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.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the 6th Protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which eliminates the death penalty.

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the 6th Protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which eliminates the death penalty. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the amendments to the Chapter on Human Rights of the Constitution proposed by the social democrats, stating that everybody has the right to sufficient food, clothing and housing.

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the amendments to the Chapter on Human Rights of the Constitution proposed by the social democrats, stating that everybody has the right to sufficient food, clothing and housing. Neatkariga

During the meeting of the Latvian Ambassador in Moscow I. Daudiss and the Russian Minister of Culture V. Egorov it was agreed on the co-operation of both countries in the sphere of culture.

During the meeting of the Latvian Ambassador in Moscow I. Daudiss and the Russian Minister of Culture V. Egorov it was agreed on the co-operation of both countries in the sphere of culture. Diena

In the statement signed by twelve non-governmental organisations of the national minorities it is said that the national minority education reform in reality means the assimilation of the national minorities. Therefore, these organisations ask to re-write the social integration program, inviting the representatives of the national minorities to participate in the drafting of the new program.

In the statement signed by twelve non-governmental organisations of the national minorities it is said that the national minority education reform in reality means the assimilation of the national minorities. Therefore, these organisations ask to re-write the social integration program, inviting the representatives of the national minorities to participate in the drafting of the new program. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Despite the fact that the Estonian and Latvian governments initialled the new border agreement providing that the non-citizens residing in two border towns Valka and Valga may stay in the neighbouring country up to 180 days instead of 90 days as provided by the previous agreement, the new border agreement has not come into force, yet, and the residents of both towns continue to encounter the border crossing problems.

Despite the fact that the Estonian and Latvian governments initialled the new border agreement providing that the non-citizens residing in two border towns Valka and Valga may stay in the neighbouring country up to 180 days instead of 90 days as provided by the previous agreement, the new border agreement has not come into force, yet, and the residents of both towns continue to encounter the border crossing problems. Neatkariga

Today the Prime Minister is supposed to submit to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education the proposals for the draft language law. As Mr. V.Kristopans told

Today the Prime Minister is supposed to submit to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education the proposals for the draft language law. As Mr. V.Kristopans told SM, the proposals mainly deal with the use of language in the private sphere. SM

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov argues that since 1996 when the member of the

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov argues that since 1996 when the member of the Fatherland and Freedom Dz. Rasnacs became the Minister of Justice the court system has become more and more politicised. He grounds this statement on the fact that in 1995 some 90% of cases against the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs were settled in favour of the plaintiff, while now almost all cases against the DCMA are lost. SM

Within the framework of the public discussion on the national program of social integration, on 14 April there was a seminar on the repatriation issues. During the seminar it was noted that there should be an organisation of repatriates established to help other repatriates in solving immigration issues. Besides, Latvia needs an integration bureau which would provide the support for the different projects related with the repatriation issues. Speaking about the Latvian language training for the Latvians repatriating from Russia, it was noted that the language training could take place at the Latvian schools in Russia.

Within the framework of the public discussion on the national program of social integration, on 14 April there was a seminar on the repatriation issues. During the seminar it was noted that there should be an organisation of repatriates established to help other repatriates in solving immigration issues. Besides, Latvia needs an integration bureau which would provide the support for the different projects related with the repatriation issues. Speaking about the Latvian language training for the Latvians repatriating from Russia, it was noted that the language training could take place at the Latvian schools in Russia. Neatkariga