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.

Neatkariga prints an interview with the Ombudsman Juris Jansons

MP Andrejs Judins: it is wrong to look at Russian speaking electorate trough ethnic prism

Neatkariga prints an interview with the Ombudsman Juris Jansons. According to Mr Jansons, the Ombudsmans Office analyses the new National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy Guidelines for 2012-2018 elaborated by the Ministry of Culture. The Ombudsman believes that there are many good issues written in the Guidelines, however, some of the elements look like assimilation not integration. The Ombudsman believes that assimilation is a wrong approach because it limits ethnic minorities in issues concerning their culture and identity. Commenting establishment of the governing coalition, Mr Jansons does not see direct ethnic discrimination in the fact that the Concord Centre was not included in the coalition explaining it by low level of political culture in Latvia.

MP, member of the Unity Andrejs Judins in an interview with

MP, member of the Unity Andrejs Judins in an interview with Chas states that there is a problem with attitude of so-called ethnic Latvian parties towards the electorate of the Concord Centre (CC). Mr Judins believes that it is wrong to look at Russian speaking voters trough ethnic prism and presumptions. However, Mr Judins does not support the inclusion of the CC in the governing coalition due to ideological principles of the party.