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

• Diena
on the status of non-citizens after Latvias accession to the EU
• Integration Minister asks General Prosecutors Office to examine an article in the nationalistic newspaper DDD
• Roma NGO will ask with the Corruption Prevention Office to examine expenditures of the National Roma Association

Diena

features an article on the status of Latvian non-citizens after Latvias accession to the EU. Latvian non-citizens do not have a clear picture about their status after Latvias accession to the EU, however, they believe that after the accession there will be no major differences between the status of citizens and non-citizens. The recently adopted EU directive on the nationals of the third countries provides for that Latvian non-citizens will have the same social rights as they did before, as well as they will be granted minimal rights which have all long term residents of the EU without EU citizenship. However, non-citizens will not have the right to participate at central and local elections. The Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre says that the directive solves the issue of non-citizens on a practical level, however, legally they still will have the status of stateless persons. Special Task Minister for Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks believes that rights of non-citizens should not be limited, however, there should be motivation to naturalise.

Special Task Minister for Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks asked the General Prosecutors Office to examine the article printed in the nationalistic newspaper DDD published by Aivars Garda. The Integration Minister believes that the article kindles national hatred. The newspaper features an article which states that the II World War was started not by Hitler but by Jews, besides the newspaper used a humiliating word for Jews. The General Prosecutors Office will reach decision most probably next week. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya

features an article about the situation of Roma in Jurmala. Roma NGO Dorsis developed the activity plan aimed at improving the situation of Roma in Jurmala and tried to submit the plan to the Jurmala City Council, however, the Council said that they should look for the help in the National Roma Association led by Normunds Rudevics. Representatives of Dorsis state that during 10 years Rudevichs has not provided any help. Dorsis is planning to apply with the Corruption Prevention Office to find out where the National Roma Association spent the money allotted from the state budget.