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.

• Commissioner of Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muzinieks: governments should act in the best interest of stateless children

 The Commissioner of Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muzinieks believes states should grant citizenship automatically at birth to children born in their territory who would otherwise be stateless and not permit parents to choose an option that is clearly not in the child’s interest. Among the European countries, the Commissioner highlights Latvia and Estonia as countries with significant population of stateless children - 1,500 stateless or „non-citizens” children under the age of 15 live in Estonia and approximately 9,000 live in Latvia. The Commissioner believes Estonian and Latvian governments have allowed this situation to persist, permitting parents to choose a status that is not in the best interests of the child. The Commissioner calls governments to stop foisting the blame on history, other states or on “irresponsible parents,” but rather take the initiative to address statelessness and prioritise the best interests of the child. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

Read more in the blog of the Commissioner of Human Rights: http://humanrightscomment.org/