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.

• Latvijas Avize asks the MPs from different parties their opinion about wearing Muslim headscarves and face-covering clothing
• Gulbene Region’s Council approved that it has premises for accommodation of refugees

Latvijas Avize asks the MPs from different parties their opinion about wearing Muslim headscarves and face-covering clothing. Rihards Kols (National Union) believes that burqas should be banned in Latvia as there is no such tradition in the Western countries. He also believes that it as a matter of security as face masks can be used maliciously in order to hide the identity. Also Lolita Cigane (Unity) thinks that headscarves completely covering the face should be banned because it is against Latvian values and wearing such clothing is humiliating for women. Nellija Kleinberga (Latvian Regions Union) stresses that immigrants should respect traditions and culture of the country they arrive to and that Latvians are not used to such type of clothing. Igors Pimenovs (Concord Centre) believes that person’s face should stay uncovered, but there is nothing provocative in wearing headscarves covering only hear. Andris Berzins (Union of Greens and Farmers) says that this issue should be well analysed taking into account experience of other countries. According to Inguna Sudraba (From Heart to Latvia), these issue can not be solved just by legal restrictions and it is a matter of explanation, education and tolerance. According to Neatkariga, ifLatvia plans to introduce any restrictions on wearing face-covering clothing such as niqab or burqa it should be done before the arrival of Muslim immigrants toLatvia. The head of the Saeima’s Legal Committee Gaidis Berzins believes that corresponding restrictions could be included in some national legal provisions.

The Gulbene Region’s Council (region in the Eastern part of Latvia) approved there are available premises for accommodation of refugees in different parishes of the region. However, according to the heads of these parishes, despite that there are even furnished apartments available, there are no places where people could be employed. Neatkariga