to be
held May 2014); prime minister appointed by the president on the approval of the Parliament
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members are elected by popular vote, 70 are elected by proportional
representation; to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 12 and 26 October 2008 (next to be held in October 2012)
Judicial: Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judges for all courts appointed by the President
can be appealed to the constitutional court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 17 May 2009 (next to be
held May 2014); prime minister appointed by the president on the approval of the Parliament
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members are elected by popular vote, 70 are elected by proportional
representation; to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 12 and 26 October 2008 (next to be held in October 2012)
Judicial: Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judges for all courts appointed by the President
| LANGUAGES |
Lithuanian (official) 82%, Russian 8%, Polish 5.6%, other and unspecified 4.4% (2001 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The first people arrived to the territory of modern Lithuania in the 10th millennium BC after glaciers had retreated and the last glacial
period had ended. According to historian Marija Gimbutas, the people came from two directions: from the Jutland Peninsula and
from present-day Poland. They brought two different cultures as evidenced by the tools they used. They were travelling hunters and
did not form more stable settlements. In the 8th millennium BC the climate became much warmer and forests developed. The
people started to gather berries and mushrooms from the forests and fish in the local rivers and lakes. They travelled less. During the
6th–5th millennium BC people domesticated various animals, the houses became more sophisticated and could shelter larger
families. Agriculture came late, only in the 3rd millennium BC because there were no efficient tools to cultivate the land. At the same
time crafts and trade started to form. The Indo-European people came around 2500 BC and the identity of the Balts formed about
2000 BC. The first Lithuanians, or Liths, were a branch of an ancient group known as the Balts, whose tribes also included the
original Prussian and Latvian people. The Baltic tribes were not directly influenced by the Roman empire, but the tribes did maintain
close trade contacts (see Amber Road). During the 11th century Lithuanian territories were included into the list of lands paying
tribute to Kievan Rus', but by the 12th century, the Lithuanians were plundering neighbouring territories themselves. The military and
plundering activities of the Lithuanians triggered a struggle for power in Lithuania which began the formation of early statehood, and
was a precondition of the founding of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the early 13th century two German religious orders, the
Teutonic Knights and the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, conquered much of the area that is now Estonia and Latvia, in addition to
parts of Lithuania. In response, a number of small Baltic tribal groups united under the rule of Mindaugas (Myndowe) and soundly
defeated the Livonians at Šiauliai in the battle of the Sun in 1236. In 1250 Mindaugas signed an agreement with the Teutonic Order
and in 1251 was baptized in their presence by the bishop of Chełmno (in Chełmno Land.) On 6 July 1253, Mindaugas was
crowned as King of Lithuania and state was proclaimed as Kingdom of Lithuania. However, Mindaugas was later murdered by his
nephew Treniota which resulted in great unrest and a return to paganism. In 1241, 1259 and 1275 the kingdom was ravaged by
raids from the Golden Horde. In 1316, Gediminas, with the aid of colonists from Germany, began restoration of the land. The
brothers Vytenis and Gediminas united various groups into one Lithuania. Nowadays Lithuanian paganism is practised by Ancient
Baltic faith community 'Romuva'. Jadwiga of Poland was strongly urged by the Poles to marry Jogaila who had become the Grand
Duke of Lithuania in 1377 and for the good of Christianity, Jadwiga consented and married Jogaila three days after he was
baptized. Lithuania remained sovereign state but the highest social class in Lithuanian nobility became increasingly influenced by
Christian culture and language and the countries grew closer. In the 16th century, when many educated Lithuanians came back from
studies abroad, Grand Duchy of Lithuania was boiling with active cultural life, sometimes referred to as Lithunanian Renaissance.
With the Lublin Union of 1569 Poland and Lithuania formed a new state: the Republic of Both Nations (commonly known as
Poland-Lithuania or the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Following the union, Polonization of Lithuanian life, especially of state
institutions, became stronger. Under the influence of the Lithuanian upper classes and the church, who used Polish language, also
lower levels of the nobility and gentry and the majority of non-Jewish inhabitants of the two larger towns, Vilnius and Grodna, began
to use the Polish language more frequently. Despite the Union and integration of the two countries, for nearly two centuries Lithuania
continued to exist as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, retaining separate laws as well as an
Army and a Treasury. The Constitution of May 3, 1791, agreed by the Sejm abolished the division of Poland and Lithuania.
However, partitions of Poland in 1772, 1793 and 1795 saw Lithuania divided between Russia and Prussia and Lithuania ceased to
exist as a distinct entity for more than a century. Following the third partition, the Russian Empire controlled the majority of
Lithuania, including Vilnius. These hopes were soon to be dashed, particularly subsequent to 1812, when Lithuanians eagerly
welcomed Napoleon's French army as liberators. After the French army's withdrawal, Tsar Nicholas I began an intensive program
of Russification. The Lithuanians and Poles revolted twice, in 1831 and 1863, but both attempts failed. Under late Russian
occupation, the native language of Lithuania was reborn after many years of dormancy. This revival spearheaded the independence
movement, with various organisations opposing Russian influence. Despite Russian attempts to integrate Lithuania by the end of the
19th century Lithuania had developed a growing nationalist movement. During the Russia-wide revolutionary upsurge of 1905 a
congress (Seimas) of Lithuanian representatives in Vilnius on 5 December 1905 demanded provincial autonomy. During World War
I Lithuania's occupation by Germany (1915) and the subsequent collapse of the Russian imperial government led to the
proclamation of an independent republic (February 16, 1918) under German control, and full independence upon Germany's
surrender (November 1918). From July, 1918, until November of that year, Monaco-born King Mindaugas II was pronounced the
titular monarch of the Kingdom of Lithuania, until the country's parliament opted for a republican form of government. The term
"Freedom wars" refers to the three wars Lithuania was fighting to defend its territory from various powers: Bolsheviks, Bermontians
and Poles; each of these powers had their own reasons for fighting Lithuania. Lithuania became a democratic state briefly, with a
president elected for 3 years by parliament and a parliament elected by the people (1922–1926). Following a succession of
conservative governments, Lithuania's first elected government of the left (June 1926) was overthrown in a military coup d' etat in
December 1926. In August 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed an agreement (the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact), with
secret clauses assigning spheres of influence in the area of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania was initially assigned to the German sphere of
influence, but when Lithuania refused to ally with Nazi Germany in the attack on Poland, it was transferred to the Soviets in another
secret pact later that year. Despite having a non-aggression pact signed and in force, Soviet Russia gave Lithuania an ultimatum in
1940. It demanded the removal and imprisonment of several key Lithuanian politicians under the pretext of a supposed kidnapping
of Russian border guards (it is alleged that the incident was staged by the Russians themselves). The Soviets sought military units in
the Lithuanian territory. On June 22, 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. Independence was declared with the expectation that
the Soviets would weaken and wouldn't have enough strength to hold Lithuania. Before the Holocaust, Lithuania was home to
160,000 Jews, and was one of the great centers of Jewish theology, philosophy, and learning which preceded even the times of the
Gaon of Vilna. In the summer of 1944, the Red Army reached eastern Lithuania, while the city of Vilnius was captured by the
Home Army during the ill-fated Operation Ostra Brama. By January 1945, the Russians captured Klaipėda, on the Baltic coast.
