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.

• Chas prints an interview with one of the authors of the shadow report on implementation of the Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities in Latvia, the MP Boriss Cilevics
• Minister of Education Tatjana Koke has replied to an inquiry of the Saeimas faction For Human rights in United Latvia regarding minority schools and education
• European Commission against Racism and Intolerance recommends Latvia to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections

Chas prints an interview with one of the authors of the shadow report on implementation of the Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities in Latvia, the MP from the Saeimas faction The Concord Centre Boriss Cilevics. Mr. Cilevics has stated that the official governmental report which has been submitted to the Advisory Committee of the Council of Europe is incomplete and inaccurate. According to Mr. Cilevics, the shadow report stresses not only legislative acts but also factual situation in Latvia. Boriss Cilevics believes that various articles of the Framework Convention which are not implemented in Latvia because various legal norms and practices do not comply with requirements of the Convention. This mainly concerns usage of minority languages, distortion of non-Latvian names in accordance with Latvian grammar and education of ethnic minorities.

The Minister of Education Tatjana Koke has replied to an inquiry of the Saeima’s faction For Human rights in United Latvia regarding minority schools and education. According to the reply, about 30% of schools in Latvia are implementing education programs for ethnic minorities.   The Minister has stated that the reduction of the number of classes and the decrease of the number of students in Russian language schools is related to the general decrease of population of the country. The Minister has promised to support minority schools and promote education quality.

The Minister of Education Tatjana Koke has replied to an inquiry of the Saeimas faction For Human rights in United Latvia regarding minority schools and education. According to the reply, about 30% of schools in Latvia are implementing education programs for ethnic minorities. The Minister has stated that the reduction of the number of classes and the decrease of the number of students in Russian language schools is related to the general decrease of population of the country. The Minister has promised to support minority schools and promote education quality. Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports that yesterday, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance has publicised a report on the situation in Latvia during the past 5 years. The Commission criticizes the existing differences in rights of Latvian citizens and non-citizens and again recommends Latvian government to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections.