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.

• Vesti Segodnya prints an article by the MP Boriss Cilevics about concept of multiculturalism and social cohesion in Europe
• Latvijas Avize interviews organisers of free-of-charge Latvian language courses in Riga

Vesti Segodnya prints an article by the MP Boriss Cilevics about concept of multiculturalism and social cohesion in Europe. According to the author, after terrorist attacks in France and in Norway critics of multiculturalism speak about failure of multiculturalism in countries where it has never existed. The author believes that all contemporary European states face the problem of diversity management and dilemma between cultural diversity as fundamental value and the necessity to find a common level of uniformity or common comprehension for successful management and effectiveness of the state. In author’s opinion, policy of multiculturalism is practised mostly by such countries as Canada, U.S.A or partly by the Great Britain. While, neither France nor Germany have ever practised it. Therefore, it would be more correct to speak about crisis of social cohesion or society integration in these countries. Mentioning an example of the official Latvia’s integration concept (elaborated by the ex-Minister of Culture Sarmite Elerte) which stresses cultural assimilation, the author believes that it contradicts the modern comprehension about the social cohesion which has rather social than cultural character. The social cohesion includes three basic elements: common values, common official language, and guarantees of equality and non-discrimination. And in Europe, the biggest problems are caused by the main precondition of integration – comprehension and acceptance of common, universal values, believes Mr Cilevics.

Latvijas Avize interviews organisers of free-of-charge Latvian language courses funded by the Riga City Council. The enrolment for the courses was announced on Monday, 16 February and almost all the groups got filled up during the very first day, leaving also some persons in the reservation list. The majority of the applicants for the courses are middle age persons and seniors with comparatively low state language proficiency. The fact there are is a low number of young people applying for the courses most likely evidences that the level of Latvian language learning in minority schools in high, believe representatives of the organisations organising the courses.