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.

• Results of study ‘Changing Identities: Mobilisation of Ethnic Groups and the Impact of Changes in the Ethnic Structure of Society on Societal Integration
• Article on discrimination problems in Latvia
• Saeima is planning to review the draft law, stipulating restrictions for persons with double citizenship to hold definite offices in the state administration

The public policy portal

The public policy portal www.politika.lv and the Russian-language newspaper Vesti Segodnya report on the results of the study ‘Changing Identities: Mobilisation of Ethnic Groups and the Impact of Changes in the Ethnic Structure of Society on Societal Integration, conducted by the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia. According to the study, ‘ethnic mobilisation takes place in Latvia, i.e., ethnic groups are more conscious of their ethnicity and become more determined to mainten their identities. Meanwhile the interest to maintain and develop ones ethnic identity is not always balanced with the development of civil identity. The authors of the study claim that many Poles and Lithuanians identify themselves with the Latvian state, are loyal towards it and support the implementation of the education reform. While negative attitude towards societal integration and the overall national policies are more observable among members of the Russian minority. To see the full text of study in Latvian click here.

Diena features an article by the ambassador of the European campaign For Diversity. Against Discrimination Maris Sants about discrimination problems in Latvia. The author of the article believes that mentally disabled persons and persons with physical disabilities, gays, Roma and middle-aged persons are those social groups which have the biggest problems to integrate into Latvian society. Maris Sants stresses that there is a necessity to adopt anti-discrimination legislation in Latvia and that would contribute to the recognition of diversity in Latvian society.

Today Saeima might adopt conceptually the draft law, submitted by the People’s Party, about restrictions concerning persons with double citizenship to hold certain offices in the state administration. While another governing party – the Union of Farmers and Greens – does not support the proposal of People’s Party and believes that these restrictions should not concern all MPs and state officials, but only high level officials.

Today Saeima might adopt conceptually the draft law, submitted by the Peoples Party, about restrictions concerning persons with double citizenship to hold certain offices in the state administration. While another governing party – the Union of Farmers and Greens – does not support the proposal of Peoples Party and believes that these restrictions should not concern all MPs and state officials, but only high level officials. Diena, Chas