Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Director of the Information Centre of the Council of Europe Uldis Krastins writes about the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance report on Latvia. He provides brief information about the ECRI and enumerates the key points and recommendations of the report.

Director of the Information Centre of the Council of Europe Uldis Krastins writes about the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance report on Latvia. He provides brief information about the ECRI and enumerates the key points and recommendations of the report. Diena

Lauku Avize comments on the report as well. The newspaper writes “the public that usually complains about violations of human rights of non-Latvians, should be satisfied” and “the report scolds Latvia for the discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia.”

Lauku Avize comments on the report as well. The newspaper writes the public that usually complains about violations of human rights of non-Latvians, should be satisfied and the report scolds Latvia for the discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Diena

provides the names of FHRULs election candidates for the 8th Saeima elections. Ingrida Podkolzina, who was struck out of the FHRULs ticket in the 7th Saeima elections because of her insufficient state language skills, is one of FHRULs election candidates. provides the names of FHRUL’s election candidates for the 8th Saeima elections. Ingrida Podkolzina, who was struck out of the FHRUL’s ticket in the 7th Saeima elections because of her insufficient state language skills, is one of FHRUL’s election candidates. ChasChas

Lauku Avize

talks with professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Rita Putin-Peter. She says that people in Latvia should make their own mind which rights - human rights or ethnic rights - are a priority. Rita Putin-Peter believes that OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will work with different methods from those used by the former HCNM Max van der Stoel, who very often criticised Latvia. She states that neither the EU nor the OSCE made Latvia lift language requirement for election candidates. She is convinced that international organisations will not set any more new requirements for Latvia. talks with professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Rita Putin-Peter. She says that people in Latvia should make their own mind which rights - human rights or ethnic rights - are a priority. Rita Putin-Peter believes that OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will work with different methods from those used by the former HCNM Max van der Stoel, who very often criticised Latvia. She states that neither the EU nor the OSCE made Latvia lift language requirement for election candidates. She is convinced that international organisations will not set any more new requirements for Latvia.

Vechernaya Riga

reports that within the framework of Russias support programme to its compatriots residing abroad, 26 teachers who teach Russian language and literature in Latvia have left for Moscow to take part in training courses. In August, 65 Russian teachers from Latvias primary schools will attend training courses in St.Petersburg. reports that within the framework of Russia’s support programme to its compatriots residing abroad, 26 teachers who teach Russian language and literature in Latvia have left for Moscow to take part in training courses. In August, 65 Russian teachers from Latvia’s primary schools will attend training courses in St.Petersburg. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya

Telegraf

reports on the meeting of journalists with specialists from the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science about the work done in 2001 and 2002 and future prospects. The specialists provide data on schools and their choices of bilingual education models. The representatives of the Ministry of Education stated that draft curricula for teaching a native language and the Russian language, which have been launched by some schools a year ago, have not caused any negative response. reports on the meeting of journalists with specialists from the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science about the work done in 2001 and 2002 and future prospects. The specialists provide data on schools and their choices of bilingual education models. The representatives of the Ministry of Education stated that draft curricula for teaching a native language and the Russian language, which have been launched by some schools a year ago, have not caused any negative response.

