Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Neatkariga

about ratification of the Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities

• Case of a fraud language certificate
• The Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry denied the entry into the country to 53 Roma from Latvia
• Cabinet of Ministers postponed the payment of travel expenses to repatriates
• Branch of Russias organisation for support of its compatriots formed in Latvia
• Interview with chairperson of Peoples Party Andris Skele

Neatkarigas

columnist Viktors Avotins discusses columnist Viktors Avotins discusses ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minoritiesratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Avotins doubts whether Latvians would support ratification of the Convention as ruling political parties have interpreted ratification only as the expanded usage of the Russian language and a threat to the Latvian language. . Avotins doubts whether Latvians would support ratification of the Convention as ruling political parties have interpreted ratification only as the expanded usage of the Russian language and a threat to the Latvian language.

Chas

reports about a case of a driver who experienced problems with inspectors of the State Language Commission when it turned out that his language certificate was fraudulent. According to a human resources manager of one of Latvian companies, in 1992-1994 a number of small firms and companies examined peoples state language skills and issued them false state language skill certificates. The newspaper concludes that the Ministry of Justice should investigate firms and companies which issued false certificates instead of conducting inspections and imposing fines by inspectors of the State Language Centre on people who have such certificates. . According to a human resources manager of one of Latvian companies, in 1992-1994 a number of small firms and companies examined people’s state language skills and issued them false state language skill certificates. The newspaper concludes that the Ministry of Justice should investigate firms and companies which issued false certificates instead of conducting inspections and imposing fines by inspectors of the State Language Centre on people who have such certificates. The Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry denied entry into the country on the basis of “serious administrative violations and inappropriate activities” to 70 persons, including 53 Roma origin

The Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry denied entry into the country on the basis of serious administrative violations and inappropriate activities to 70 persons, including 53 Roma origin Vesti Segodnya

The Cabinet of Ministers postponed the implementation of the adopted regulations which stipulate that the Latvian state covers travel expenses of people who repatriate back to their home countries. The law probably would come into effect in 2004, but it is not guaranteed.

The Cabinet of Ministers postponed the implementation of the adopted regulations which stipulate that the Latvian state covers travel expenses of people who repatriate back to their home countries. The law probably would come into effect in 2004, but it is not guaranteed. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

reports that a branch of a Russian organisation whose main goal is to provide the support for Russians residing abroad was recently formed in Latvia. The head of the organisations branch in Latvia Vladimir Ribakov states that first of all, the organisation will develop a mechanism to implement social programmes to deal with issues concerning Russians, first and foremost employment issues.

Chas

interviews Chairperson of the People’s Party Andris Skeleinterviews Chairperson of the Peoples Party Andris Skele. He states that for the moment the coalition in the Saeima looks stable, however, he does not want to predict the duration of the new cabinet. Skele says that it will be possible to judge about the stability of the Cabinet and coalition only after they start serious work and reforms. Skele believes that his party could be in one coalition with the New Era. He notes that co-operation with FHRUL on the issues where the Peoples Party and FHRUL have similar positions is possible as well. Andris Skele that FHRUL will have to change its ideology as people are more interested in economic welfare than ethnic issues. . He states that for the moment the coalition in the Saeima looks stable, however, he does not want to predict the duration of the new cabinet. Skele says that it will be possible to judge about the stability of the Cabinet and coalition only after they start serious work and reforms. Skele believes that his party could be in one coalition with the New Era. He notes that co-operation with FHRUL on the issues where the People’s Party and FHRUL have similar positions is possible as well. Andris Skele that FHRUL will have to change its ideology as people are more interested in economic welfare than ethnic issues.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Interview with Arturs Prieditis – author of a book about integration in Latvia
• Parties ratings in November
• Book about bilingual education by Colin Baker was presented to Latvian schools by the Soros Foundation
• Exhibition of artists representing 10 nationalities residing in Latvia is opened in the Riga Jewish Culture Centre

Vesti Segodnya

interviews Arturs Prieditis who recently wrote a book about flaws in integration. The book will be published in the nearest future. Arturs Prieditis states that Latvian liberal parties, such as Latvias Way, were too scared of nationalistic forces, such as FF/LNNK, to implement liberal ethnic policy in Latvia. He compares situations regarding national minorities in Estonia and Latvia and concludes that representatives of national minorities have never been allowed to participate in integration processes in Latvia. Prieditis believes that current Minister of Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks was in a very difficult position when he was offered the post of the minister after Prime Minister Einars Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs because of Brandavs ethnic origin. Prieditis believes that no co-operation is possible with such a Prime Minister. Arturs Prieditis is convinced that no special integration programmes are necessary, but first, all residents should have equal rights and, second, Latvians should have a much higher tolerance level. He states that the attitude of Latvians and Russians towards NATO will be the biggest discourse subject in the nearest future and he does not see any positive consequences of NATO membership for Latvia.

