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Riga should fight xenophobia more actively, the Council of Europe believes. This was stated by the authors of the resolution adopted at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CMCE). It took place the day before, on March 3, TASS reports.
The document notes that the Latvian authorities do not pay attention to manifestations of xenophobia, which, in turn, leads to an atmosphere of impunity. In addition, the resolution expresses concern that the use of the languages of national minorities in the educational sphere is increasingly being restricted in the Baltic republic.
The CMCE notes that the two largest national groups - the Latvian majority and the Russian minority - hold different geopolitical points of view and cultural identities. Restrictive policies and other pressures that are politically motivated are particularly noticeable in the media, in education and in attitudes towards the use of minority languages in many areas of public life. In addition, the requirements for knowledge of the Latvian language are becoming more stringent in almost all professions. The Latvian authorities also plan to reduce the amount of teaching in the languages of national minorities. And in high school all subjects will be taught in the state language.
The CMCE demands to take steps to unite society and increase the involvement of representatives of different social strata. Riga must ensure the continuous availability of education in the languages of national minorities throughout the country. The Latvian authorities are expected to effectively “combat stereotypes and prejudices in political discourse” and promote “tolerance and intercultural dialogue in society”.
The study of the state language, according to the committee, should take place on a voluntary basis. The CMCE also calls for a revision of the approach to quotas for broadcasting mass media in the languages of national minorities.
Russkiy Mir