Panorama Latvii

interviews heads of two human rights institutions in Latvia – head of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers and head of NGO Latvian Human Rights Committee Genady Kotov. Olafs Bruvers says that complaints regarding discrimination against national minorities are received by his office very seldom or almost never. Genady Kotov states that the majority of people who come to his office are Russians. He says that many of them have trouble with the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs concerning their status in Latvia and that previously these issues could be solved with the help of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. However, after the Mission has been closed, there is a tendency for the number of such complaints to increase. interviews heads of two human rights institutions in Latvia – head of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers and head of NGO Latvian Human Rights Committee Genady Kotov. Olafs Bruvers says that complaints regarding discrimination against national minorities are received by his office very seldom or almost never. Genady Kotov states that the majority of people who come to his office are Russians. He says that many of them have trouble with the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs concerning their status in Latvia and that previously these issues could be solved with the help of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. However, after the Mission has been closed, there is a tendency for the number of such complaints to increase.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Latvia lacks all-embracing anti-discrimination norms and amendments are needed to the Criminal Law in order to fight against racial and intolerant statements, says the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance’s latest report on Latvia. The report says that the activities concerning social integration should be actively continued as well. The report praises Latvia’s success in the field of naturalisation, the implementation of the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and the formation of the Integration Foundation. The ECRI notes that the disproportional positions in state institutions of Russians and Latvians may deepen alienation between these two communities and foment social tension. The ECRI concludes that Latvia has not developed general normative acts aimed against discrimination. The ECRI also suggests reviewing the timetable for the transition to Latvian as language of instruction in secondary schools scheduled for 2004.

Latvia lacks all-embracing anti-discrimination norms and amendments are needed to the Criminal Law in order to fight against racial and intolerant statements, says the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerances latest report on Latvia. The report says that the activities concerning social integration should be actively continued as well. The report praises Latvias success in the field of naturalisation, the implementation of the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and the formation of the Integration Foundation. The ECRI notes that the disproportional positions in state institutions of Russians and Latvians may deepen alienation between these two communities and foment social tension. The ECRI concludes that Latvia has not developed general normative acts aimed against discrimination. The ECRI also suggests reviewing the timetable for the transition to Latvian as language of instruction in secondary schools scheduled for 2004. Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Diena comments on the Russian government’s annoucement of the formation of a department to deal with compatriot issues abroad. Columnist Askolds Rodins writes that Russia assumes the right to make judgements on all issues and that this tendency has emerged since the collapse of the USSR. However, the tendency has become more pronounced during the presidency of Vladimir Putin. The columnist concludes that if the new department does a good job its activities could hinder social integration in Latvia.

Diena comments on the Russian governments annoucement of the formation of a department to deal with compatriot issues abroad. Columnist Askolds Rodins writes that Russia assumes the right to make judgements on all issues and that this tendency has emerged since the collapse of the USSR. However, the tendency has become more pronounced during the presidency of Vladimir Putin. The columnist concludes that if the new department does a good job its activities could hinder social integration in Latvia.

The homepage of the Riga City Council is now available in the Russian language as well.

The homepage of the Riga City Council is now available in the Russian language as well. Diena, Chas

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

The Russian Government has formed a specific department to deal with Russian “compatriots” abroad. The department’s key task will be the analysis of the organisations which deal with compatriot issues outside Russia. The mission of the department is to help to preserve the Russian language “as the situation of the Russian language abroad is rather alarming.”

The Russian Government has formed a specific department to deal with Russian compatriots abroad. The departments key task will be the analysis of the organisations which deal with compatriot issues outside Russia. The mission of the department is to help to preserve the Russian language as the situation of the Russian language abroad is rather alarming. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas

publishes survey results of Russian-language school teachers concerning the education reform in 2004. 41.5% of teachers believe that their skills and knowledge are sufficient to teach in Latvian, while 24% are not very sure and 10.5% of teachers are convinced that they would not be able to teach in Latvian after 2004. 24% could not give a concrete answer. publishes survey results of Russian-language school teachers concerning the education reform in 2004. 41.5% of teachers believe that their skills and knowledge are sufficient to teach in Latvian, while 24% are not very sure and 10.5% of teachers are convinced that they would not be able to teach in Latvian after 2004. 24% could not give a concrete answer.

Chas

talks to publicist Pauls Bankovskis. He states that the two communities – Latvians and Russians – are not very integrated in Latvia. However, various daily problems will bring these communities together after all. In his opinion, everybody has to make a personal effort to improve relations between the two ethnic groups. talks to publicist Pauls Bankovskis. He states that the two communities – Latvians and Russians – are not very integrated in Latvia. However, various daily problems will bring these communities together after all. In his opinion, everybody has to make a personal effort to improve relations between the two ethnic groups. The Freedom Party headed by Ziedonis Chevers announced that the prevention of immigrant influx will be the key goal in the party’s pre-election program and calls on the Saeima to halt the Law on Immigration which has been already adopted in the first reading.

