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

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies published a semi-annual report on the situation of human rights in Latvia in the first 6 months of 2002. The LCHRES states that the most important achievement in the sphere of human rights in Latvia in 2002 was abolition of the language requirement for public office. The LCHRES is concerned about freedom of speech and police brutality. The report states that the recently adopted amendments to the Constitution aimed at strengthening the status of the Latvian language may, depending on the implementation, impinge on the rights on minorities.

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies published a semi-annual report on the situation of human rights in Latvia in the first 6 months of 2002. The LCHRES states that the most important achievement in the sphere of human rights in Latvia in 2002 was abolition of the language requirement for public office. The LCHRES is concerned about freedom of speech and police brutality. The report states that the recently adopted amendments to the Constitution aimed at strengthening the status of the Latvian language may, depending on the implementation, impinge on the rights on minorities. Diena, BNS
The full text of the report is available at politika.lv (in Latvian) and policy.lv (in English).

Yesterday the Soros Foundation in Latvia presented a new study “Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia” conducted by political scientist Artis Pabriks.

Yesterday the Soros Foundation in Latvia presented a new study Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia conducted by political scientist Artis Pabriks. Lauku Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf
The full text of the study is available at politika.lv (in Latvian) and policy.lv (in English).
Articles by director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks "Social Integration Issuesand the 8th Saeima" and "Are Human Rights Becoming Consolidated" are published at the public policy portal policy.lv

Rigas Balss reports on the location of the next information booth in one of the districts of Riga where interested people can acquire information about naturalisation and take trial tests. The information campaign is run by the Naturalisation Board. The embassy of Great Britain provides financial support for the campaign. BNS reports that on the weekend information booths will be available in eastern Latvia -- Rezekne and Vilani.

Vechernaya Riga

talks to education experts of the Ministry of Education and Science Tatyana Fomina and Marina Zitarova about the future of the Russian language at schools and problems concerning teaching of the Russian language and literature in Latvia. Both experts agree that there are problems with Russian language teachers. Tatyana Fomina states that schools have a shortage of new teachers, but Marina Zitarova believes that many Russian language teachers are not sufficiently qualified and not interested in their job. Marina Zitarova states that the Russian language becomes more and more popular in Latvian schools – schools that excluded the Russian language from their curricula several years ago now have resumed offering Russian classes to their students. talks to education experts of the Ministry of Education and Science Tatyana Fomina and Marina Zitarova about the future of the Russian language at schools and problems concerning teaching of the Russian language and literature in Latvia. Both experts agree that there are problems with Russian language teachers. Tatyana Fomina states that schools have a shortage of new teachers, but Marina Zitarova believes that many Russian language teachers are not sufficiently qualified and not interested in their job. Marina Zitarova states that the Russian language becomes more and more popular in Latvian schools – schools that excluded the Russian language from their curricula several years ago now have resumed offering Russian classes to their students.

Vesti Segodnya

writes about the success story of Ivans Ribakovs. After Latvia regained its independence, Ribakovs acquired the status of non-citizen. However, he believed that being a citizen is the best way to influence state affairs and decided to naturalise. Now he is running for the 8th Saeima from the list of FHRUL. writes about the “success story” of Ivans Ribakovs. After Latvia regained its independence, Ribakovs acquired the status of non-citizen. However, he believed that being a citizen is the best way to influence state affairs and decided to naturalise. Now he is running for the 8th Saeima from the list of FHRUL.

Lauku Avize

interviews leader of the New Era Party Einars Repse about the situation in Latvia and his partys prospects in the 8th Saeima. Regarding relations between Russia and Latvia, Einars Repse says that Moscow still hopes to have a political influence on Latvia and this issue should be seriously discussed with Russia. However, Repse believes that the Latvian government has not done everything possible to improve relations with Russia. When asked whether a new ministry responsible for minority issues should be formed, Einars Repse does not provide a clear answer. interviews leader of the New Era Party Einars Repse about the situation in Latvia and his party’s prospects in the 8th Saeima. Regarding relations between Russia and Latvia, Einars Repse says that Moscow still hopes to have a political influence on Latvia and this issue should be seriously discussed with Russia. However, Repse believes that the Latvian government has not done everything possible to improve relations with Russia. When asked whether a new ministry responsible for minority issues should be formed, Einars Repse does not provide a clear answer.