MINELRES: Minority issues in Latvia, No. 80

[MINELRES moderator]

Original sender: Tatyana Bogushevitch <minissues@delfi.lv>


Minority issues in Latvia, No. 80

Prepared by the Latvian Human Rights Committee (F.I.D.H.)
February 21, 2004

Special issue  


Dear Madam/Sir,

In the previous issues of our newsletter we informed you about the mass
protests of ethnic minorities caused by the education reform and the
government�s ignoring attitude towards them. This newsletter will hit
the high spots on further development of the situation. 

However, in order to grasp the logic of the events, their meaning and
their potential results, we would like to provide you also with our own
analysis of what is happening. We consider it necessary because the
results of the analysis make us think that Latvia is standing at the
doorstep of ethnic conflict.

Political scientists often use the "process model" in order to take
temperature of a polyethnic society. The model implies several steps how
to find out whether there is a potential for ethnic conflict. The first
step is to identify the "ethnic balance" within three dimensions,
namely, political, social and economic. The more striking is deprivation
of one ethnic group and domination of another in at least one of these
spheres, the more likely is emergence of a conflict. Nevertheless, the
simple fact that there is a potential for a conflict does not make it
inevitable. 

The second step would be to see, whether at least one ethnic group is
aware of the imbalance, considers it unjust and is ready for a
collective action in order to change it. This leads to emergence of a
mass movement and its further institutionalization. If it is the case,
according to political science theory, the conflict breaks out when the
state refuses to meet radical requirements of the leaders of the
institutionalized movement. 

Analyzing the case of Latvia, we must admit, that the society
"temperature" has been high since the regaining of independence. The
fact of almost total exclusion of ethnic minorities from the political
sphere is well-known (93% of those working in ministries are ethnic
Latvians; never an ethnically mixed party was represented in a ruling
coalition in the Parliament, etc). As regards the economic sphere, than
the repressive language policy (language inspection, professional
language requirements, etc.), restrictive citizenship policy, issuing of
privatization certificates dependent on the citizenship, as well as many
other political measures have complicated the access to welfare for many
persons of non-Latvian ethnic origin. 

The social status of non-Latvians was also made clear. As the President
of Latvia stated, "Latvia is the land of ethnic Latvians and their
ancestors" (Minority Issues in Latvia, No.50,
http://www.minelres.lv/MinIssues/info/2002/50.html), implying that
non-Latvians should feel themselves at least as guests. The political
mainstream discourse is reproduced by the leading Latvian mass-media,
labeling Russian-speaking minority as "the fifth column", "the hand of
Moscow", "heritage of the occupation" etc.   

Yet, we have always described the situation as being stable with no
significant ethnic tension in the everyday occurrences (very few cases
of ethnically motivated violence, high percentage of inter-ethnic
marriages etc.). We have never reported any large-scale manifestations
of dissatisfaction of the Russian-speaking minority and its readiness
for a collective action. 

Now the situation has changed. Some Latvian journalists named it "the
Russian Awakening" (Krievu Atmoda) meaning mobilization of the
Russian-speaking minority in efforts to achieve the collective goal � to
preserve secondary education mainly in the mother tongue. Now we have to
report the mass protest actions which assemble the biggest number of
people since the regaining of independence, growing number of violent
conflicts between schoolchildren of schools with the Latvian and the
Russian language of instruction, increasing hostility in the everyday
occurrences. 

The movement against the reform became institutionalized: the
Headquarters for the support of Russian-language schools was created. On
March, 6 it is planning to assemble up to 10 000 people for a congress
of the "defenders of the Russian schools". There, it is planned to
require the Latvian government to abolish the reform and to delegate
some representatives to negotiate with it. However, as one of the
leaders of the Headquarters pointed out "We don�t need any dialogue; we
need cancellation of the reform". 

We face radicalization of the requirements as well as of the discourse,
for example, several Russian-language newspapers published lengthy
justification of the necessity to declare the Russian language the
second state language. 

We can foresee that the Latvian government is not going to yield to any
of the points � the more so that during the ongoing governmental crisis,
the right-wing parties Bargaining over the composition of the new
Cabinet tend to demonstrate their "adherence to Latvian national values'
and try to avoid any accusations in "sympathy towards Russians". Thus,
the preconditions of ethnic conflict as well as its first stage are
already the matter of fact. 

We are very concerned with the fact that the Latvian political elite as
well as the mainstream Latvian-language mass media fail to recognize the
danger of conflict. They still regard the situation as the result of
"pro-Moscow provocateurs"� efforts and are sure that tightening of
security measures would solve the problem. 

Unfortunately, the same seem to go for international community and
organizations whose mandate comprises prevention of ethnic conflicts, as
they seem to underestimate the recent developments. 

We consider that the education reform was not a single reason, but,
rather, a factor catalyzing the mobilization and radicalization
processes. 

That is why we appeal to subscribers of the newsletter "Minority Issues
in Latvia", asking for your assistance in helping to prevent further
worsening of the situation. We refer to experts, representatives of
international organizations, NGOs, journalists as well as to everyone
who shares our concerns, to answer our call and to pass it over.  

Maybe Latvia can become the first case of successfully prevented
conflict in Europe. 


Sincerely yours,

Tatyana Bogushevitch
editor

 
Education reform: provoking conflicts?

We reported about amendments to the Education Law adopted by the Saeima
(Parliament) in the second reading in the previous issue of our
newsletter (see Minority issues in Latvia, No. 79). According to them,
the subjects, which could be taught in minority languages in minority
secondary schools after September 1, 2004, are only minority languages
themselves, as well as subjects, "related to minority identity and
culture".

The amendments caused large-scale spontaneous protests of minorities. A
number of high-ranking state officials (including the President) pointed
out that the Law still should stipulate that up to 40% of the curricula
could be taught in minority languages, therefore, not less than 60% is
to be taught in Latvian. This proportion had been established by the
Cabinet�s regulations on the standards of general secondary education
before the Law was amended. The President Vaira Vike-Freiberga even
declared that she would not promulgate the amendments, if the wording
adopted in the second reading is retained ("Chas" ("The Hour"), January
28). The first critical notes about the reform and deficit of democracy
appeared in the Latvian-language newspapers (see "Neatkariga Rita Avize"
("The Independent Morning Newspaper"), January 26 and January 27).

Immediately after that Minister for Education and Science Karlis
Sadurskis and chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education,
Science and Culture Janis Strazdins declared their support for
stipulating the language proportion in the Law, despite they strongly
advocated totally different approach some days before. 

However, return to the previous version was of little help to reduce
tensions � inconsistent position of the parliamentary majority and clear
neglect of minorities' concerns completely undermine the minorities'
confidence, as well as positions of moderate minority NGOs and
politicians calling for constructive dialogue. As a matter of fact, the
government played into hand of most radical leaders of the Russian
minority. 

A number of proposals had been submitted before the third reading. The
pro-minority faction "For Human Rights in United Latvia" suggested that
three subjects, besides the Latvian language and literature, should be
taught in the Latvian language in minority secondary schools after
September 1, 2004. Another pro-minority faction of the People's Harmony
Party's proposed that a local government could determine language
proportions, taking into account opinion of the school�s council.
Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs Nils
Muiznieks suggested to stipulate that up to 40% of the curricula could
be taught in minority languages. Other MPs from the ruling coalition
proposed to delegate the right to establish language proportions to the
Cabinet of Ministers - it was also an initial idea of the government
when submitting the draft to the Saeima. After long consultations, the
Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Culture supported the
proposal of Dzintars Abikis (oppositional right-wing People�s Party) to
stipulate that at least 60% of the curricula is to be taught in the
state language in minority secondary schools after September 1, 2004. It
was added that subjects related to minority language, identity and
culture should be taught in minority languages. Despite Minister for
Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis, following the initiative of the
speaker of the Saeima Ingrida Udre, had promised to evaluate amendments
proposed by the NGO LASHOR (Association for Support of Russian-language
Schools in Latvia) and the People�s Harmony Party aimed at delegating
the power to determine language proportions to local governments ("Vesti
Segodnya" ("The News Today"), February 4), he finally rejected all these
proposals.

After the final vote in the Saeima, pro-minority opposition and
anti-reform NGO Movement appealed to the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga
not to promulgate the amendments. The President held a series of
consultations with state officials from the Ministry of Education and
Science and Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for
Society Integration Affairs, pro-minority faction "For Human Rights in
United Latvia", LASHOR and schoolchildren affected by the reform
("Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"), February 11). 

Ultimately, the President concluded that there were no legal or other
reasons not to promulgate the amendments. However, in the letter sent to
the speaker of the Saeima and Prime Minister, the President drew their
attention to some irregularities remaining in the law, in particular,
that private schools should have the opportunity to apply for state or
municipal financial support regardless of the language of instruction
(currently only private schools with the state language of instruction
are able to receive financial support). The possibility to choose
subjects to be taught in minority languages should be guaranteed for the
school (some provisions of the law authorise the Ministry of Education
to determine the subjects to be taught in the state language in minority
schools). The President also pointed out that the reform should be
implemented professionally.

It seems the Saeima is not going to implement recommendations of the
President. During the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on
Education, Science and Culture on  February 18, MPs have rejected the
idea to amend the Education Law again in order to eliminate
discriminatory provisions concerning financial support for private
schools. The Ministry of Education and Science informed that the
Cabinet�s regulations on the standard of general secondary education had
been amended in order to guarantee each school the right to elaborate
minority education programme itself, taking into account language
proportions. The programme is to be licensed by the Ministry. Other
problems concerning the reform could be solved by propaganda campaign,
especially in media using minority languages ("Vesti Segodnya" ("The
News Today"), February 19).

