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 Citizenship Law enters into force
• Conference Participation of Minority Consultative Mechanisms in Decision Making organised in Riga

Diena reports, as of 1 October, the new Citizenship Law enters into force. Following the new legal provisions, about 23,000 persons might apply for dual citizenship with Latvia. According to political scientists interviewed by the newspapers, despite the possible increase of the number of citizens in the future, the number of potential electors at the up-coming parliamentary elections most likely will not change significantly.

On 26-27 September, the Latvian Centre for Human Rights (LCHR) organised a conference Participation of Minority Consultative Mechanisms in Decision Making. The aim of the conference was to analyse the successes, problems and challenges of society integration and minority consultative mechanisms (councils, commissions) established at the state and municipal level in Latvia. Representatives from Estonia and Sweden (Municipality of Sodertalje) also shared their respective experiences. In the framework of the conference, the LCHR presented itsalternative or “shadow report” on the Implementation of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The conference was organised within the framework of the project "Strengthening Integration Dialogue Platforms."

More about the conference: http://cilvektiesibas.org.lv/en/news/sonference-participation-of-minority-consultative--256/

Link to the alternative report: http://cilvektiesibas.org.lv/en/publications/second-alternative-report-on-the-implementation-of-258/