The mass deportation campaigns of 1941–52 exiled 29,923 families to Siberia and other remote parts of the Soviet Union. Until
mid-1988, all political, economic, and cultural life was controlled by the Lithuanian Communist Party (LCP). Lithuanians as well as
people in two other Baltic republics distrusted the Soviet regime even more than people in other regions of the Soviet state, and
gave their own specific and active support to Gorbachev's program of social and political reforms by Lithuanians. Under the
leadership of intellectuals, the Lithuanian reform movement "Lietuvos persitvarkymo sąjūdis" (the Reform Movement of Lithuania)
was formed in mid1988 and declared a program of democratic and national rights, winning nationwide popularity. On March 11,
1990, the Supreme Soviet (or, more precisely, the Supreme Council of Lithuania) proclaimed the restitution of Lithuanian
independence, becoming the first of the Soviet republics to declare national rights. Independence was finally recognized by Russia in
September of 1991, several months after the referendum. Lithuania and Russia signed an agreement on September 8, 1992, calling
for Russian troop withdrawals by August 31, 1993, which took place on time. In October 2002, Lithuania was invited to join the
European Union and one month later to join NATO; it became a member of both in 2004. The Lithuanian Military began a
programme of modernisation and integration with NATO forces, It has been noted that since Lithuania joined the EU there has been
significant emigration to both the UK and Ireland.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Lithuania
period had ended. According to historian Marija Gimbutas, the people came from two directions: from the Jutland Peninsula and
from present-day Poland. They brought two different cultures as evidenced by the tools they used. They were travelling hunters and
did not form more stable settlements. In the 8th millennium BC the climate became much warmer and forests developed. The
people started to gather berries and mushrooms from the forests and fish in the local rivers and lakes. They travelled less. During the
6th–5th millennium BC people domesticated various animals, the houses became more sophisticated and could shelter larger
families. Agriculture came late, only in the 3rd millennium BC because there were no efficient tools to cultivate the land. At the same
time crafts and trade started to form. The Indo-European people came around 2500 BC and the identity of the Balts formed about
2000 BC. The first Lithuanians, or Liths, were a branch of an ancient group known as the Balts, whose tribes also included the
original Prussian and Latvian people. The Baltic tribes were not directly influenced by the Roman empire, but the tribes did maintain
close trade contacts (see Amber Road). During the 11th century Lithuanian territories were included into the list of lands paying
tribute to Kievan Rus', but by the 12th century, the Lithuanians were plundering neighbouring territories themselves. The military and
plundering activities of the Lithuanians triggered a struggle for power in Lithuania which began the formation of early statehood, and
was a precondition of the founding of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the early 13th century two German religious orders, the
Teutonic Knights and the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, conquered much of the area that is now Estonia and Latvia, in addition to
parts of Lithuania. In response, a number of small Baltic tribal groups united under the rule of Mindaugas (Myndowe) and soundly
defeated the Livonians at Šiauliai in the battle of the Sun in 1236. In 1250 Mindaugas signed an agreement with the Teutonic Order
and in 1251 was baptized in their presence by the bishop of Chełmno (in Chełmno Land.) On 6 July 1253, Mindaugas was
crowned as King of Lithuania and state was proclaimed as Kingdom of Lithuania. However, Mindaugas was later murdered by his
nephew Treniota which resulted in great unrest and a return to paganism. In 1241, 1259 and 1275 the kingdom was ravaged by
raids from the Golden Horde. In 1316, Gediminas, with the aid of colonists from Germany, began restoration of the land. The
brothers Vytenis and Gediminas united various groups into one Lithuania. Nowadays Lithuanian paganism is practised by Ancient
Baltic faith community 'Romuva'. Jadwiga of Poland was strongly urged by the Poles to marry Jogaila who had become the Grand
Duke of Lithuania in 1377 and for the good of Christianity, Jadwiga consented and married Jogaila three days after he was
baptized. Lithuania remained sovereign state but the highest social class in Lithuanian nobility became increasingly influenced by
Christian culture and language and the countries grew closer. In the 16th century, when many educated Lithuanians came back from
studies abroad, Grand Duchy of Lithuania was boiling with active cultural life, sometimes referred to as Lithunanian Renaissance.
With the Lublin Union of 1569 Poland and Lithuania formed a new state: the Republic of Both Nations (commonly known as
Poland-Lithuania or the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Following the union, Polonization of Lithuanian life, especially of state
institutions, became stronger. Under the influence of the Lithuanian upper classes and the church, who used Polish language, also
lower levels of the nobility and gentry and the majority of non-Jewish inhabitants of the two larger towns, Vilnius and Grodna, began
to use the Polish language more frequently. Despite the Union and integration of the two countries, for nearly two centuries Lithuania
continued to exist as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, retaining separate laws as well as an
Army and a Treasury. The Constitution of May 3, 1791, agreed by the Sejm abolished the division of Poland and Lithuania.