Situation concerning the education reform has caused reaction of foreign
actors. President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Peter Schieder Appointed member of PACE Erik Jurgens (The Netherlands)
as his special envoy on the minority education reform in Latvia
("Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"), February 5). Russian MPs sent an appeal
to the Saeima, noting that "these amendments is one more step directed
against 40% of Latvian residents � the Russian speaking minority. This
policy has already caused protests of this part of society and is in
conflict with recommendations of international organisations" ("Latvijas
Avize" ("The Latvian Newspaper"), February 5). In the meantime,
according to the "Latvijas Avize", the European Commission is not going
to prepare any recommendation on the reform and believes that Latvia
complies with all standards of the European Union (February 7).

In the meantime, protests of schoolchildren organised by the
Headquarters for the Support of Russian-language schools are growing.
Approximately 4,000 � 5,000 persons (up to 10,000, according to other
sources) protested against the reform on February 5 near the Saeima
during the third reading of the Law ("Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"),
February 6). From 8,000 to 23,000 schoolchildren (according to different
sources) participated in the meeting near the Riga Castle (residence of
the President), when she was discussing promulgation of the amendments
("Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"), February 12). New manifestations are
possible in the beginning of March, when the Headquarters for the
support of Russian-language schools will hold a congress of defenders of
the Russian-language schools.

The protest activities are being monitored very closely. Reacting to
manifestations, the police have requested school principals to specify
the number and names of those participating on strike. Representatives
of the National Human Rights Office pointed out that this demand
violates human rights and is illegal (see information at the website of
the Office). After the inner investigation and request sent to the
Minister for Interior by MPs from the People�s Harmony Party, it was
recognised that some police officers had exceeded their authority and
therefore will be punished. These officers claimed they wanted to find
our possible number of persons participating in protest activities in
order to guarantee security ("Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"), February 4).

At the same time deputy director of the State Education Inspectorate
Valda Puise pointed out that inner instructions of schools are to be
amended. In Puise's mind, it is unacceptable that pupils can justify
their absence by trivial parent�s note. In her view, it is time to
prohibit children's participation in strikes ("Telegraf" ("The
Telegraph"), January 28).

MP from the People�s Harmony Party Valery Ageshin was going to hold a
meeting with parents and schoolchildren on February 20 in order to
discuss the reform in his constituency - the city of Liepaja. Vice-mayor
of the city reacted immediately � he sent a letter to speaker of the
Saeima Ingrida Udre and Prime Minister Einars Repse asking to evaluate
activities of Mr Ageshin ( �Latvijas Avize� (�The Latvian Newspaper�),
February 18).

The large-scale protests evoked also activities of pro-reform forces.
The leader of the nationalistic organization "Visu Latvijai"
("Everything for Latvia") has spread an open letter calling for the
consolidation of Latvian patriots. "The main task of Latvians and
Latvian patriots today is to express their support of the reform as
definitely as possible. If we would not do so, we lose the most precious
we have" ("Latvijas Avize" ("The Latvian Newspaper"), February 12)

Media report also about conflicts between schoolchildren on the basis of
their native language (for example, there are such reports about the
Latvian-language Agenskalna primary school and Russian-language
secondary school No.34 in Riga � see "Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"),
February 16). However, "Telegraf" believes that in fact it is a
political provocation against the secondary school No.34, and there are
no indications that the conflicts arise on the basis of ethnicity
("Telegraf" ("The Telegraph"), February 17).

The Headquarters for the support of Russian-language schools has
produced a clip � remake of "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd
with lyrics in Russian aimed against the reform. "Warner/Chappell Music
Scandinavia AB" representing interests of Roger Waters has asked the
local copyright agency AKKA/LAA to prevent further distribution of the
clip (although they have not pointed to concrete violations, just
stating about them � "Latvijas Avize" ("The Latvian Newspaper"),
February 18).

Representatives of the Headquarters were also summoned to the Security
Police in order to provide explanations about possible provoking
violence. As Gennady Kotov, member of the Headquarters and Latvian Human
Rights Committee, stated, it does not provoke violence, as breaking the
wall in the clip is a symbol of breaking walls between different ethnic
groups in Latvia ("Vesti Segodnya" ("The News Today"), February 19).
Latvian Human Rights Committee has declared that it is going to contact
Roger Waters himself in order to get a permit to distribute the clip.

The police have detained two national-bolsheviks, who are suspected in
setting on fire the doors of the Ministry for Education and Science (see
Minority issues in Latvia, No. 79). There is no relationship between
them and other activists of the movement against the minority secondary
education reform. 

------------------------------------------------------
Compiled by: 
 
Tatyana Bogushevitch 
Alyona Babitch 
Julia Baranovska 
 
 
=========================================================== 
Minority issues in Latvia 
Newsletter published by the Latvian Human Rights Committee (F.I.D.H.) 
Subscription/inquiries: minissues@delfi.lv 
Back issues: http://www.minelres.lv/MinIssues/title.html
===========================================================