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

Naturalization information booths will be set up in Jelgava on 20 July and in several other locations until November this year, in a British-funded extension of last year’s naturalization information activities. BNS

Naturalization information booths will be set up in Jelgava on 20 July and in several other locations until November this year, in a British-funded extension of last years naturalization information activities. BNS

Society Integration Fund will hold a press conference today on projects for the second half of the year. LETA

Society Integration Fund will hold a press conference today on projects for the second half of the year. LETA

Comments on yesterday’s Soros Fund Latvia conference on civil society included some remarks regarding problems of Russian speakers, including FHRUL MP Boris Cilevics’s open-ended question whether there might be tension between the concept of integration and the concept of civil society with its stress on the empowerment of multifaceted groups of society. Diena’s article includes rebuts to this suggestion, stressing the close link between social integration and the development of civil society. Chas, BNS, Diena

Comments on yesterdays Soros Fund Latvia conference on civil society included some remarks regarding problems of Russian speakers, including FHRUL MP Boris Cilevicss open-ended question whether there might be tension between the concept of integration and the concept of civil society with its stress on the empowerment of multifaceted groups of society. Dienas article includes rebuts to this suggestion, stressing the close link between social integration and the development of civil society. Chas, BNS, Diena

The MP Jakov Pliner (FHRUL) writes critically about the Integration Program and its implementation in Latvia. According to Pliner, the building of a united political nation would be possible if the Framework Convention on Minority Rights would be ratified and implemented in Latvia and all residents born in Latvia would automatically be granted citizenship. He considers efforts of unification of the two language-determined information spheres to be an attempt at assimilation of the minorities, thus ensuring the acceptance of official views. Vesti Segodnja

The MP Jakov Pliner (FHRUL) writes critically about the Integration Program and its implementation in Latvia. According to Pliner, the building of a united political nation would be possible if the Framework Convention on Minority Rights would be ratified and implemented in Latvia and all residents born in Latvia would automatically be granted citizenship. He considers efforts of unification of the two language-determined information spheres to be an attempt at assimilation of the minorities, thus ensuring the acceptance of official views. Vesti Segodnja

In a special insert on the European Union in Lauku Avize, an article on the European Court of Human Rights elaborates on the functions and procedures of the court, arguing against the common misconception that it is an instrument politically used against Latvia. The author points to the fact that although presently cases from Latvia are by non-Latvians, from both Baltic neighbors there are cases both from minorities and the titular ethnic group. Lauku Avize

In a special insert on the European Union in Lauku Avize, an article on the European Court of Human Rights elaborates on the functions and procedures of the court, arguing against the common misconception that it is an instrument politically used against Latvia. The author points to the fact that although presently cases from Latvia are by non-Latvians, from both Baltic neighbors there are cases both from minorities and the titular ethnic group. Lauku Avize

Aleksandr Gurin in Panorama Latvii editorial writes about the desirability of a Russian House in Latvia, similar to the cultural centers of other minorities, which would unite Latvian Russians. Panorama Latvii

Aleksandr Gurin in Panorama Latvii editorial writes about the desirability of a Russian House in Latvia, similar to the cultural centers of other minorities, which would unite Latvian Russians. Panorama Latvii