However, partitions of Poland in 1772, 1793 and 1795 saw Lithuania divided between Russia and Prussia and Lithuania ceased to
exist as a distinct entity for more than a century. Following the third partition, the Russian Empire controlled the majority of
Lithuania, including Vilnius. These hopes were soon to be dashed, particularly subsequent to 1812, when Lithuanians eagerly
welcomed Napoleon's French army as liberators. After the French army's withdrawal, Tsar Nicholas I began an intensive program
of Russification. The Lithuanians and Poles revolted twice, in 1831 and 1863, but both attempts failed. Under late Russian
occupation, the native language of Lithuania was reborn after many years of dormancy. This revival spearheaded the independence
movement, with various organisations opposing Russian influence. Despite Russian attempts to integrate Lithuania by the end of the
19th century Lithuania had developed a growing nationalist movement. During the Russia-wide revolutionary upsurge of 1905 a
congress (Seimas) of Lithuanian representatives in Vilnius on 5 December 1905 demanded provincial autonomy. During World War
I Lithuania's occupation by Germany (1915) and the subsequent collapse of the Russian imperial government led to the
proclamation of an independent republic (February 16, 1918) under German control, and full independence upon Germany's
surrender (November 1918). From July, 1918, until November of that year, Monaco-born King Mindaugas II was pronounced the
titular monarch of the Kingdom of Lithuania, until the country's parliament opted for a republican form of government. The term
"Freedom wars" refers to the three wars Lithuania was fighting to defend its territory from various powers: Bolsheviks, Bermontians
and Poles; each of these powers had their own reasons for fighting Lithuania. Lithuania became a democratic state briefly, with a
president elected for 3 years by parliament and a parliament elected by the people (1922–1926). Following a succession of
conservative governments, Lithuania's first elected government of the left (June 1926) was overthrown in a military coup d' etat in
December 1926. In August 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed an agreement (the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact), with
secret clauses assigning spheres of influence in the area of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania was initially assigned to the German sphere of
influence, but when Lithuania refused to ally with Nazi Germany in the attack on Poland, it was transferred to the Soviets in another
secret pact later that year. Despite having a non-aggression pact signed and in force, Soviet Russia gave Lithuania an ultimatum in
1940. It demanded the removal and imprisonment of several key Lithuanian politicians under the pretext of a supposed kidnapping
of Russian border guards (it is alleged that the incident was staged by the Russians themselves). The Soviets sought military units in
the Lithuanian territory. On June 22, 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. Independence was declared with the expectation that
the Soviets would weaken and wouldn't have enough strength to hold Lithuania. Before the Holocaust, Lithuania was home to
160,000 Jews, and was one of the great centers of Jewish theology, philosophy, and learning which preceded even the times of the
Gaon of Vilna. In the summer of 1944, the Red Army reached eastern Lithuania, while the city of Vilnius was captured by the
Home Army during the ill-fated Operation Ostra Brama. By January 1945, the Russians captured Klaipėda, on the Baltic coast.
The mass deportation campaigns of 1941–52 exiled 29,923 families to Siberia and other remote parts of the Soviet Union. Until
mid-1988, all political, economic, and cultural life was controlled by the Lithuanian Communist Party (LCP). Lithuanians as well as
people in two other Baltic republics distrusted the Soviet regime even more than people in other regions of the Soviet state, and
gave their own specific and active support to Gorbachev's program of social and political reforms by Lithuanians. Under the
leadership of intellectuals, the Lithuanian reform movement "Lietuvos persitvarkymo sąjūdis" (the Reform Movement of Lithuania)
was formed in mid1988 and declared a program of democratic and national rights, winning nationwide popularity. On March 11,
1990, the Supreme Soviet (or, more precisely, the Supreme Council of Lithuania) proclaimed the restitution of Lithuanian
independence, becoming the first of the Soviet republics to declare national rights. Independence was finally recognized by Russia in
September of 1991, several months after the referendum. Lithuania and Russia signed an agreement on September 8, 1992, calling
for Russian troop withdrawals by August 31, 1993, which took place on time. In October 2002, Lithuania was invited to join the
European Union and one month later to join NATO; it became a member of both in 2004. The Lithuanian Military began a
programme of modernisation and integration with NATO forces, It has been noted that since Lithuania joined the EU there has been
significant emigration to both the UK and Ireland.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Lithuania
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization and joined the EU in May 2004. Despite Lithuania's EU accession,
Lithuania's trade with its Central and Eastern European neighbors, and Russia in particular, accounts for a growing percentage of
total trade. Privatization of the large, state-owned utilities is nearly complete. Foreign government and business support have helped
in the transition from the old command economy to a market economy. Lithuania's economy grew on average 8% per year for the
four years prior to 2008 driven by exports and domestic demand. However, GDP plunged 15% in 2009 - the three former Soviet
Baltic republics had the world's worst economic declines last year. The current account deficit rose to roughly 15% of GDP in
2007-08, but fell sharply in 2009 in the wake of a cutback in imports to almost half the 2008 level. Unemployment reached 13.7%
in 2009, up from 5.8% in 2008. In 2009 the government launched a high-profile campaign, led by Prime Minister KUBILIUS, to
attract foreign investment and to develop export markets.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Lithuania)
Lithuania's trade with its Central and Eastern European neighbors, and Russia in particular, accounts for a growing percentage of
total trade. Privatization of the large, state-owned utilities is nearly complete. Foreign government and business support have helped
in the transition from the old command economy to a market economy. Lithuania's economy grew on average 8% per year for the
four years prior to 2008 driven by exports and domestic demand. However, GDP plunged 15% in 2009 - the three former Soviet
Baltic republics had the world's worst economic declines last year. The current account deficit rose to roughly 15% of GDP in
2007-08, but fell sharply in 2009 in the wake of a cutback in imports to almost half the 2008 level. Unemployment reached 13.7%
in 2009, up from 5.8% in 2008. In 2009 the government launched a high-profile campaign, led by Prime Minister KUBILIUS, to
attract foreign investment and to develop export markets.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Lithuania)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Since Lithuania declared independence on March 11, 1990, it kept strong democratic traditions. Drawing from the interwar
experiences, politicians made many different proposals that ranged from strong parliamentarism to a presidential republic with
checks and balances similar to the United States. Through compromise, a semi-presidential system was settled. In a referendum on
October 25, 1992—the first general vote of the people since their declared independence—56.75% of the total number of voters
supported the new constitution.
All major parties have declared their support for Lithuania's membership in NATO and the European Union (EU). Lithuania joined
NATO on March 29, 2004 and joined the EU on May 1, 2004.
Since 1991, Lithuanian voters have shifted from right to left and back again, swinging between the Conservatives, led by Vytautas
Landsbergis, and the (formerly Communist) Democratic Labour Party of Lithuania, led by president Algirdas Brazauskas. During
this period, the prime minister was Gediminas Vagnorius.
Valdas Adamkus has been the president for most of the time since 1998. His prime minister was Rolandas Paksas, whose
government got off to a rocky start and collapsed within seven months. The alternation between left and right was broken in the
October 2000 elections when the Liberal Union and New Union parties won the most votes and were able to form a centrist ruling
coalition with minor partners. President Adamkus played a key role in bringing the new centrist parties together. The leader of the
center-left New Union (also known as the Social Liberal party), Artūras Paulauskas, became the Chairman of the Seimas. In July
2001, the center-left New Union party forged an alliance with the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and formed a new cabinet
under former president Algirdas Brazauskas. On April 11, 2006, Artūras Paulauskas was removed from his position[1] and
Viktoras Muntianas was elected Chairman of the Seimas.