The Freedom Party headed by Ziedonis Chevers announced that the prevention of immigrant influx will be the key goal in the partys pre-election program and calls on the Saeima to halt the Law on Immigration which has been already adopted in the first reading. Diena

Vesti Segodnja

in co-operation with the radio station Mix FM launches a new project The Opinion. 8 Questions for the 8th Saeima. The questions were sent in by readers and listeners of the newspaper and radio station. Almost all questions concern economic issues in Latvia. The eighth question is about the problem of citizenship. The radio will interview persons running for seats in the 8th Saeima and they will have to provide their vision and possible solutions to all 8 questions, including the citizenship issue, and answer how they will ensure the participation of non-citizens in municipal elections. in co-operation with the radio station Mix FM launches a new project “The Opinion. 8 Questions for the 8th Saeima.” The questions were sent in by readers and listeners of the newspaper and radio station. Almost all questions concern economic issues in Latvia. The eighth question is about “the problem of citizenship.” The radio will interview persons running for seats in the 8th Saeima and they will have to provide their vision and possible solutions to all 8 questions, including the citizenship issue, and answer how they will ensure the participation of non-citizens in municipal elections.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Diena

publishes an article by poet and translator Janis Elsbergs about the usage and interpretation of the term nationality in Latvia. He writes that contrary to the perception of this term by globally large ethnic groups, which associate the term with aggression and xenophobia, Latvians endow the term with a great deal of self-esteem and cultural affiliation. publishes an article by poet and translator Janis Elsbergs about the usage and interpretation of the term “nationality” in Latvia. He writes that contrary to the perception of this term by globally large ethnic groups, which associate the term with aggression and xenophobia, Latvians endow the term with a great deal of self-esteem and cultural affiliation. The ethnic divide is Latvia's trickiest historical legacy, writes BBC columnist Nicholas Walton in an article about Latvia published on the BBC homepage. The columnist notes that Latvia is a divided country.

The ethnic divide is Latvia's trickiest historical legacy, writes BBC columnist Nicholas Walton in an article about Latvia published on the BBC homepage. The columnist notes that Latvia is a divided country. Diena

The Integration Foundation has planned to allot LVL 26,000 for publications on social integration issues in Latvia in the mass media. Journalists from the media are expected to devote articles to these issues. Media experts believe that the fact that a state institution provides funding to the media for articles would endanger the objectivity of publicists. Director of the Secretariat of the Integration Foundation Nils Sakss says that the allocation of funding for the media does not mean the purchase of the media. The Foundation only supports the activities of the media in the field of social integration.

The Integration Foundation has planned to allot LVL 26,000 for publications on social integration issues in Latvia in the mass media. Journalists from the media are expected to devote articles to these issues. Media experts believe that the fact that a state institution provides funding to the media for articles would endanger the objectivity of publicists. Director of the Secretariat of the Integration Foundation Nils Sakss says that the allocation of funding for the media does not mean the purchase of the media. The Foundation only supports the activities of the media in the field of social integration. Diena

Chas

reports on the international youth camp Be-La-Russ which takes place near the borders of three countries – Belorussia, Latvia and Russia. The delegation of 100 young people from Latvia takes part in the camp aimed at integration of young people from the three countries. The newspaper notes that the camp is an excellent example of non-imposed integration. reports on the international youth camp “Be-La-Russ” which takes place near the borders of three countries – Belorussia, Latvia and Russia. The delegation of 100 young people from Latvia takes part in the camp aimed at integration of young people from the three countries. The newspaper notes that the camp is an excellent example of non-imposed integration.

