Minority Education Reform in Latvia: Towards Historicization of Human Rights
by Kiryl Kascian
Question(s) at stake
Whether the increase in the proportion of instruction hours in the official language in Latvia complies with the Constitution and international human rights laws, particularly the principle of equality and the rights of minority individuals to preserve and use their culture and language
Outcome of the ruling
The Constitutional Court found that the measures prescribed by the amendments to the Law on Education are consistent with the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia and with Latvia’s obligations under international human rights law. Therefore, under Latvian law, there are no legal impediments to the implementation of educational reforms, including those affecting minority schools.
Country:
Official citation
Latvian Constitutional, Judgement of 13 May 2005, Case no. 2004-18-0106 (Mazākumtautību skolas: LR Satversmes tiesas spriedums lietā nr.2004-18-0106. Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2005. 17. maijs, nr. 77 (2019/232.8))
Topic(s)
Keywords:
Medium of instruction Non-discrimination Right to maintain and develop a minority culture Use of minority language in public education
Tag(s):
Education Minorities Language rights Minority education
Bibliographic information
Access case report
View case report in the CUREDI databaseAbout the authors
Kiryl Kascian (International Centre for Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity Studies, Prague, Czechia)
Dr. Kiryl Kascian is an expert in inter-ethnic relations, human rights, constitutional law, security issues and regional development with the focus on Central and Eastern Europe. He is editor-in-chief of the Belarusian Review. He holds doctoral degree in law from the University of Bremen. He has lectured in a number of Czech and German Universities and provided his expertise inter alia for the Office of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, the Government Council for National Minorities of the Czech Republic, and the Equal Rights Trust.