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.

• Ombudsman Juris Jansons: it is not too late to conduct a consultative referendum on whether the society wants to accept refugees

• Minister of Interior Rihards Kozlovskis: Latvia will object new refugee quotas

In an interview with Neatkariga, the Ombudsman Juris Jansons said that Latvia’s and Europe’s policy regarding refugees is irresponsible. According to the Ombudsman, “the idea of solid responsibility and desire to help people running from death threats is maybe good, but most likely persons with terrorist attitude are being infiltrated into Europe through the refugee flow.” He also blames responsible authorities for inability to prevent terror threats. The Ombudsman believes that all integration policy papers in Latvia have not been effective enough for integration of ethnic minorities and other groups sharing the same European values; therefore, he doubts that Latvia will be able to integrate people belonging to other “civilization, values, and rights system.” According to the Ombudsman, it is important to listen to the public concerns and it is not too late to organize a consultative referendum on whether the society wants to accept refugees. He also emphasized that Latvia’s infrastructure is not prepared for ensuring human rights of increasing numbers of refugees.

The Minister of Interior Rihards Kozlovskis stated that Latvia cannot take new commitments for accommodation of a larger amount of asylum seekers as long as the previous commitments are not fulfilled. He also said that Latvia certainly will object new refugee quotas.