Vesti Segodnja

reports that about 250 parents of Russian children who attend one of Rigas secondary schools have sent an open letter to the Latvian President, the Government and the Saeima voicing their support for the continuation of education in the Russian language. According to the newspaper this is the first school in Riga which has voiced open criticism regarding the education reform to be implemented in 2004. The greatest concern of the parents is the quality of education after the implementation of the switch of minority education to Latvian in 2004. reports that about 250 parents of Russian children who attend one of Riga’s secondary schools have sent an open letter to the Latvian President, the Government and the Saeima voicing their support for the continuation of education in the Russian language. According to the newspaper this is the first school in Riga which has voiced open criticism regarding the education reform to be implemented in 2004. The greatest concern of the parents is the quality of education after the implementation of the switch of minority education to Latvian in 2004.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Since February 1, 1995 – the beginning of naturalisation in Latvia – 53,327 persons have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The number of applications for naturalisation increased in the beginning of this year. The peak was reached in February – 1049 applications, while in June the number declined to 447 applications.

Since February 1, 1995 – the beginning of naturalisation in Latvia – 53,327 persons have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The number of applications for naturalisation increased in the beginning of this year. The peak was reached in February – 1049 applications, while in June the number declined to 447 applications. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins voiced that Latvians should speak the Latvian language with non-Latvians because this is the only way to ensure the usage of the language. He believes that if Latvians themselves do not speak and respond to non-Latvians in Latvian then “the representatives of other nationalities would never start using the state language.”

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins voiced that Latvians should speak the Latvian language with non-Latvians because this is the only way to ensure the usage of the language. He believes that if Latvians themselves do not speak and respond to non-Latvians in Latvian then the representatives of other nationalities would never start using the state language. Vesti Segodnja

During his visit to Finland Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov stated that Moscow would probably change its military positions after the Baltic states join NATO. The Defence Minister has noted that the dislocation of the Russian army to the West is rather possible after NATO expansion. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that too much attention should not be paid to such statements.

During his visit to Finland Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov stated that Moscow would probably change its military positions after the Baltic states join NATO. The Defence Minister has noted that the dislocation of the Russian army to the West is rather possible after NATO expansion. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that too much attention should not be paid to such statements. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Lauku Avize

reflects on the public policy forum Is Latvia Ready for Europe? organised by the Soros Foundation in Latvia. Well known Latvian politicians, officials and researchers took part in the forum. One of the discussion subjects raised by FHRUL MPs was the situation of minorities in Latvia. reflects on the public policy forum “Is Latvia Ready for Europe?” organised by the Soros Foundation in Latvia. Well known Latvian politicians, officials and researchers took part in the forum. One of the discussion subjects raised by FHRUL MPs was the situation of minorities in Latvia. On Friday the youth organisation “Solidarnostj” organised a press conference on the results of the campaign of collecting signatures in support to education in minority languages ran by leader of the FHRUL youth organisation Ivan Stalnoy. Of approximately 3,000 signatures that a FHRUL youth organisation was collecting, 90% of respondents indicated that they want education in their native language, of whom 40% were Latvians. FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner comments on the results of the campaign He says that the results of the campaign demonstrated that the decision of the Ministry of Education and Science to switch minority secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004 is absurd. Yakov Pliner promised that if FHRUL wins the upcoming Saeima elections, the party would completely re-organise the Latvian education system.

On Friday the youth organisation Solidarnostj organised a press conference on the results of the campaign of collecting signatures in support to education in minority languages ran by leader of the FHRUL youth organisation Ivan Stalnoy. Of approximately 3,000 signatures that a FHRUL youth organisation was collecting, 90% of respondents indicated that they want education in their native language, of whom 40% were Latvians. FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner comments on the results of the campaign He says that the results of the campaign demonstrated that the decision of the Ministry of Education and Science to switch minority secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004 is absurd. Yakov Pliner promised that if FHRUL wins the upcoming Saeima elections, the party would completely re-organise the Latvian education system. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii