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.

• Media report about the forth-coming election of the Ombudsman

In an open meeting the Saeima’s Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee heard two candidates for the post of the Ombudsman – the present Ombudsman Juris Jansons and the former State Police representative Ilze Berzina-Rukere. Mr Jansons was nominated by MPs from the National Union (All for Latvia!/FF-LNIM) and Union of Greens and Farmers, while Ms Rukere’s candidature was put forward by the Unity. MP Inese Lībiņa-Egnere (Unity) highlighted that Mr Jansons tends to avoid such issues as domestic violence, violence against women, but raises more comfortable issues, which have the support of the general public. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Anhelita Kamenska underlined Ms Berzina-Rukere has had much more diverse working experience, including experience at international level and NGOs. Ms Kamenska criticised J. Jansons for avoiding controversial and sensitive issues, e.g. LGBT rights, and for his absence during the asylum debate. The mandate of the current Ombudsman expires on 16 March. The new Ombudsman is elected by a simple majority for a five year term. The opposition Concord faction has already stated that it will not support J. Jansons. On Thursday, 18 February, the Ombudsman also presented the Annual Report 2015 before the Parliament. Lsm.lv