The cabinet of Algirdas Brazauskas resigned on 31 May 2006 as President Valdas Adamkus expressed no confidence in two of the
Ministers, formerly party colleagues of Brazauskas, over ethical principles. Brazauskas decided not to remain in office as acting
Prime Minister, and announced that he was finally retiring from politics. Even so, he led the ruling Social Democratic Party of
Lithuania for one more year, until May 19, 2007, when he passed the reins to Gediminas Kirkilas. On November 27, 2008 Andrius
Kubilius was appointed as a new Prime Minister.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Lithuania
experiences, politicians made many different proposals that ranged from strong parliamentarism to a presidential republic with
checks and balances similar to the United States. Through compromise, a semi-presidential system was settled. In a referendum on
October 25, 1992—the first general vote of the people since their declared independence—56.75% of the total number of voters
supported the new constitution.
All major parties have declared their support for Lithuania's membership in NATO and the European Union (EU). Lithuania joined
NATO on March 29, 2004 and joined the EU on May 1, 2004.
Since 1991, Lithuanian voters have shifted from right to left and back again, swinging between the Conservatives, led by Vytautas
Landsbergis, and the (formerly Communist) Democratic Labour Party of Lithuania, led by president Algirdas Brazauskas. During
this period, the prime minister was Gediminas Vagnorius.
Valdas Adamkus has been the president for most of the time since 1998. His prime minister was Rolandas Paksas, whose
government got off to a rocky start and collapsed within seven months. The alternation between left and right was broken in the
October 2000 elections when the Liberal Union and New Union parties won the most votes and were able to form a centrist ruling
coalition with minor partners. President Adamkus played a key role in bringing the new centrist parties together. The leader of the
center-left New Union (also known as the Social Liberal party), Artūras Paulauskas, became the Chairman of the Seimas. In July
2001, the center-left New Union party forged an alliance with the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and formed a new cabinet
under former president Algirdas Brazauskas. On April 11, 2006, Artūras Paulauskas was removed from his position[1] and
Viktoras Muntianas was elected Chairman of the Seimas.
The cabinet of Algirdas Brazauskas resigned on 31 May 2006 as President Valdas Adamkus expressed no confidence in two of the
Ministers, formerly party colleagues of Brazauskas, over ethical principles. Brazauskas decided not to remain in office as acting
Prime Minister, and announced that he was finally retiring from politics. Even so, he led the ruling Social Democratic Party of
Lithuania for one more year, until May 19, 2007, when he passed the reins to Gediminas Kirkilas. On November 27, 2008 Andrius
Kubilius was appointed as a new Prime Minister.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Lithuania
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by
Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the
Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as a EU member state having an external border with a non-EU
member, to strict Schengen border rules; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania,
primarily due to concerns over potential hydrocarbons; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was
complete and mapped with final ratification documents in preparation
Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the
Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as a EU member state having an external border with a non-EU
member, to strict Schengen border rules; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania,
primarily due to concerns over potential hydrocarbons; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was
complete and mapped with final ratification documents in preparation
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment and destination point for cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and opiates from Southwest Asia, Latin America, Western
Europe, and neighboring Baltic countries; growing production of high-quality amphetamines, but limited production of cannabis,
methamphetamines; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to banking legislation
Europe, and neighboring Baltic countries; growing production of high-quality amphetamines, but limited production of cannabis,
methamphetamines; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to banking legislation
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Lithuania
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Lithuania, population approximately 3.2 million, is a constitutional, multiparty, parliamentary democracy; legislative
authority is vested in the unicameral Seimas (parliament). On May 18, Dalia Grybauskaite was elected as the country's first female
president, and on September 17, Irena Degutiene was chosen as the first female speaker of the Seimas. Parliamentary elections in
October 2008 led to the formation of a center‑right coalition government. Both elections were free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Lithuania, population approximately 3.2 million, is a constitutional, multiparty, parliamentary democracy; legislative
authority is vested in the unicameral Seimas (parliament). On May 18, Dalia Grybauskaite was elected as the country's first female
president, and on September 17, Irena Degutiene was chosen as the first female speaker of the Seimas. Parliamentary elections in
October 2008 led to the formation of a center‑right coalition government. Both elections were free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
- There were reports that police physically mistreated detainees to obtain confessions.
- Prison conditions were poor, and physical mistreatment of prisoners and overcrowding were reported.
- Detention center conditions were poor.
- There was continued corruption in the police and government.
- Domestic violence and child abuse, trafficking in women and children, and intolerance of sexual and ethnic minorities were
problems.
21 November 2008
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Forty-first session
Geneva, 3-21 November 2008
ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19
OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
LITHUANIA
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of Lithuania and the information presented therein, and
expresses its appreciation for the replies by the State party to the follow-up procedure of the Committee. The Committee also expresses
its appreciation for the State party’s thorough written responses to the list of issues (CAT/C/LTU/Q/2/Add.1), which provided additional
information on the legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures taken by the State party in order to prevent acts of torture and
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore, the Committee notes with satisfaction the constructive
efforts made by the multi-sectoral State party delegation to provide additional information and explanation during the dialogue.
Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes that in the period since the consideration of the last periodic report, the State party has ratified the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, on 5 August 2004 and acceded to the
Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child
Pornography, on 5 August 2004.
4. The Committee notes with satisfaction the ongoing efforts at the State level to reform its legislation, policies and procedures in order
to ensure better protection of human rights, including the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment, in particular:
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
Definition of torture
5. The Committee notes the State party’s statement that under the Lithuanian Criminal Code all acts that may be described as “torture”
within the meaning of article 1 of the Convention are punishable, as well as the explanation provided by the delegation in this respect.
