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.

• Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Latvia for discrimination of Russian speaking residents

The Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented the recent statement by the State Language Centre (SLC), which called to speak only Latvian language at work places. The Ministry commented that such statements divide Latvia’s society and contradict a number of recommendations by international organisations regarding rights of ethnic minorities to preserve and develop their native language. The Russia’s Ministry also declared that SLC’s statement confirms that general policy of the Latvian government is aimed at discrimination of ethnic non-Latvians, first of all, Russian speakers. As reported, the SLC called employees of different institutions and offices to speak only Latvian language in the presence of clients. While legislation does not regulate the usage of state language in unofficial communication, the SLC argued that conversation should not be considered as unofficial if third persons (passengers, visitors, or clients) can hear that conversation. Vesti Segodnya