Category: High Commissioner on National Minorities

HCNM statement to the 1188th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on education language), 2018

(..) I have taken note of recent changes to the education policy in Latvia and the messages I received from a number of representatives of civil society and national minorities, who referred to a strong response by the law enforcement authorities to their expression of concern about the contents and pace of the education reform. … Continue reading "HCNM statement to the 1188th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on education language), 2018"

HCNM statement to the 1026th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on language), 2014

(..) The increase in Russian-language programming provided by the public broadcaster is a positive step in reaching out to minority communities with locally produced content. I heard from minority representatives that one of their main concerns is the future of education in minority languages amidst calls to increase the subjects taught in Latvian in minority-language schools. … Continue reading "HCNM statement to the 1026th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on language), 2014"

HCNM statement to the 1026th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on citizenship), 2014

(..) The number of non-citizens in Latvia continues to decline but remains a concern and an integration challenge. With the naturalization rate dropping to its lowest level, it is vital that non-citizens are encouraged to become citizens and that non-citizens take advantage of opportunities to become Latvian citizens. I encouraged the authorities to undertake public campaigns to promote … Continue reading "HCNM statement to the 1026th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on citizenship), 2014"

HCNM statement to the 868th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on language), 2011

(..) language and education issues also featured prominently in my discussions in Latvia during my visit in February. I was encouraged to hear of progress in the integration process, particularly in the acquisition of the State language among national minorities. The education reform, which increased the amount of Latvian instruction in minority-language schools while preserving the right of … Continue reading "HCNM statement to the 868th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council (excerpt on language), 2011"