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

• Vaira Vike-Freiberga about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
  
• Interview with Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus to visit Latvia
• More in-depth information about the case of a biology teacher who was dismissed due to her insufficient state language skills.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities “a desirable step in the future, however, now the country is not ready for that.” The President stressed that amendments to the Law on Citizenship, the Election Law and the Law on Education secure the rights of minorities in Latvia and that ratification is not a requirement for the EU accession.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities a desirable step in the future, however, now the country is not ready for that. The President stressed that amendments to the Law on Citizenship, the Election Law and the Law on Education secure the rights of minorities in Latvia and that ratification is not a requirement for the EU accession. Diena

Telegraf

interviews new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. When asked why he accepted the post, Nils Muiznieks says that the current speed of integration on national level cannot be called successful and that one politically responsible person should be in charge of integration: I felt that I want and will be able to do it. Muiznieks states that if he feels that decisions of the government contradicts human rights or hampers the integration, he would not keep silent. He believes that society in Latvia is divided only regarding some issues, such as, attitude towards Latvias NATO membership, Russia, education and perception of history, but on the whole he does not see deep alienation between the two ethnic communities – Latvians and Russians. Muiznieks believes that Latvia has achieved a lot in the field of minority issues and that actually many issues are topical only on a political level. The first task of the minister will be activation of a dialogue between the state and national minorities. He is planning to form the Advisory Council on National Minorities. Second task will be the examination of the National Programme for Social Integration. Third, cultural foundations should start accounting for the received funding not only to the State Control but to the government as well. Muiznieks believes that awareness campaigns and Latvian language courses will foster the speed of naturalisation and that non-citizens should feel that the country needs them. Muiznieks agrees that the Russian language should have a certain status in Latvia, namely, the status of a minority language and its usage in municipalities should be recognised on judicial level. Regarding the education reform in 2004, Muiznieks says that many schools are not ready for the switch, however, he believes that the state should ensure that all people, including students of Russian schools, should be competitive and able to find their place in life. Muiznieks realises that his work will be difficult, however, he hopes to find common language with all political forces. When asked why he accepted the post, Nils Muiznieks says that the current speed of integration on national level cannot be called successful and that one politically responsible person should be in charge of integration: “I felt that I want and will be able to do it.” Muiznieks states that if he feels that decisions of the government contradicts human rights or hampers the integration, he would not keep silent. He believes that society in Latvia is divided only regarding some issues, such as, attitude towards Latvia’s NATO membership, Russia, education and perception of history, but on the whole he does not see deep alienation between the two ethnic communities – Latvians and Russians. Muiznieks believes that Latvia has achieved a lot in the field of minority issues and that actually many issues are topical only on a political level. The first task of the minister will be activation of a dialogue between the state and national minorities. He is planning to form the Advisory Council on National Minorities. Second task will be the examination of the National Programme for Social Integration. Third, cultural foundations should start accounting for the received funding not only to the State Control but to the government as well. Muiznieks believes that awareness campaigns and Latvian language courses will foster the speed of naturalisation and that non-citizens should feel that the country needs them. Muiznieks agrees that the Russian language should have a certain status in Latvia, namely, the status of a minority language and its usage in municipalities should be recognised on judicial level. Regarding the education reform in 2004, Muiznieks says that many schools are not ready for the switch, however, he believes that the state should ensure that all people, including students of Russian schools, should be competitive and able to find their place in life. Muiznieks realises that his work will be difficult, however, he hopes to find common language with all political forces. OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will have a one-day visit to Latvia on December 4 to get familiar with intentions of the new government and the parliament in the field of social integration.

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will have a one-day visit to Latvia on December 4 to get familiar with intentions of the new government and the parliament in the field of social integration. Diena

Vesti Segodnya

provides more in-depth information about provides more in-depth information about the case of a biology teacher who was dismissed due to her insufficient state language skillsthe case of a biology teacher who was dismissed due to her insufficient state language skills. The Riga Centre District Court found the resolution about her dismissal invalid. The newspaper reports that the teacher was also accused of violation of ethic and moral norms, which according to the representative of the trade union of the school was also because of the lack of Latvian language skills. The Court ruled that the teacher should be re-hired, however, the school administration says that there are no vacant positions at the school and that the administration will have to dismiss the teacher due to layoffs at the school. . The Riga Centre District Court found the resolution about her dismissal invalid. The newspaper reports that the teacher was also accused of violation of ethic and moral norms, which according to the representative of the trade union of the school was also because of the lack of Latvian language skills. The Court ruled that the teacher should be re-hired, however, the school administration says that there are no vacant positions at the school and that the administration will have to dismiss the teacher due to layoffs at the school.