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.

• Media reports about housing problems refugees face in Latvia
• Draft governing coalition’s declaration contains commitment to transfer education in all state funded schools solely into Latvian language

The media report about housing problems that refugees face in Latvia. According to the legal provisions, as soon as asylum seekers are granted international protection in Latvia, they should leave the accommodation centre and find a place to live. Adults with the refugee or alternative status receive EUR 139 per month (minors - EUR 97). These persons also have the right to social assistance provided by municipalities. However, in order to receive a benefit, a person should declare his/her place of residence. According to an experiment, conducted by journalists, the owners refuse to rent their apartments as soon as they hear that a person wishing to rent is a refugee. According to a representative of an NGO “Shelter. Safe House”, the situation with regard to housing of refugees is dramatic; as they are not able to find apartments, they most likely would need to go to shelters. Lsm.lv

Vesti Segodnya reports that the draft governing coalition’s declaration contains a commitment to elaborate a plan for transition of education in all state funded schools solely into Latvian language and start its implementation. The media also report that Karlis Sadurskis is a candidate for the post of the Minister of Education. Mr Sadurskis occupied this post in 2002-2004; he actively worked on elaboration and implementation of minority education reform, which caused large-scale public protests. Lsm.lv