However, the Committee is concerned that the State party has not incorporated into domestic law the crime of torture as defined in
article 1 of the Convention. The Committee also regrets the lack of information provided as to whether the offence of torture, which is
punishable under other provisions of the Criminal Code, may in some cases be subject to a statute of limitations. The Committee is of the
view that acts of torture cannot be subject to any statute of limitations. (arts. 1 and 4)
The State party should incorporate into domestic law the crime of torture and adopt a definition of torture that covers all the elements
contained in article 1 of the Convention. By naming and defining the offence of torture in accordance with the Convention and distinct
from other crimes, the Committee considers that States parties will directly advance the Convention’s overarching aim of preventing
torture, inter alia, by alerting everyone, including perpetrators, victims, and the public, to the special gravity of the crime of torture and
by improving the deterrent effect of the prohibition itself. The Committee recommends that the State party review its rules and
provisions on the statute of limitations to ensure that they are fully in line with its obligations under the Convention, so that acts of
torture as well as attempts to commit torture and acts by any person which constitute complicity or participation in torture, as
established by article 1 of the Convention, can be investigated, prosecuted and punished without time limitations.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Forty-first session
Geneva, 3-21 November 2008
ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19
OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
LITHUANIA
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of Lithuania and the information presented therein, and
expresses its appreciation for the replies by the State party to the follow-up procedure of the Committee. The Committee also expresses
its appreciation for the State party’s thorough written responses to the list of issues (CAT/C/LTU/Q/2/Add.1), which provided additional
information on the legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures taken by the State party in order to prevent acts of torture and
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore, the Committee notes with satisfaction the constructive
efforts made by the multi-sectoral State party delegation to provide additional information and explanation during the dialogue.
Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes that in the period since the consideration of the last periodic report, the State party has ratified the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, on 5 August 2004 and acceded to the
Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child
Pornography, on 5 August 2004.
4. The Committee notes with satisfaction the ongoing efforts at the State level to reform its legislation, policies and procedures in order
to ensure better protection of human rights, including the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment, in particular:
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
Definition of torture
5. The Committee notes the State party’s statement that under the Lithuanian Criminal Code all acts that may be described as “torture”
within the meaning of article 1 of the Convention are punishable, as well as the explanation provided by the delegation in this respect.
However, the Committee is concerned that the State party has not incorporated into domestic law the crime of torture as defined in
article 1 of the Convention. The Committee also regrets the lack of information provided as to whether the offence of torture, which is
punishable under other provisions of the Criminal Code, may in some cases be subject to a statute of limitations. The Committee is of the
view that acts of torture cannot be subject to any statute of limitations. (arts. 1 and 4)
The State party should incorporate into domestic law the crime of torture and adopt a definition of torture that covers all the elements
contained in article 1 of the Convention. By naming and defining the offence of torture in accordance with the Convention and distinct
from other crimes, the Committee considers that States parties will directly advance the Convention’s overarching aim of preventing
torture, inter alia, by alerting everyone, including perpetrators, victims, and the public, to the special gravity of the crime of torture and
by improving the deterrent effect of the prohibition itself. The Committee recommends that the State party review its rules and
provisions on the statute of limitations to ensure that they are fully in line with its obligations under the Convention, so that acts of
torture as well as attempts to commit torture and acts by any person which constitute complicity or participation in torture, as
established by article 1 of the Convention, can be investigated, prosecuted and punished without time limitations.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
As Lithuania’s economy continued to worsen in 2009, concerns about the government’s economic austerity measures led to
antigovernment demonstrations in January in which nearly 40 people were injured and 150 arrested. In May, independent candidate Dalia
Grybauskaite was elected the country’s first female president.
The New Union (Social Liberals) rejoined the ruling coalition in February 2008; the expanded coalition held a slim 72-seat majority in the
141-seat legislature. In the run-up to the October 12 parliamentary elections, the creation of new parties further fragmented the country’
s political scene. The Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), an alliance of right-wing parties, was formed in May,
as was the National Resurrection Party (TPP), which was created by a group of celebrities but did not espouse any particular ideology.
Following a runoff vote on October 26, the TS-LKD emerged with 45 seats, followed by the LSDP, whose popularity had declined with
the weakening economy, with 25 seats. The TPP captured 16 seats; Order and Justice (TT) party, 15 seats; Liberal Union (LRLS), 11
seats; the Labor Party, 10 seats; and the LCS, 8 seats. Smaller parties and independent candidates won the remaining 11 seats. A four-
party, center-right majority coalition was formed in December consisting of the TS-LKD, TPP, LRLS, and LCS. Former prime minister
Andrius Kubilius (1999-2000) was selected as the new premier.
As the country’s economy continued to worsen—with rising unemployment and marked slowdowns in GDP growth—the ruling
coalition came under growing public pressure over its economic austerity measures. On January 16, some 7,000 people gathered in
Vilnius to protest tax increases and cuts in social spending. The peaceful demonstration turned violent when a small group began
throwing bottles and stones and tried to storm the Parliament building; nearly 40 people were injured and some 150 arrested in the riots
that lasted a few hours.
Independent candidate Dalia Grybauskaite, who was supported by the TS-LKD, won the May presidential election with almost 70
percent of the vote, becoming the first woman ever to hold that office in Lithuania. She defeated her closest rival Algirdas Butkevicius of
the LSDP, who captured less than 12 percent of the vote. European Parliament elections the following month saw TS-LKD candidates
secure the largest number of seats, in contrast to anti-incumbent results in other European countries. Meanwhile, a split in the TPP in
mid-2009 resulted in some members of the party withdrawing from the ruling coalition, which was left with 71 members at year’s end.
Lithuania is an electoral democracy. The 1992 constitution established a unicameral, 141-seat Parliament (Seimas), with 71 members
elected in single-mandate constituencies and 70 chosen by proportional representation, all for four-year terms. The prime minister is
selected by Parliament, and the president is directly elected for a five-year term. While the 2008 parliamentary elections were largely free
and fair, there were reports of irregularities, including alleged bribery and forged ballots. Three members of ethnic minorities hold seats
in Parliament. Lithuania’s many political parties operate freely, but the Communist Party is banned.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
As Lithuania’s economy continued to worsen in 2009, concerns about the government’s economic austerity measures led to
antigovernment demonstrations in January in which nearly 40 people were injured and 150 arrested. In May, independent candidate Dalia
Grybauskaite was elected the country’s first female president.
The New Union (Social Liberals) rejoined the ruling coalition in February 2008; the expanded coalition held a slim 72-seat majority in the
141-seat legislature. In the run-up to the October 12 parliamentary elections, the creation of new parties further fragmented the country’
s political scene. The Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), an alliance of right-wing parties, was formed in May,
as was the National Resurrection Party (TPP), which was created by a group of celebrities but did not espouse any particular ideology.
Following a runoff vote on October 26, the TS-LKD emerged with 45 seats, followed by the LSDP, whose popularity had declined with
the weakening economy, with 25 seats. The TPP captured 16 seats; Order and Justice (TT) party, 15 seats; Liberal Union (LRLS), 11
seats; the Labor Party, 10 seats; and the LCS, 8 seats. Smaller parties and independent candidates won the remaining 11 seats. A four-
party, center-right majority coalition was formed in December consisting of the TS-LKD, TPP, LRLS, and LCS. Former prime minister
Andrius Kubilius (1999-2000) was selected as the new premier.
