Integration monitor

Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

Sept. 30, 2014

  • Candidates discussed the possibility of Russian interference amid allegations of discrimination against Russian minority
  • Latvian Human Rights Committee: 83% of population reduction in Latvia represents the reduction of ethnic minorities 

Latvijas Avize organised pre-election discussion in Dagda (town in Latgale not far from Byelorussian border) with candidate MPs. Latvijas Avize started the discussion with references to Paul Gregory (The Forbes) and Edward Lucas (The Economist) who suggested that Russia might interfere in Latvia alleging discrimination of Russian minority. Edvins Snore (nationalists’ union All for Latvia!/FF-LNIM) believes such scenario is possible because of internal insecurity, ethnic composition of population and sentiments. He warned against too friendly relations with Russia, and Latvia shall not allow the broadcasting of Russia’s channels in Latvia, which is incompatible with loyalty towards the state. Vitalijs Aizbalts (Honour to serve Riga!) believes such scenario is impossible, because ethnic Latvians, Latgalians, Russians, Jews, Poles lived and co-existed peacefully in Latgale throughout the centuries, unless the politicians incite hatred, and the best defence is good neighbour relations. Edgars Jaunups (For the development of Latvia!) and Dzintars Zakis believe such scenario is unlikely. The Minister of Defence Raimonds Vejonis (Greens and Farmers Union) stated that such scenario is impossible in Latvia, because people in Latvia are patriotic and the army is ready. The government plans to increase defence spending, train anti-helicopter units and purchase ground-to-air missiles, increase the number of National Guards (voluntary military self-defence, Zemessardze) and provide the same training and equipment as to the regular army, and double the number of Youth Guards (youth of 12 to 18, Jaunsardze). 

Latvian Human Rights Committee (LHRC) published research "Legal and social situation of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia". 83% of the reduction of population of Latvia since independence represents the reduction of ethnic minorities. While the birth rates and death rates of representatives of ethnic majority and minorities were equal in 1991, by 2012, the death rate among minorities was 31% higher than among ethnic Latvians and the birth rate among minorities was 36% lower than among ethnic Latvians. The majority of stateless persons in the EU are the non-citizens of Latvia and Estonia, while the total population of Latvia and Estonia is less than 1% of the EU population. LHRC points out that the government further curtails the right to choose the language of instruction in minority schools. Vesti Segodnya

 

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