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.

• Public procurement for selection of social mentors and social workers for asylum seekers and refugees has failed

The public procurement announced by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) for selection of social mentors and social workers for asylum seekers, refugees and persons with alternative status has failed, as no applicants have applied. Organisations providing social assistance to various social groups, including asylum seekers, pointed to significant shortcomings in the procurement’s requirements. According to the NGO “Shelter. Safe House”, the announced call provided for mentors’ and social workers’ support only to relocated asylum seekers despite the fact that the total number of asylum seekers in Latvia is much higher.  The SIF plans to review the procurement’s requirements and to announce repeated call. At the same time, the National Union called for revision of planned asylum social workers’ and mentors’ remuneration, which is allegedly too high in comparison with remuneration of other social workers. News agency LETA