As the country’s economy continued to worsen—with rising unemployment and marked slowdowns in GDP growth—the ruling
coalition came under growing public pressure over its economic austerity measures. On January 16, some 7,000 people gathered in
Vilnius to protest tax increases and cuts in social spending. The peaceful demonstration turned violent when a small group began
throwing bottles and stones and tried to storm the Parliament building; nearly 40 people were injured and some 150 arrested in the riots
that lasted a few hours.
Independent candidate Dalia Grybauskaite, who was supported by the TS-LKD, won the May presidential election with almost 70
percent of the vote, becoming the first woman ever to hold that office in Lithuania. She defeated her closest rival Algirdas Butkevicius of
the LSDP, who captured less than 12 percent of the vote. European Parliament elections the following month saw TS-LKD candidates
secure the largest number of seats, in contrast to anti-incumbent results in other European countries. Meanwhile, a split in the TPP in
mid-2009 resulted in some members of the party withdrawing from the ruling coalition, which was left with 71 members at year’s end.
Lithuania is an electoral democracy. The 1992 constitution established a unicameral, 141-seat Parliament (Seimas), with 71 members
elected in single-mandate constituencies and 70 chosen by proportional representation, all for four-year terms. The prime minister is
selected by Parliament, and the president is directly elected for a five-year term. While the 2008 parliamentary elections were largely free
and fair, there were reports of irregularities, including alleged bribery and forged ballots. Three members of ethnic minorities hold seats
in Parliament. Lithuania’s many political parties operate freely, but the Communist Party is banned.
Click here to read more »
07 May 2010
URGENT ACTION
BALTIC PRIDE WILL GO AHEAD
The Supreme Administrative Court in Vilnius, Lithuania, ruled today (7 May) that Baltic Pride will go ahead tomorrow.
On 5 May, the Vilnius City Administrative Court temporarily suspended the 2010 Baltic Pride march, following an application by the
Lithuanian Attorney General to withdraw its authorization because of the risk of clashes with counter-demonstrators. The Supreme
Administrative Court in Vilnius rejected these grounds, taking into account that Vilnius City Police insists that it has made the necessary
security arrangements to guarantee the marchers’ security.
350 people are expected to take part in the march on Saturday 8 May, including over 50 Amnesty International activists from more than
20 countries.
International human rights law places a positive obligation on states to ensure that individuals and groups are able to exercise their rights
to freedom of expression and assembly free from the threat of violence or disruption. Security threats emanating from counter-
protesters should be policed effectively, rather than used as a pretext to ban public events.
Click here to read more »
URGENT ACTION
BALTIC PRIDE WILL GO AHEAD
The Supreme Administrative Court in Vilnius, Lithuania, ruled today (7 May) that Baltic Pride will go ahead tomorrow.
On 5 May, the Vilnius City Administrative Court temporarily suspended the 2010 Baltic Pride march, following an application by the
Lithuanian Attorney General to withdraw its authorization because of the risk of clashes with counter-demonstrators. The Supreme
Administrative Court in Vilnius rejected these grounds, taking into account that Vilnius City Police insists that it has made the necessary
security arrangements to guarantee the marchers’ security.
350 people are expected to take part in the march on Saturday 8 May, including over 50 Amnesty International activists from more than
20 countries.
International human rights law places a positive obligation on states to ensure that individuals and groups are able to exercise their rights
to freedom of expression and assembly free from the threat of violence or disruption. Security threats emanating from counter-
protesters should be policed effectively, rather than used as a pretext to ban public events.
Click here to read more »
Defending LGBT Rights Worldwide
Making a difference in Malawi, Albania, Lithuania and Uganda
September 1, 2010
Human Rights Watch protects lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who are subject to discrimination and violence—and
sometimes even torture or execution—because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We advocate for the principles outlined in
the Yogyakarta Principles, the groundbreaking document adopted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that lays out governments’ duties to protect
LGBT people’s rights. In recent months, our efforts have led to positive impact in several countries.
In Malawi, Human Rights Watch helped secure a pardon for a same-sex couple sentenced to 14 years with hard labor for celebrating a
traditional engagement ceremony. By working with LGBT rights groups in Albania and Lithuania, we successfully pressed the
parliaments of both countries to uphold the rights of LGBT people. In Uganda, our joint advocacy with LGBT rights groups has stalled
the passage of Uganda’s controversial “anti-homosexuality bill”—and our advocacy on this particularly repressive legislation continues to
this day.
Human Rights Watch helped prevent the passage of homophobic amendments to a child protection law in Lithuania. One of the proposed
amendments would have banned information encouraging “homosexual and bisexual relations” from being distributed in schools or other
public places.
Our advocacy centered on how these amendments could be used to deprive young people of information they need to make decisions
about their lives and their health. We also explained how some of the bill’s provisions could be used to deny LGBT groups or individuals
freedom of expression.
Members of local LGBT groups contacted Human Rights Watch asking for support. We responded by meeting with key members of the
Lithuanian LGBT community to strategize. LGBT Rights Advocacy Director Boris Dittrich then met with several parliamentary
committees as well as conservative members of parliament who supported the amendments.
As a result of this outreach, the Lithuanian president vetoed the law.
The fight didn’t end there, however. Months later, the parliament renewed discussions on the legislation. We met with key lawmakers to
reiterate our stance on the harmful amendments. Parliament ultimately rejected the most discriminatory amendments.
Click here to read more »
Making a difference in Malawi, Albania, Lithuania and Uganda
September 1, 2010
Human Rights Watch protects lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who are subject to discrimination and violence—and
sometimes even torture or execution—because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We advocate for the principles outlined in
the Yogyakarta Principles, the groundbreaking document adopted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that lays out governments’ duties to protect
LGBT people’s rights. In recent months, our efforts have led to positive impact in several countries.
In Malawi, Human Rights Watch helped secure a pardon for a same-sex couple sentenced to 14 years with hard labor for celebrating a
traditional engagement ceremony. By working with LGBT rights groups in Albania and Lithuania, we successfully pressed the
parliaments of both countries to uphold the rights of LGBT people. In Uganda, our joint advocacy with LGBT rights groups has stalled
the passage of Uganda’s controversial “anti-homosexuality bill”—and our advocacy on this particularly repressive legislation continues to
this day.
