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.

• New EU directive may exclude non-citizens of Latvia from equal consular protection abroad 

Chas reports that draft EU Directive on consular protection for citizens of the Union abroad may exclude from equal consular protection the unique Latvian legal category - non-citizens of Latvia. The Directive envisages consular protection to those citizens who do not have their Member States' representation in the third country and entitles them to seek help at any embassy or consulate of another Member State represented in that third country. The MEP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia (MFA) to pursue active steps in order to ensure equal consular protection for the non-citizens. In response, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry Vladimirs Makarovs stated that Latvian non-citizens abroad will not be denied consulate protection. However, Mrs Zdanoka believes that this response lacks substance and in particular, MFA does not explain what amendments to the draft were proposed by Latvia to ensure equal consular protection for Latvian non-citizens. Previously, MFA neglected non-citizens altogether when negotiating visa-free agreements with the EU. Chas (24.09.2012)