The new Saeima and government begin work with positive ratings. The ratings of New Era and its leader Einars Repse have grown in November – support among citizens has increased by 25.6 points and support among all residents has increased by 18.8 points. The popularity of the New Era has grown as well (now 27.3% of Latvian citizens support the party), followed by FHRUL (12.9%), the Peoples Party (11.4%), the Union of the Greens and Farmers (7.3%), the Latvian First Party (6.4%) and FF/LNNK (6%). The Social Democrats and Latvias Way have 3% and 2%, respectively. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf

Panorama Latvii

reports that recently a book about bilingual education by Colin Baker was presented to Latvian schools by the Soros Foundation. The translation was done by linguist and New Era MP Ina Druviete. The newspaper concludes that it follows from this book that the bilingual models and the integration programme offered by the Latvian government are efforts of assimilation of foreigners into Latvian society.

Neatkariga

reports that an exhibition of artists representing 10 different nationalities residing in Latvia is opened in the Riga Jewish Culture Centre. Chas

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Discussions about ratification of the Framework Convention
• Chas on-line discussion with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis
• Case about spelling of foreign names in Latvian
• Interview with co-chairperson of FHRUL Tatyana Zdanoka
• Panorama Latvii
about integration

Vechernaya Riga

features an article about experts of the Latvian Human Rights Committee – Boris Kolchanov, Leonid Raihman, Aleksey Dmitrov and Tatyana Bogusevica - who prepared their shadow report about compliance of Latvian legislation with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. One of the authors states that after ratification no automatic changes for better will take place, however, discussions about certain issues will be launched. He believes that the first changes after ratification will be abolition of language restrictions provided for by the Law on Radio and TV, second, Russians schools will be able to function normally. Alkeksey Dimitrov calls on Russian-speakers to express their views more actively.

Lauku Avize

draws attention to the opposite views of two ministers regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has named ratification of the Convention as one of his priority tasks, while Foreign Affair Ministers Sandra Kalniete believes that Latvia should not ratify the Convention.

Vesti Segodnya

notes that ratification of the Convention will be one of the key discussion subjects on the agenda of OSCE High Commissioner Rolf Ekeus during his visit to Latvia on December 4.

Chas

publishes the key statements of Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis about education issues. Regarding the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian he says that bilingual education means that 60% of subjects are taught in a language of a national minority and 40% in the state language. Sadurskis admits that in principle parents could participate in the decision-making process about which subjects should be taught in a minority language. He notes that individual timeframes for the implementation of the switch are permissible.

Chas

reports about the case of ethnically Russian resident Shiskina, who refused to have a passport with her last name spelled in accordance with the Latvian grammar rules. Now she decided to change her last name to her maiden name and have a new passport, but refuses to write an application in the Latvian language to the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs requesting to change her passport.

Co-chairperson of FHRUL Tatyana Zdanoka just recently returned from Moscow where she took part in discussions held at the Russian State Duma. She states that one of the discussion subjects was diplomatic instruments, which should be used to influence Latvia to observe the rights of Russians. She states that the pre-election programme of FHRUL regarding the rights of national minorities almost coincides with requirements of the EU and the Council of Europe. Zdanoka stresses that the only issue which is not required by European institutions is the revision of the education reform and that is the top priority task of FHRUL to ensure that Russians can study in their native language at all education levels. Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

features an article about integration. Panorama Latviis columnist writes that the formation of the Integration Ministry and appointment of Nils Muiznieks for the post of the Minister were very positive steps. Now it is very important that the team working for the ministry are people with non-standard thinking, who are able to search for ideas beyond the stereotypes of ethnic thinking.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Vaira Vike-Freiberga about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
  
• Interview with Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus to visit Latvia
• More in-depth information about the case of a biology teacher who was dismissed due to her insufficient state language skills.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities “a desirable step in the future, however, now the country is not ready for that.” The President stressed that amendments to the Law on Citizenship, the Election Law and the Law on Education secure the rights of minorities in Latvia and that ratification is not a requirement for the EU accession.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities a desirable step in the future, however, now the country is not ready for that. The President stressed that amendments to the Law on Citizenship, the Election Law and the Law on Education secure the rights of minorities in Latvia and that ratification is not a requirement for the EU accession. Diena

