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.

• Saeima supported the draft Introduction to the Constitution of Latvia in the second reading
• Ex-MEP from Latvia, politician Karlis Sadurskis: education system in Latvia should become more ethnic Latvian
• Latvijas Avize prints an article about Roma integration

Yesterday, after three hours debates, the Saeima supported the draft Introduction to the Constitution of Latvia in the second reading. In the framework of the debates, the MP from the oppositional party the Concord Centre Andrejs Elksnins proposed to conduct a national referendum about the adoption of the Introduction as it impacts irrevocable articles of the Constitution. However, such proposal was refused. The Saeima also refused a proposal of the nationalists’ union All for Latvia!/FF-LNIM to return a notion of state nation referring to ethnic Latvians in the Introduction. As reported, the draft text of the Introduction says: “Latvia was proclaimed on 18 November 1918 is formed through consolidation of historically Latvian lands based on a firm state will of ethnic Latvian nation and its integral right for self-determination in order to guarantee existence and development of ethnic Latvian nation, its language and culture for centuries, to ensure freedom of every person and whole nation and facilitate welfare [..] Latvian nation honours its warriors for freedom, pays tribute to the victims of foreign regimes, condemns crimes of communist and Nazi totalitarian regimes. Latvia as democratic, legal, socially responsible and national state is based on human dignity and freedoms, recognizes and protects fundamental rights and respects national minorities. [..] Since ancient times, Latvian identity in European cultural space is formed by ethnic Latvian and Liv’s traditions and wisdom, Latvian language, universal human and Christian values. Latvian language as the only state language, freedom, honesty, justice, solidarity, equality, family, labour and devotion to Latvia is the foundation for the solid Latvian society.[...].” Diena

In an interview with Latvijas Avize, ex-MEP from Latvia, politician Karlis Sadurskis stated that it is important to create a common Russian language media broadcasting for Baltic states as soon as possible in order to provide an alternative for channel re-broadcasted from Russia. He said that education system in Latvia should become more ethnic Latvian and Latvian language should be as the basic language of education.

Latvijas Avize prints an article about Roma integration. According to it, there are about 9,000 Roma residents in Latvia and in every area – such as education, employment, housing and health care – there is a lot to improve. Head of the Roma organisation Nevo Drom Anatolijs Berzovskis says that many Roma have emigrated from Latvia in search of work in other countries. Mr Berezovskis also says that many Roma children lack motivation to continue education. According to the head of the Roma Culture Development Centre Kaspars Antess, discrimination towards Roma people in Latvia is controversial issue because from one side they are granted the same rights as other citizens but the problem is whether Roma are ready to use these rights.