integration
The Government of Latvia has confirmed a Framework Document
of the National Program called “Integration of Society in Latvia.”
VISION
The Program exhibits the political vision of the Government for development
of society.
Latvia considers the process of EU and NATO accession and the integration
of society in Latvia to be mutually reinforcing processes.
POINT OF REFERENCE
The Program will serve as a point of reference for the people of Latvia.
The text provides for a common understanding of what integration means
and how it will be carried out.
THE GOAL
The goal of integration is a consolidated civil society based on shared
principles democracy, rule of law, respect for and observance of human
rights. Integration is unthinkable without the support and active
participation of the political forces in Latvia.
ENHANCING CO-ORDINATION
The Program development is a sign that Latvia is enhancing co-ordination
of various efforts aimed at integration of society.
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The Program will establish a unified system for facilitating integration
of all residents as well as members of the Latvian diaspora that wish to
return to Latvia.
COMPREHENSIVE
The Framework Document is a basis for a comprehensive program which
will address integration problems in all spheres of life.
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Latvian language training,
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naturalization, and
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reform of the educational system.
Aspects of the Program
Chronology
Implementation Mechanism
of the Integration Program
International
Assistance
Aspects
of the Program
The integration of society includes processes that occur in various
spheres - political, judicial, social, educational, cultural; all these
areas are covered by the Framework Document.
The Program seeks to increase political integration and active participation
of residents of Latvia at all levels in the parliamentary process.
The Program seeks to promote civic participation by supporting formation
and activities of NGOs.
The Program seeks to create a society with equal opportunities for all;
to extend the possibilities for social participation for all individuals
and groups of residents.
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Strengthening Latvian Language Teaching
The Program seeks to strengthen support for teaching of the Latvian language.
Meanwhile, the state will care for the preservation and development
of minority cultures and promote development of tolerance with regard to
other cultures.
Chronology
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In March 1998, a ministerial Integration Council was established and tasked
with drafting the Framework Document of the National Program “Integration
of Society in Latvia.”
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In March-September 1998, a group of experts established by the Integration
Council prepares the first draft of the Framework Document.
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On September 29, 1998, the Cabinet of Ministers accepts the draft Framework
Document as a basis for future discussions.
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On January 3, 1999, the ministerial Integration Council is re-established,
following the change of Government. The Integration Council is chaired
by the Minister of Education and Culture, and its members are the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Welfare and the Minister of Justice.
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On February 18, 1999, a Steering Group is established to co-ordinate the
public debate and revision of the draft Framework Document the National
Program.
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On March 10,1999, the public debate commences; it lasts until the end of
May. An estimated 25,000 persons take part in the debate, an unprecedented
number for Latvia. More than 80 events take place during this period, including
national and regional conferences and seminars on particular issues dealt
with in the Framework Document.
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In June-July 1999, the draft Framework Document of the National Program
is revised and updated taking into account the results of the public debate.
In the text of the final draft, two new sections on civic participation
and social integration are added.
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On August 4, 1999, the revised draft Framework Document the National Program
is submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.
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On September 22, 1999, the Cabinet of Ministers approves, in principle,
the Framework Document the National Program, and assigns the task of coordinating
implementation of the Integration Program to the Ministry of Justice.
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In December 1999, the Cabinet of Ministers gave final approval to the Framework
Document of the National Program for Integration of Society in Latvia.
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By March1, 2000, the expanded version of the Integration Program
and concrete projects for the next two years along with the corresponding
calculations of financial requirements in the field of integration will
be prepared.
Implementation
Mechanism of the Integration Program
The Ministry of Justice will co-ordinate the implementation of the Integration
Program. A Co-ordination Council will be established in which representatives
of ethnic minorities and leaders of society will participate.
In accordance with the Framework Document, a Foundation for the Integration
of Society will be established. The Foundation will be charged with attracting
financial resources to the implementation of the Integration Program and
with the distribution of funds, including funds allocated from the state
budget.
International
Assistance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia regularly briefs Latvia’s
international partners on the development of the National Program.
The text of the draft Framework Document of the National Program has been
submitted to Max van der Stoel, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.
Mr. van der Stoel discussed the National Program during his visits in Latvia.
The UNDP office in Latvia has expressed its interest in coordinating
the attraction of countries and institutions which may be able to provide
assistance in funding for implementation of the Integration Program.
During the future work on the National Program, the participation of
international donors will be very important given the large scale of the
project. The Government of Latvia hopes that its international partners
will support implementation of the Integration Program.
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