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 Report

Political scientist A.Pabriks writes that Latvia has managed to avoid any ethnic conflicts although the majority of population holds an opinion that ethnic discrimination in Latvia exists. According to the research done by the agency Baltic Data House about 28% of Latvian population have experienced ethnic discrimination on themselves but 24% were discriminated due to their language. In Latvian legislation there are established punishments for such discrimination but it lacks the definition of discrimination.

Politicalscientist A.Pabriks writes that Latvia has managed to avoid any ethnic conflicts although the majority of population holds an opinion that ethnic discrimination in Latvia exists. According to the research done by the agency Baltic Data House about 28% of Latvian population have experienced ethnic discrimination on themselves but 24% were discriminated due to their language. In Latvian legislation there are established punishments for such discrimination but it lacks the definition of discrimination. Diena

At the railway terminal in Moscow where the train from Riga arrives, in March is opened an experimental immigration control checkpoint. The passengers arriving by this train will be issued immigration forms. They are to be filled in and submitted to the checkpoint officials. Passengers have to state their purpose of arrival and reason; they will also be warned about their responsibility for violating migration laws.

At the railway terminal in Moscow where the train from Riga arrives, in March is opened an experimental immigration control checkpoint. The passengers arriving by this train will be issued immigration forms. They are to be filled in and submitted to the checkpoint officials. Passengers have to state their purpose of arrival and reason; they will also be warned about their responsibility for violating migration laws. Diena

On Saturday several hundred Russian speakers gathered at the Congress House for a meeting “My vote for my city”. These people voiced their opinions about participation of non-citizens in local government elections. This event turned out to be a pre-election campaign event of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia during which people shouted anti-state slogans. Left wingers commemorated March 3 as a double mourning day - ten years ago there was a referendum whether Latvia should remain within the USSR, but three years ago was the picket of pensioners at the Riga City Council that was driven away by police.

On Saturday several hundred Russian speakers gathered at the Congress House for a meeting My vote for my city. These people voiced their opinions about participation of non-citizens in local government elections. This event turned out to be a pre-election campaign event of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia during which people shouted anti-state slogans. Left wingers commemorated March 3 as a double mourning day - ten years ago there was a referendum whether Latvia should remain within the USSR, but three years ago was the picket of pensioners at the Riga City Council that was driven away by police. Neatkariga

Chas and Panorama Latvii write that opinions of speakers at this meeting differed – some called for the Soviet times, some suggested to become Latvian citizens and take the future in their own hands.

With the help of the Chancellery of the State President is prepared the concept of establishing ombudsmen institution in Latvia. The first version envisages establishing it on the basis of the National Human Rights Office. Councillor to the President on Legal Affairs S.Kukule told journalists that the draft concept had been sent to several state institutions, Saeima factions, Academy of Sciences, representatives of international organisations and all ombudsmen institutions in the Nordic States. The working group has planned for the second part of March an extended working session to involve in it also people from UNDP, OSCE and Nordic Council, but for May is planned a large international conference on this issue.

With the help of the Chancellery of the State President is prepared the concept of establishing ombudsmen institution in Latvia. The first version envisages establishing it on the basis of the National Human Rights Office. Councillor to the President on Legal Affairs S.Kukule told journalists that the draft concept had been sent to several state institutions, Saeima factions, Academy of Sciences, representatives of international organisations and all ombudsmen institutions in the Nordic States. The working group has planned for the second part of March an extended working session to involve in it also people from UNDP, OSCE and Nordic Council, but for May is planned a large international conference on this issue. Neatkariga

The Union of Citizens of Russia held its congress in Riga last Saturday with more 600 delegates present from all over Latvia. The Congress plans to establish its own business structure to co-operate with big businesses in Russia. From the earned money the Union plans to provide subsidised or free of charge medical service for war veterans and carry out many other projects.

The Union of Citizens of Russia held its congress in Riga last Saturday with more 600 delegates present from all over Latvia. The Congress plans to establish its own business structure to co-operate with big businesses in Russia. From the earned money the Union plans to provide subsidised or free of charge medical service for war veterans and carry out many other projects. Vesti Segodnya