Telegraf

interviews new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. When asked why he accepted the post, Nils Muiznieks says that the current speed of integration on national level cannot be called successful and that one politically responsible person should be in charge of integration: I felt that I want and will be able to do it. Muiznieks states that if he feels that decisions of the government contradicts human rights or hampers the integration, he would not keep silent. He believes that society in Latvia is divided only regarding some issues, such as, attitude towards Latvias NATO membership, Russia, education and perception of history, but on the whole he does not see deep alienation between the two ethnic communities – Latvians and Russians. Muiznieks believes that Latvia has achieved a lot in the field of minority issues and that actually many issues are topical only on a political level. The first task of the minister will be activation of a dialogue between the state and national minorities. He is planning to form the Advisory Council on National Minorities. Second task will be the examination of the National Programme for Social Integration. Third, cultural foundations should start accounting for the received funding not only to the State Control but to the government as well. Muiznieks believes that awareness campaigns and Latvian language courses will foster the speed of naturalisation and that non-citizens should feel that the country needs them. Muiznieks agrees that the Russian language should have a certain status in Latvia, namely, the status of a minority language and its usage in municipalities should be recognised on judicial level. Regarding the education reform in 2004, Muiznieks says that many schools are not ready for the switch, however, he believes that the state should ensure that all people, including students of Russian schools, should be competitive and able to find their place in life. Muiznieks realises that his work will be difficult, however, he hopes to find common language with all political forces. When asked why he accepted the post, Nils Muiznieks says that the current speed of integration on national level cannot be called successful and that one politically responsible person should be in charge of integration: “I felt that I want and will be able to do it.” Muiznieks states that if he feels that decisions of the government contradicts human rights or hampers the integration, he would not keep silent. He believes that society in Latvia is divided only regarding some issues, such as, attitude towards Latvia’s NATO membership, Russia, education and perception of history, but on the whole he does not see deep alienation between the two ethnic communities – Latvians and Russians. Muiznieks believes that Latvia has achieved a lot in the field of minority issues and that actually many issues are topical only on a political level. The first task of the minister will be activation of a dialogue between the state and national minorities. He is planning to form the Advisory Council on National Minorities. Second task will be the examination of the National Programme for Social Integration. Third, cultural foundations should start accounting for the received funding not only to the State Control but to the government as well. Muiznieks believes that awareness campaigns and Latvian language courses will foster the speed of naturalisation and that non-citizens should feel that the country needs them. Muiznieks agrees that the Russian language should have a certain status in Latvia, namely, the status of a minority language and its usage in municipalities should be recognised on judicial level. Regarding the education reform in 2004, Muiznieks says that many schools are not ready for the switch, however, he believes that the state should ensure that all people, including students of Russian schools, should be competitive and able to find their place in life. Muiznieks realises that his work will be difficult, however, he hopes to find common language with all political forces. OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will have a one-day visit to Latvia on December 4 to get familiar with intentions of the new government and the parliament in the field of social integration.

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will have a one-day visit to Latvia on December 4 to get familiar with intentions of the new government and the parliament in the field of social integration. Diena

Vesti Segodnya

provides more in-depth information about provides more in-depth information about the case of a biology teacher who was dismissed due to her insufficient state language skillsthe case of a biology teacher who was dismissed due to her insufficient state language skills. The Riga Centre District Court found the resolution about her dismissal invalid. The newspaper reports that the teacher was also accused of violation of ethic and moral norms, which according to the representative of the trade union of the school was also because of the lack of Latvian language skills. The Court ruled that the teacher should be re-hired, however, the school administration says that there are no vacant positions at the school and that the administration will have to dismiss the teacher due to layoffs at the school. . The Riga Centre District Court found the resolution about her dismissal invalid. The newspaper reports that the teacher was also accused of violation of ethic and moral norms, which according to the representative of the trade union of the school was also because of the lack of Latvian language skills. The Court ruled that the teacher should be re-hired, however, the school administration says that there are no vacant positions at the school and that the administration will have to dismiss the teacher due to layoffs at the school.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The Open Society Institute publishes its report on the EU accession monitoring program
Foreign Affairs Minister about ratification of the Framework Convention
NGO provides Latvian language courses free of charge
Lauku Avizes comments on the conference Electronic mass media and societal integration
Muslims in Latvia
Activities of the Association of Ukrainians in Latvia

The Open Society Institute criticises the Latvian government for providing insufficient support for national minorities. The Open Society Institute in Budapest within the framework of its EU accession monitoring program of candidate countries regarding the protection of national minorities states that although there is a number of institutions in Latvia which were formed to deal with societal integration issues, the government provides insufficient support for the protection and promotion of the rights of national minorities. Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks believes that “the times when somebody from outside influenced the minority policy in Latvia are over” and that the report is important from the domestic perspective. The report about Latvia is written by researcher Svetlana Djackova. She notes that the implementation of the Integration Programme has been non-systematic and involvement of national minorities in political processes limited. The OSI stresses that one of the biggest problems for Latvia in the sphere of national minorities is the education reform in 2004, because a number of schools are not ready for the switch to instruction in Latvian and many parents are concerned about the quality of education and ethnic identity of students. Researcher Ilze Brands-Kehre says that social integration should not be assessed only in a negative light, however, she believes that the formation of the new ministry is an important step of the government “in the right direction.”

The Open Society Institute criticises the Latvian government for providing insufficient support for national minorities. The Open Society Institute in Budapest within the framework of its EU accession monitoring program of candidate countries regarding the protection of national minorities states that although there is a number of institutions in Latvia which were formed to deal with societal integration issues, the government provides insufficient support for the protection and promotion of the rights of national minorities. Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks believes that the times when somebody from outside influenced the minority policy in Latvia are over and that the report is important from the domestic perspective. The report about Latvia is written by researcher Svetlana Djackova. She notes that the implementation of the Integration Programme has been non-systematic and involvement of national minorities in political processes limited. The OSI stresses that one of the biggest problems for Latvia in the sphere of national minorities is the education reform in 2004, because a number of schools are not ready for the switch to instruction in Latvian and many parents are concerned about the quality of education and ethnic identity of students. Researcher Ilze Brands-Kehre says that social integration should not be assessed only in a negative light, however, she believes that the formation of the new ministry is an important step of the government in the right direction. Diena

Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete does not consider ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities necessary. According to Sandra Kalniete, the rights of minorities are already secured in the existing Latvian legislation, such as the Law on Education and the Law on Ethnic and National Groups. She states that she has been an ambassador to France for several years and nobody says that France is a non-democratic country, although it has not ratified the Convention.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete does not consider ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities necessary. According to Sandra Kalniete, the rights of minorities are already secured in the existing Latvian legislation, such as the Law on Education and the Law on Ethnic and National Groups. She states that she has been an ambassador to France for several years and nobody says that France is a non-democratic country, although it has not ratified the Convention. Diena, Chas Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Vestnesis

Vesti Segodnya provides the opinion of Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks regarding the Convention. He believes that the Convention should be ratified and as soon as possible.

Vesti Segodnya provides the opinion of Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks regarding the Convention. He believes that the Convention should be ratified and as soon as possible.

Telegraf

reports about Latvian language courses provided by the anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks free of charge. About 50 people attend the courses and about 750 are waiting for their turn. About 50 people attend the courses and about 750 are waiting for their turn. TelegrafTelegraf provides an insight into one of the lessons. provides an insight into one of the lessons.

Lauku Avize

publishes its comments on the conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration. Lauku Avizes columnist Maris Antonevics believes that actually restrictions regarding the usage of languages in TV and radio programmes provided for by the Law on Radio and Television have nothing to do with a language, but it is the attitude of Russian-speakers towards this country. He concludes that if the Law is incorrect the National Radio and TV Council should either amend the Law or strictly follow the implementation of the Law. Lauku Avize’s columnist Maris Antonevics believes that actually restrictions regarding the usage of languages in TV and radio programmes provided for by the Law on Radio and Television have nothing to do with a language, but it is the attitude of Russian-speakers towards this country. He concludes that if the Law is incorrect the National Radio and TV Council should either amend the Law or strictly follow the implementation of the Law.

Telegraf

features a short article about Muslims in Latvia and their traditions. There are about 8 thousand Muslims in Latvia. One of the key problems of Muslims residing in Latvia is inability to reach an agreement among several Muslim organisations about building a mosque. . There are about 8 thousand Muslims in Latvia. One of the key problems of Muslims residing in Latvia is inability to reach an agreement among several Muslim organisations about building a mosque.

Panorama Latvii

reports about the plans of the new administration of the Ukrainian Association in Latvia. The new administration has decided to work with the Latvian government in a more effective and deeper way in the sphere of minority rights. The Association is planning to study the situation of Ukrainians in Latvia and co-ordinate and deepen their activities with other minorities in Latvia. The Association states that they put their hopes on newly elected Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks. The new administration has decided to work with the Latvian government in a more effective and deeper way in the sphere of minority rights. The Association is planning to study the situation of Ukrainians in Latvia and co-ordinate and deepen their activities with other minorities in Latvia. The Association states that they put their hopes on newly elected Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks.