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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Saeimas debate about the new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Seminar on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities Conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration
Court decides that a teacher whose dismissal was her insufficient state language skills should be re-hired

Saeimas debate about the new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration
Lauku Avize provides an in-depth information about debate of 8th Saeima MPs about adequacy of Nils Muiznieks for the post of the Special Task Minister of Societal Integration. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that Muiznieks is the most suitable candidature for the post, because he knows the subject, is aware of the situation in Latvia and European norms. FF/LNNK expressed their dissatisfaction with the candidacy, however, voted for Muiznieks in order not to split the coalition. The Union of Farmers and Greens MP Leopolds Ozolins believes that Muiznieks serves international organisations and suggests that Muzinieks task is to foment national hatred between Russians and Latvians.

On Friday, a conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration was held in Riga. The conference was organised by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights (LCHRES) and Ethnic Studies. The key discussion subject was controversial restrictions provided for by the Law on Radio and Television, which stipulate that only up to 25% of commercial TV and radio programmes can be aired in foreign languages. The majority of speakers – dean of the Communication Department of the University of Latvia Inta Brikse, outgoing director of the LCHRES and Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks and others – stressed the necessity to abolish the norm. Head of the Control Department of the State Language Centre Maris Birzgalis opposed these opinions and stated that the norm secures and ensures the status of the state language. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas

reports about the seminar on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities organised by the Council of Europe Information Office and the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies held on November 15. The key subject discussed at the seminar was the compliance of Latvian legislation with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Chas provides the key points discussed at the conference.

Panorama Latviireports that yesterday the Riga District Court ruled that the decision of the administration of the Salaspils Secondary School No 2 to dismiss teacher of biology because of her insufficient state language skills is invalid and the teacher should be re-hired.