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.

• Newspapers report about a research „Identity and Belonging to Latvia of Ethnic Minority Students”
• Governing coalition’s council will discuss the issue about refugee’s quotas next week
• The MP Veiko Spolitis withdrew his proposal on fines for wearing St. George ribbons
• Diena interviews media expert Sergejs Kruks about integration issues in Latvia

Newspapers report about a research „Identity and Belonging to Latvia of Ethnic Minority Students” conducted by a researcher Mara Laizane.  85 persons – 65 students aged from 15 to 19 and 20 teachers got interviewed during the research. The results of the research show that ethnic minority students feel belonging to Latviaand most often identify themselves as “Latvia’s Russian speakers.” A part of ethnic minorities cannot identify themselves as “Russians” as they believe that “real” Russians live in Russiaonly. The other part, proudly identify themselves as “Russians” due to the family traditions and historical context. The third part call Russian language as their native language but by ethnic belonging they are Polish, Belorussians, Ukrainians etc. Students also stressed that ethnic designations such as “ethnic Russian” and “ethnic Latvian” have negative connotation. Students also believe that even if they wanted to they could never become ethnic Latvians because you can only be born as ethnic Latvian. Ethnic minority students feel the unity with ethnic Latvians when celebrating New Year or state holidays or during sports events. In total, the attitude of ethnic minority students towards Latviais positive. Ethnic minority students have some stereotypes about ethnic Latvians, but those are very different. Those young people who have daily contact with ethnic Latvians have lees stereotypes about them and more positive evaluation. Ethnic minority students agree that it is important to know Latvian language but believe that you cannot learn it on a good level at schools only. Students also believe that ethnic minority schools should be preserved because special value of these schools is in the good level of learning Russian language and literature. Celebration of Russian or Orthodox holidays in schools is also important issue for ethnic minority students. Evaluating the curriculum on history, young people called it as one-sided propaganda tool and what is written in the curriculum do not much with what they hear in families and media. Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

The full text of the research in Latvian language is available at: http://www.ascendum.lv/lv/notikumi/prezentes-petijumu-par-mazakumtautibu-skolu-skolenu-piederibas-sajutu-latvijai.html

According to Latvijas Avize, the governing coalition’s council is planning to discuss the issue about refugee’s quotas next week. The MPs interviewed by the newspaper agree thatLatvia should show its solidarity with the South European states regarding the continuous influx of asylum seekers from the North African countries. However, the opinion of the MPs about manifestation of the solidarity differs – whether to provide support to the South European states only or to provide accommodation for part of the refugees.

The MP Veiko Spolitis withdrew his proposal to introduce fines for wearing St. George ribbons (associated with the commemoration of World War II and Russia’s military heroism) at the public events and hanging those in cars in Latvia. The MP explained that he needs to precise and discuss the proposal with different ministries and involved parties. According to him, the St. George ribbon became Russia’s symbol which is not acceptable in the democratic society.  Vesti Segodnya

Diena interviews media expert Sergejs Kruks about integration issues inLatvia. According to Mr. Kruks, ethnic tension inLatvia is a problem artificially cultivated and maintained by Latvian politicians. Mr Kruks stresses that researches and public opinion surveys show that there are no big differences between the ordinary residents – ethnic Russians and ethnic Latvians. Both groups are worried about the same problems and have similar attitude towards government, media and other issues. He also criticizes approach to integration based on cultural dimension only as it should be done through inclusion of ethnic non-Latvians in the decision making and implementation.