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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Nils Muiznieks approved for the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration.

Nils Muiznieks approved for the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration.

Yesterday the Saeima approved the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks, director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, for the post of Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration. The Saeima had one vote for all new members of the Cabinet – Nils Muiznieks and candidacy for the Welfare Minister Dagnija Stake. 52 out of 55 coalition members had a positive vote for the two candidacies. FF/LNNK voiced objections towards Nils Muiznieks, however, they voted for his candidacy. FHRUL voted against although they supported the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks.

Yesterday the Saeima approved the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks, director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, for the post of Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration. The Saeima had one vote for all new members of the Cabinet – Nils Muiznieks and candidacy for the Welfare Minister Dagnija Stake. 52 out of 55 coalition members had a positive vote for the two candidacies. FF/LNNK voiced objections towards Nils Muiznieks, however, they voted for his candidacy. FHRUL voted against although they supported the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks. Diena reports that Nils Muiznieks promises to foster ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to Muiznieks, it should be possible during this Saeima. He believes that the only reservation in the Convention should be made regarding the topographic names, because Latvia is not yet ready to see street names in two languages. Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the ratification as well, however, he believes that a number of reservations should be made, including topographic names. Neatkariga, Telegraf

Chas’ columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments on new Minister of Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. Fedoseyev agrees that his professional and academic background are very suitable for the position, however, Fedoseyev doubts whether Muiznieks will be able to oppose FF/LNNK and Repse as the Prime Minister will most likely care about the coalition than the observation of the interests of Russians. He concludes that the small budget of the ministry already shows the attitude of the government.

Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments on new Minister of Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. Fedoseyev agrees that his professional and academic background are very suitable for the position, however, Fedoseyev doubts whether Muiznieks will be able to oppose FF/LNNK and Repse as the Prime Minister will most likely care about the coalition than the observation of the interests of Russians. He concludes that the small budget of the ministry already shows the attitude of the government.

Vesti Segodnya

writes, Nils Muiznieks is a chance for national minorities. writes, “Nils Muiznieks is a chance for national minorities.”

Panorama Latvii

asks several questions to Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. When asked whether he will join the Latvian First Party who nominated him for the post, Muiznieks says that the ideas and programme of the party are very close to him, but it is too early to talk about that. asks several questions to Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. When asked whether he will join the Latvian First Party who nominated him for the post, Muiznieks says that the ideas and programme of the party are very close to him, but it is too early to talk about that. Language restrictions set for TV and radio hamper the development of the market

Language restrictions set for TV and radio hamper the development of the market
Dienas columnist Dita Araja features an article about the impact of the language restriction imposed on TV and radio broadcasting. According to the Law on Radio and Television only up to 25% of programmes can be aired in foreign languages. Radio organisations believe that these restrictions impede the development of the market and push away non-Latvians from listening to Latvian media. Human rights experts agree with the opinion and state that this is also a violation of the freedom of expression. The National Radio and TV Council is more cautious and is afraid that by abolition of language quotas, the number of mass media broadcasting in the Russian language will prevail. This year the NRTC has issued warnings regarding the violation of language quotas to three broadcasting organisations.

The project about the situation of Roma in Latvia applied with the Integration Foundation. The Roma Association in Latvia submitted a project to the Integration Foundation. The project foresees the study about the education situation of Roma and their life conditions in Latvia. The chairperson of the Association Normunds Rudevics states that it is not possible to develop an integration programme for Roma if there is no data. He claims that there are about 20,000 Roma in Latvia, although in accordance with the latest census there are about 8,800 Roma. Rudevics explains that many Roma preferred to be identified as non-Roma. Normunds Rudevics says that the attitude of society towards Roma is very negative and that Roma should be given a chance to foster their culture.

The project about the situation of Roma in Latvia applied with the Integration Foundation. The Roma Association in Latvia submitted a project to the Integration Foundation. The project foresees the study about the education situation of Roma and their life conditions in Latvia. The chairperson of the Association Normunds Rudevics states that it is not possible to develop an integration programme for Roma if there is no data. He claims that there are about 20,000 Roma in Latvia, although in accordance with the latest census there are about 8,800 Roma. Rudevics explains that many Roma preferred to be identified as non-Roma. Normunds Rudevics says that the attitude of society towards Roma is very negative and that Roma should be given a chance to foster their culture. Neatkariga

Article about journalist and integration expert Irina Vinnika

Article about journalist and integration expert Irina Vinnika
Neatkariga publishes an article about journalist Irina Vinnika who identifies herself as an Ukrainian although she does not speak Ukrainian. Vinnika works for the National TV and is very active in the field of integration. Irina Vinnika acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. She is the founder of the minority song festival Golden Ball. She dreams about democratic TV in the Russian language which is targeted at Russians residing in Latvia, however, she realises how controversially this idea could be perceived. Irina admits that the attitude what are you, Russians, doing in our television is sometimes still alive.

The third meeting of national minority schools takes place

The third meeting of national minority schools takes place
Vesti Segodnya reports that the third meeting of national minority schools will take place in Riga this weekend. The key discussion subject will be the co-operation among schools in order to facilitate studies of the Latvian language.

Interview with the organiser of the song festival for national minority children

Interview with the organiser of the song festival for national minority children
Neatkariga interviews organiser of the song festival for children and youth belonging to national minorities Zoja Kane. She voices satisfaction that the Latvian media has changed its attitude and has reflected the event in newspapers and LTV 2.