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.

• Society Integration Foundation announces EU-funded project tender on promotion of ethnic integration and tolerance
• Vesti Segodnya reports on a study the results of the research on tolerance conducted by Dialogi.lv
• MPs held a discussion with integration experts on tolerance in Latvia
• FF/LNIM has submitted to the Saeima the draft amendments to the Education Law
• Ukrainian Union has presented a book about history of the Ukrainian diaspora in Latvia

Diena reports that the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) announced an EU-funded project tender on ethnic integration and tolerance. The total amount of the grant is EUR 900, 000. The grant scheme is divided into three areas: 1) activity projects on promotion of ethnic integration and acquisition of Latvian citizenship; 2) activity projects aimed at promotion of tolerance; 3) research projects on the above mentioned subjects. The deadline for application is 20 November.

The NGO “Dialogi.lv” presented a study “Tolerance Promoting Policies Based on Researches.” The study is composed of two parts: overview on the existing situation and the opinion poll. The study reveals that though respondents accept tolerance as a value their statements and beliefs show contrary: according to the opinion poll 38. 8% of Latvia’s residents do not want to have Roma, 35. 3%  - homosexuals and 21. 7% - Muslims as their neighbours. The study also provides extensive and detailed list of recommendations to various actors, including state, municipalities, NGOs, etc, - to promote tolerance in Latvia.

The NGO Dialogi.lv presented a study Tolerance Promoting Policies Based on Researches. The study is composed of two parts: overview on the existing situation and the opinion poll. The study reveals that though respondents accept tolerance as a value their statements and beliefs show contrary: according to the opinion poll 38. 8% of Latvias residents do not want to have Roma, 35. 3% - homosexuals and 21. 7% - Muslims as their neighbours. The study also provides extensive and detailed list of recommendations to various actors, including state, municipalities, NGOs, etc, - to promote tolerance in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

The study is available in Latvian at

The study is available in Latvian at http://www.dialogi.lv/article.php?s=395&id=2556&la=2

Yesterday, MPs of the Saeima’s Subcommittee on Social Integration of Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee held a discussion with integration experts on issues regarding tolerance in Latvia. The representative of the Secretariat of the Minister for Social Integration Deniss Hanovs argued that it is difficult to define whether Latvian society is tolerant or intolerant, however, in comparison to other European countries Latvia is a relatively tolerant country. However, Mr. Hanovs noted that manifestations of homophobia and attitudes towards refugees have become potential risk zones. The director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehre voiced her concern regarding the increase of racially motivated attacks and police’s response to these attacks. She also reminded that despite the marked deadline Latvia has not transposed the two EU anti-discrimination directives yet.

Yesterday, MPs of the Saeimas Subcommittee on Social Integration of Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee held a discussion with integration experts on issues regarding tolerance in Latvia. The representative of the Secretariat of the Minister for Social Integration Deniss Hanovs argued that it is difficult to define whether Latvian society is tolerant or intolerant, however, in comparison to other European countries Latvia is a relatively tolerant country. However, Mr. Hanovs noted that manifestations of homophobia and attitudes towards refugees have become potential risk zones. The director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehre voiced her concern regarding the increase of racially motivated attacks and polices response to these attacks. She also reminded that despite the marked deadline Latvia has not transposed the two EU anti-discrimination directives yet. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday, the Saeima’s faction For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has submitted to the Saeima the draft amendments to the Education Law which stipulate that the state examinations in minority educational institutions funded by state and municipalities have to be taken only in the state language. Presently, the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers stipulate that as of 2007 examination questions have to be in Latvian, however, students might answer in a minority language.

Yesterday, the Saeimas faction For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has submitted to the Saeima the draft amendments to the Education Law which stipulate that the state examinations in minority educational institutions funded by state and municipalities have to be taken only in the state language. Presently, the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers stipulate that as of 2007 examination questions have to be in Latvian, however, students might answer in a minority language. Chas

The Ukrainian Union of Latvia, in the framework of its 10 year anniversary, held a presentation of a book “Ukrainians in Latvia” about the life of the Ukrainian diaspora in Latvia since the beginning of XX century.

The Ukrainian Union of Latvia, in the framework of its 10 year anniversary, held a presentation of a book Ukrainians in Latvia about the life of the Ukrainian diaspora in Latvia since the beginning of XX century. Chas