Human Rights Watch helped prevent the passage of homophobic amendments to a child protection law in Lithuania. One of the proposed
amendments would have banned information encouraging “homosexual and bisexual relations” from being distributed in schools or other
public places.
Our advocacy centered on how these amendments could be used to deprive young people of information they need to make decisions
about their lives and their health. We also explained how some of the bill’s provisions could be used to deny LGBT groups or individuals
freedom of expression.
Members of local LGBT groups contacted Human Rights Watch asking for support. We responded by meeting with key members of the
Lithuanian LGBT community to strategize. LGBT Rights Advocacy Director Boris Dittrich then met with several parliamentary
committees as well as conservative members of parliament who supported the amendments.
As a result of this outreach, the Lithuanian president vetoed the law.
The fight didn’t end there, however. Months later, the parliament renewed discussions on the legislation. We met with key lawmakers to
reiterate our stance on the harmful amendments. Parliament ultimately rejected the most discriminatory amendments.
Click here to read more »
2010-09-24
Address by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the general debate of the 65th session of the
United Nations General Assembly in New York
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Gender equality is another topic of vital importance for the Nations. We decided to promote it in the framework of the Community of
Democracies. That is another example of focused action. Gender equality issues are rarely associated with overcoming the economic
crisis or stopping climate change. However, it has been estimated that the elimination of gender discrimination in the labor market could
increase the GDP by as much as 30 percent.
It seems that Lithuanian people have decided to test this estimation in practice! It is of no surprise for us that women in Lithuania hold a
number of top positions in politics and in business life. It is only natural that Lithuanian women made their own the famous saying: When
the going gets tough, the tough get going!
But we need yet much more of coordinated efforts. Gender equality on a global scale will only become possible when a certain level of
security and economic development is achieved.
Let us all put all our efforts together to eradicate intolerance and discrimination which so often are the main reasons for so many
conflicts in the world! By doing this we also pave the road to the Millennium Development Goals that we all strive to achieve. European
Union activities such as the European Institute for Gender Equality based in Lithuania can serve as a lead to other regions.
I strongly hope that the high-level meeting on gender equality issues, which will be held within the framework of the Community of
Democracies in Vilnius, Lithuania, on June 30 next year, will explore many more new ideas and good practices.
Security, environment and gender equality - all are interdependent. And all need to be adequately addressed on the international agenda. It
is a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable development.
The European Union has been for years the largest and most responsible donor worldwide, the best example for any country willing to
contribute. These European values are very dear to my country, member of the EU since 2004.
Lithuania has limited resources. However, we supplied humanitarian aid to Haiti, Pakistan, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, and other countries.
We have engaged in such difficult initiatives as the training of national security forces of Afghanistan. Working together with the people
of Ghor Province in Afghanistan Lithuania has funded a number of community-based education programs, built nineteen schools which
have opened-up their doors also for girls, founded the first public library in the province's capital of Chaghcharan. That is our modest
contribution, but it works. I am sure - each time we implement a concrete project, we move closer to achieving our global objectives.
Click here to read more »
Address by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the general debate of the 65th session of the
United Nations General Assembly in New York
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Gender equality is another topic of vital importance for the Nations. We decided to promote it in the framework of the Community of
Democracies. That is another example of focused action. Gender equality issues are rarely associated with overcoming the economic
crisis or stopping climate change. However, it has been estimated that the elimination of gender discrimination in the labor market could
increase the GDP by as much as 30 percent.
It seems that Lithuanian people have decided to test this estimation in practice! It is of no surprise for us that women in Lithuania hold a
number of top positions in politics and in business life. It is only natural that Lithuanian women made their own the famous saying: When
the going gets tough, the tough get going!
But we need yet much more of coordinated efforts. Gender equality on a global scale will only become possible when a certain level of
security and economic development is achieved.
Let us all put all our efforts together to eradicate intolerance and discrimination which so often are the main reasons for so many
conflicts in the world! By doing this we also pave the road to the Millennium Development Goals that we all strive to achieve. European
Union activities such as the European Institute for Gender Equality based in Lithuania can serve as a lead to other regions.
I strongly hope that the high-level meeting on gender equality issues, which will be held within the framework of the Community of
Democracies in Vilnius, Lithuania, on June 30 next year, will explore many more new ideas and good practices.
Security, environment and gender equality - all are interdependent. And all need to be adequately addressed on the international agenda. It
is a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable development.
The European Union has been for years the largest and most responsible donor worldwide, the best example for any country willing to
contribute. These European values are very dear to my country, member of the EU since 2004.
Lithuania has limited resources. However, we supplied humanitarian aid to Haiti, Pakistan, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, and other countries.
We have engaged in such difficult initiatives as the training of national security forces of Afghanistan. Working together with the people
of Ghor Province in Afghanistan Lithuania has funded a number of community-based education programs, built nineteen schools which
have opened-up their doors also for girls, founded the first public library in the province's capital of Chaghcharan. That is our modest
contribution, but it works. I am sure - each time we implement a concrete project, we move closer to achieving our global objectives.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM LITHUANIAN FROM GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Dr. Valentukevicius Seimas Ombudsman started an own initiative investigation of a sanatorium in the street bodies of
seriously ill patients
Vilnius, 13 July 2010
Today, Ombudsman, Dr. Valentukevicius's president, reacting to the fact that in Druskininkai "friendship" sanatorium just down the
street quickly, was expelled patient tormented by serious illness, disease, ostensibly because they are too costly sanatorium on his own
initiative began to explore the possibility of the Ministry of Health and subordinate officials of the bureaucracy of the authorities, in
violation of the rights of citizens to a healthy and safe environment for refusing to provide the necessary treatment.
"Friendship" sanatorium Vice-economic approach to the patient just strikes. Suffering from a genetic disease and expensive medicine
vartojanti girl fraudulent procedures išviliojus card, asked to leave the sanatorium nepasivarginus even call the State Patient Fund and
even try to look for the possibility of a sanatorium for this patient for further medical treatment. The doctor responsible for treatment of
a patient as a mere source of income, to say the least, intolerable, "- says on its own initiative begun by R. Valentukevicius. Therefore,
today's address to the Minister of Health and Friendship "sanatorium director, asked the Ombudsman, where appropriate, to address the
officers guilty of disciplinary responsibility.
"We must do everything possible to those cases where patients on expensive drugs for their emissions into the street, the more is free.
Especially since the sanatorium Egle administration found a way to help this rare genetic disease patients, "- said Mr Valentukevicius.
