Latvia's parliament has approved amendments to the Youth Law, extending the definition of youth from 25 to 30 years old and enhancing local government responsibilities for youth work.
The Saeima in Latvia has passed amendments to the Youth Law that significantly alter the age classification for youth from previously defined ages of 13 to 25 to now include individuals up to 30 years old. This change is aimed at modernizing the legal framework surrounding youth policies and programs within the nation. It seeks to create more inclusive opportunities for older youth in areas like education, employment, and community involvement.
Additionally, the amendments establish a duty for local governments to appoint specific institutions to oversee youth work, ensuring a clear structure for collaboration among various parties involved in youth policy. The Ministry of Education and Science emphasizes that this clarity will facilitate better communication and cooperation, leading to enhanced outcomes for youth services and programs at the municipal level.
Furthermore, the new provisions expand the rights of local authorities to implement collaborative mechanisms, allowing for the establishment of informal youth groups, volunteer communities, and additional structures aimed at fostering youth participation. The proposed establishment of youth councils within municipalities underscores an intention to empower young people by involving them directly in local decision-making processes, thereby promoting a sense of agency and responsibility among the youth.
