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
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Lauku Avize

comments on the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly held last week

Chas provides practices of the EU countries regarding minority education

Lauku Avize

reports on the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly held last week during which the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia was discussed. Lauku Avize stresses that there was no representative from Latvia except oppositions party MP Andrey Klementyev who could defend the positions of Latvia. The Head of the Latvian Delegation, MP of the Latvian First Party Eriks Jekabsons was not present at the session. He hopes that there will not be any serious consequences and the OSCE Mission will not be re-established in Latvia.

Chas

argues against the statements of the Special Task Minister for Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks, the Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and Chairperson of the New Era Saeima faction Krishjanis Karinsh that European policy does not provide that minority education should be ensured from the state budget, therefore Latvia does not have to allot money to finance minority education. The newspaper gives examples of various EU countries, such as Finland, Norway, Spain etc., where minorities study in their languages for free.