Today the Ombudsman asked the Minister of Health and Friendship "sanatorium director, to present all information and documents and
to explain what the legislation on the basis of" friendship "sanatorium, Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, cut off without warning,
Danute Jankauskiene cystic fibrosis patients with, fraudulently withdrew Two days before the procedures issued by the patient booklet
and told to leave the sanatorium.
R. Valentukevicius leaders said authorities asked for the expected future deal with such problems, some allegedly for lack of funds is not
guarantees of medical assistance patients. Investigation on its own initiative Ombudsman will in three months.
Click here to read more »
Dr. Valentukevicius Seimas Ombudsman started an own initiative investigation of a sanatorium in the street bodies of
seriously ill patients
Vilnius, 13 July 2010
Today, Ombudsman, Dr. Valentukevicius's president, reacting to the fact that in Druskininkai "friendship" sanatorium just down the
street quickly, was expelled patient tormented by serious illness, disease, ostensibly because they are too costly sanatorium on his own
initiative began to explore the possibility of the Ministry of Health and subordinate officials of the bureaucracy of the authorities, in
violation of the rights of citizens to a healthy and safe environment for refusing to provide the necessary treatment.
"Friendship" sanatorium Vice-economic approach to the patient just strikes. Suffering from a genetic disease and expensive medicine
vartojanti girl fraudulent procedures išviliojus card, asked to leave the sanatorium nepasivarginus even call the State Patient Fund and
even try to look for the possibility of a sanatorium for this patient for further medical treatment. The doctor responsible for treatment of
a patient as a mere source of income, to say the least, intolerable, "- says on its own initiative begun by R. Valentukevicius. Therefore,
today's address to the Minister of Health and Friendship "sanatorium director, asked the Ombudsman, where appropriate, to address the
officers guilty of disciplinary responsibility.
"We must do everything possible to those cases where patients on expensive drugs for their emissions into the street, the more is free.
Especially since the sanatorium Egle administration found a way to help this rare genetic disease patients, "- said Mr Valentukevicius.
Today the Ombudsman asked the Minister of Health and Friendship "sanatorium director, to present all information and documents and
to explain what the legislation on the basis of" friendship "sanatorium, Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, cut off without warning,
Danute Jankauskiene cystic fibrosis patients with, fraudulently withdrew Two days before the procedures issued by the patient booklet
and told to leave the sanatorium.
R. Valentukevicius leaders said authorities asked for the expected future deal with such problems, some allegedly for lack of funds is not
guarantees of medical assistance patients. Investigation on its own initiative Ombudsman will in three months.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM LITHUANIAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Non-governmental organizations appeal the eviction of Roma in France
2010 09 06
Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights together with other non-governmental organizations defending human rights in support of the
European Network Against Racism initiative, calls for the French Government to halt discriminatory immigration policies against the
Roma.
At the same time an appeal has spread to the French Republic, the EU Commissioner Viviane Reding, the Government of the Republic of
Lithuania, the Lithuanian Parliament on Human Rights komitetą.DĖL FRENCH REPUBLIC ACTION Roma
Lithuanian non-governmental organizations advocating human rights in support of the European Network Against Racism initiative, calls
for the French Government to halt discriminatory immigration policies against the Roma.
Worryingly from 2010 28 July Roma families started coming from other European Union countries, deportation. Completely
unacceptable to the arguments on which the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Government puts forward
actions. People as a collective punishment for the deportation of individuals or illegal activities carried out by the fact that without
adequate resources (especially since there is no guaranteed right to work) is unacceptable and violates the rights to shelter, to freedom of
movement of persons to equality before the law and other national and international law recognizes the rights.
Either the government kriminalizuodama entire Roma community, allegedly in order to protect the citizens of the state, inciting racial
hatred throughout Europe and can lead to racist violence.
We call on France, Lithuania and other European Union governments to comply with European Union Directive 2004/38/EC on the right
of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States and the deportation of
persons to examine each case individually.
We call on the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to propose to the European Council adopted a decision requiring the
Commission to develop and implement a long-term integration of the Roma and Traveller Strategy, which ensures the protection of their
communities against discrimination and social exclusion. This strategy must be based on inter-institutional coordination, including the
Roma and Traveller communities in the European Union and national level.
Lithuanian Roma Community "Gypsy Fire"
Lithuanian Union of sticks
Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights
Equality Center
Equality and Social Development Centre
Panevezys Association of the Roma ethnic minority community
Roma Community Centre
Roma community in Vilnius
PI SOPA "
Human Rights Monitoring Institute
Click here to read more>>
Non-governmental organizations appeal the eviction of Roma in France
2010 09 06
Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights together with other non-governmental organizations defending human rights in support of the
European Network Against Racism initiative, calls for the French Government to halt discriminatory immigration policies against the
Roma.
At the same time an appeal has spread to the French Republic, the EU Commissioner Viviane Reding, the Government of the Republic of
Lithuania, the Lithuanian Parliament on Human Rights komitetą.DĖL FRENCH REPUBLIC ACTION Roma
Lithuanian non-governmental organizations advocating human rights in support of the European Network Against Racism initiative, calls
for the French Government to halt discriminatory immigration policies against the Roma.
Worryingly from 2010 28 July Roma families started coming from other European Union countries, deportation. Completely
unacceptable to the arguments on which the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Government puts forward
actions. People as a collective punishment for the deportation of individuals or illegal activities carried out by the fact that without
adequate resources (especially since there is no guaranteed right to work) is unacceptable and violates the rights to shelter, to freedom of
movement of persons to equality before the law and other national and international law recognizes the rights.
Either the government kriminalizuodama entire Roma community, allegedly in order to protect the citizens of the state, inciting racial
hatred throughout Europe and can lead to racist violence.
We call on France, Lithuania and other European Union governments to comply with European Union Directive 2004/38/EC on the right
of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States and the deportation of
persons to examine each case individually.
We call on the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to propose to the European Council adopted a decision requiring the
Commission to develop and implement a long-term integration of the Roma and Traveller Strategy, which ensures the protection of their
communities against discrimination and social exclusion. This strategy must be based on inter-institutional coordination, including the
Roma and Traveller communities in the European Union and national level.
Lithuanian Roma Community "Gypsy Fire"
Lithuanian Union of sticks
Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights
Equality Center
Equality and Social Development Centre
Panevezys Association of the Roma ethnic minority community
Roma Community Centre
Roma community in Vilnius
PI SOPA "
Human Rights Monitoring Institute
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Dalia Grybauskaite
President since 12 July 2009
President since 12 July 2009
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported
