Transparency International Latvia (Sabiedriba par atklatību – Delna) is a public benefit (charity) organization whose mission is to promote formation of a democratic society that is free of corruption in politics, business and mutual relations. TI Latvia - Delna was established in 1998 as a Latvian chapter of the global anti-corruption movement Transparency International. TI Latvia works to implement specific projects, but also consults and organizes information campaigns and education seminars.
TI Latvia is widely known in Latvia. The NGO Institute of Latvia named TI Latvia as the most known NGO of 2005. TI Latvia also maintains leading positions in the publicity index (number of times TI Latvia is mentioned in press). All this publicity and professionalism marked TI Latvia a trustworthy source of information and a partner for public institutions, parties, mass media and foreign diplomats.
Despite recent improvements in corruption perception according to Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Latvia still ranks low among other European countries. That is why anti-corruption work is still important.
TI Latvia openly and clearly demands accountability from public institutions and officials. Among the main work areas and achievements are:
TI Latvia started a public debate about regulating political party financing. TI Latvia is also one of very few NGOs in the world monitoring misuse of administrative resources during pre-election campaign. Today this concept is widely recognized in politics and media in Latvia.
TI Latvia got involved in preventing illegal construction in the dunes area of the Baltic Sea. TI Latvia has initiated several court proceedings regarding demolition of illegal constructions and so far have gained favourable court rulings.
TI Latvia considers freedom of information as the most fundamental for democracy. The organization has always requested from public institutions to be open regarding information of general use. Cases where such information was refused have been brought to the court for solution. Thus TI Latvia is establishing a positive court practice in freedom of information matters (e.g. TI Latvia won the case against Prosecutor's General office regarding refusal to grant access to information).
