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.

• Ten years ago Latvia has launched naturalisation
• Latvijas Avizes columnist calls to amend the Law on Citizenship
• FHRUL will launch monitoring of the quality of education
• Article about the Russian-Latvian Co-operation Association

Diena looks back at the beginning of naturalisation process in Latvia. Exactly 10 years ago first 103 persons acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Dienas columnist Askolds Rodins stresses that naturalisation provides a possibility to develop an integrated society, however, naturalisation is persons free choice. The columnist concludes that the growth of people who want to naturalise after Latvias accession to the EU is natural and no amendments should be introduced in the effective Law on Citizenship. The daily reports that within 10 years almost 100 thousand people acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane notes that todays average naturalisation applicant is ‘young and active. She is convinced that ‘young and active Latvian non-citizens will continue to naturalise at the same pace, while older people (about 130,000) will remain non-citizens. Diena and Chas also feature articles about the first naturalised persons Irina Poga and Teodors Tverijons.

Latvijas Avizes columnist Voldemars Krustins calls to align legislation regarding calls and incitement to ethnic hatred. He refers to proposed amendments to the Citizenship Law and concludes that the draft amendments do not provide norms to combat terrorism and ethnic hatred. He believes that the Citizenship Law should provide that Latvian citizenship should not be granted to propagators of terrorism and ethnic hatred.

Newspapers report on the press conference held by the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia and member of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Yakov Pliner. The main goal of the press conference was to remind the public about dissatisfaction of a part of society with the minority education reform. Yakov Pliner announced that as of this year FHRUL will launch monitoring of the quality of education provided by minority schools. He already reported on some results of the minority education reform provided by regional FHRUL members. According to their data minority schools choose bilingual education models and subject to be taught in Latvian at random and without thorough considerations.

Newspapers report on the press conference held by the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia and member of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Yakov Pliner. The main goal of the press conference was to remind the public about dissatisfaction of a part of society with the minority education reform. Yakov Pliner announced that as of this year FHRUL will launch monitoring of the quality of education provided by minority schools. He already reported on some results of the minority education reform provided by regional FHRUL members. According to their data minority schools choose bilingual education models and subject to be taught in Latvian at random and without thorough considerations. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features an article about activities of the Association of Latvian- Russian Co-operation, which deals with issues concerning Russias citizens who reside in Latvia.