The Formation of the Discrimination Situation of the Russian-Speaking Population of Latvia in the Context of International Obligations to Protect Human Rights and Freedoms

Abstract

The situation of the Russian-speaking population is one of the most pressing issues in relations between Russia and Latvia. The discriminatory status of this group has attracted the attention of the international community. The status of non-citizens has been controversial throughout Latvia’s independence. However, over time, the situation of the Russian-speaking population in Latvia has worsened, despite the development of international human rights law. The number of conflicts between Latvian legislation and international norms is increasing. Aim. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze conflicts that may indicate the legislatively enshrined forced assimilation of the Russian-speaking population. Methods. The research methodology is based on the application of the formal legal method to the International Covenants of 1966, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Information provided to relevant international human rights institutions by Latvian human rights organizations is analyzed. A historical perspective clearly demonstrates that, despite the fact that relevant international committees have drawn the attention of Latvian authorities to clear violations of international law protecting the human rights and freedoms of the Russian-speaking population, legally enshrined discrimination against this group has persisted over time. Results. The research reveals the weakness of democratic institutions in Latvia, as well as the low level of preparedness of law enforcement agencies responsible for preventing and addressing conflicts based on national, ethnic, and linguistic factors. Particular attention is paid to the problems of incitement to hatred and the promotion of ethnic hatred. Integration mechanisms, which have undergone a number of changes over time, have not led to the popularity of this method of acquiring citizenship. Over time, Latvia’s language policy toward the Russian language has become more stringent, and discrimination against Russian culture and traditions has also been observed. Conclusions. The conclusions of this article are that the number of conflicts between Latvian legislation and international human rights norms is increasing. Legislatively enshrined forced assimilation of the Russian-speaking population is observed. Overcoming the ethnic identity of Russian-speaking people is becoming a prerequisite for integration into Latvian society.