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.

• Increase in intolerance towards others in Latvia
• Foreign Affairs Minister about racism: Latvians must learn from mistakes of other countries
• Government accepted amendments to the Law of Social Security
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latviaplans to hold protest actions in November
• Saeima refused amendments to the Law of Repatriation

According to Aivita Putnina, one of the leading Latvian social anthropologist, Latvia observes the increase in intolerance towards people with other skin color, ethnicity and sexual orientation . The main targets of society’s aggression are gay people. Anthropologists explain the phenomena arguing that men are dominant in the Latvian society and it is not common to discuss sexuality openly. However, she notes that  the increase of intolerance might lead to instability in society.

According to Aivita Putnina, one of the leading Latvian social anthropologist, Latvia observes the increase in intolerance towards people with other skin color, ethnicity and sexual orientation . The main targets of societys aggression are gay people. Anthropologists explain the phenomena arguing that men are dominant in the Latvian society and it is not common to discuss sexuality openly. However, she notes that the increase of intolerance might lead to instability in society. Chas, NRA

Diena prints an article by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks about racism in Latvia. Artis Pabriks states that Latvian people should be ashamed to to permit manifestations of racism in Latvia and notes that those who have committed racially motivated crimes should be punished for that. He argues that racism is not widespread phenomena in Latvia, however, he – asks whether Latvians will be able to learn from mistakes of other countries where registered racially motivated crimes are high in numbers. The Minister states that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will ask other countries to help Latvia to prevent racism.

Yesterday the Saeima accepted amendments to the Law of Social Security that clarifies the definition of discrimination and establishes its prevention. Discrimination is prohibited on the following grounds: sex, age, skin color, language, religion, political and other beliefs, social origins, ethnicity, education, social, and property status, health, sexual orientation or other status.

Yesterday the Saeima accepted amendments to the Law of Social Security that clarifies the definition of discrimination and establishes its prevention. Discrimination is prohibited on the following grounds: sex, age, skin color, language, religion, political and other beliefs, social origins, ethnicity, education, social, and property status, health, sexual orientation or other status. Rigas Balss

Riga City Councils deputy from the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Genadijs Kotovs announced that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools plans to organize protest actions on 11 and 18 November. It should be noted that both dates are the days marked as national commemoration and celebration days. Executive Director of the Riga City Council Eriks Skapars promised not to sign a permission to organize protest actions on those days, because ‘pickets could ruin national holidays. Rigas Balss, LA

Yesterday Saeima refused the proposal of party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) to amend the Law of Repatriation. FF/ LNNK proposed a norm that would encourage people of other nationalities to return to their native countries.  According to the proposed amendments,  government should develop a special program to help people who  came to Latvia during the Soviet occupation and their children to go back to their motherlands.

Yesterday Saeima refused the proposal of party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) to amend the Law of Repatriation. FF/ LNNK proposed a norm that would encourage people of other nationalities to return to their native countries. According to the proposed amendments, government should develop a special program to help people who came to Latvia during the Soviet occupation and their children to go back to their motherlands. Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya