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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The first regional Roma organization bureau was opened in Jelgava, for which MP Rudevic used earlier received state budgetary funding. The bureau is to work as a coordinating centre and assist with social, educational and employment problems of the Roma, and assist in the effort to break stereotypes about this ethnic group. All in all 12 such regional centers are planned. BNS, LETA, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The first regional Roma organization bureau was opened in Jelgava, for which MP Rudevic used earlier received state budgetary funding. The bureau is to work as a coordinating centre and assist with social, educational and employment problems of the Roma, and assist in the effort to break stereotypes about this ethnic group. All in all 12 such regional centers are planned. BNS, LETA, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The Naturalization Bureau is holding a naturalization information day on its premises today. BNS, LETA, Neatkariga Rita Avize

The Naturalization Bureau is holding a naturalization information day on its premises today. BNS, LETA, Neatkariga Rita Avize

An Orthodox shelter for street teenagers has been opened in a two-room apartment in the centre of Riga. It houses 20 teenagers and provides various lessons and activities.

An Orthodox shelter for street teenagers has been opened in a two-room apartment in the centre of Riga. It houses 20 teenagers and provides various lessons and activities.

Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnja publishes an interview with the leader of the Russian Community in Latvia Vjacheslav Altuhov. In his opinion Latvian Russians are resentful and humiliated by not being granted the Latvian citizenship automatically. Russians represent 30% of the population and many have lived here for generations and are more than just another minority. He is convinced that if Russia will support the effort, Russian will become a second official language in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnja publishes an interview with the leader of the Russian Community in Latvia Vjacheslav Altuhov. In his opinion Latvian Russians are resentful and humiliated by not being granted the Latvian citizenship automatically. Russians represent 30% of the population and many have lived here for generations and are more than just another minority. He is convinced that if Russia will support the effort, Russian will become a second official language in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

In an article philosopher Artis Svecs discusses politically correct terminology when dealing with racial or ethnic groups and the reluctance in Latvia to accept it. The author believes that this stems from not understanding that it is based not on censorship, but on a wish to respect others. He believes that many Latvians are racist, because they lack exposure to other cultures and races. Latvians will have to learn to focus less exclusively on their own sensitivities in order to function in a multicultural and multiethnic world, the author concludes. Diena

In an article philosopher Artis Svecs discusses politically correct terminology when dealing with racial or ethnic groups and the reluctance in Latvia to accept it. The author believes that this stems from not understanding that it is based not on censorship, but on a wish to respect others. He believes that many Latvians are racist, because they lack exposure to other cultures and races. Latvians will have to learn to focus less exclusively on their own sensitivities in order to function in a multicultural and multiethnic world, the author concludes. Diena

A discussion in Chas of Jack Mattlock’s statements when receiving an honorary doctorate in Latvia includes not only references to his contacts with Gorbachev while ambassador to the USSR, but also stresses his post-press conference opinions that Russians should more willingly trusted to be part of political life in Latvia, and that Russians in Latvia represent an advantage in keeping good relations with Russia, which he considers a priority. The paper also notes that Professor Mattlock expressed the hope that in a couple of decades all residents would be Latvian citizens, and the author comments that it is interesting that these statements are not reflected in the Latvian-language press. Chas

A discussion in Chas of Jack Mattlocks statements when receiving an honorary doctorate in Latvia includes not only references to his contacts with Gorbachev while ambassador to the USSR, but also stresses his post-press conference opinions that Russians should more willingly trusted to be part of political life in Latvia, and that Russians in Latvia represent an advantage in keeping good relations with Russia, which he considers a priority. The paper also notes that Professor Mattlock expressed the hope that in a couple of decades all residents would be Latvian citizens, and the author comments that it is interesting that these statements are not reflected in the Latvian-language press. Chas

Genady Seleznov, the speaker of the Russian Duma, yesterday called attention to Russia’s demographic crisis and argued for more intense efforts to attract able and energetic Russian-speakers, especially from the Baltic states and the CIS. BNS, LETA, Vesti Segodnya

Genady Seleznov, the speaker of the Russian Duma, yesterday called attention to Russias demographic crisis and argued for more intense efforts to attract able and energetic Russian-speakers, especially from the Baltic states and the CIS. BNS, LETA, Vesti Segodnya