The amendments adopted in Latvia in 2018 regarding the gradual transition to teaching in Latvian language only in national minority secondary schools do not violate the right to education laid down in the European Convention on Human Rights, as concluded by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
As reported by Latvian state president’s advisor for legislation and international law Kristīne Līce, ECHR has declared a verdict in the Valliulina and others against Latvia case, unanimously recognising that the amendments passed five years ago regarding the increase of the proportion of Latvian language in studies do not breach the convention.
On the 22nd of March 2018 the Saeima passed in the final reading amendments to the Education Law and General Education Law that provided for starting a gradual transition to education only in Latvian language in secondary schools starting with 2019/2020 school year.
58 deputies voted in favour of amendments. 18 deputies voted against.
Proposals for the changes listed in amendments were submitted by then the Minister of Education and Science Kārlis Šadurskis in October 2017.
The first protests against the education language reform came soon after.
Latvian Russians Union, Russian Schools Support Headquarters, as well as multiple members of Harmony political party attempted to ensure the preservation of bilingual education. They also suggested providing Russian schools with autonomy.
Both sides have three months to challenge the verdict in the Valliulina and others against Latvia case and request a repeat viewing in the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights.
Also read: AS puts Latvian minister on blast about sexual education study materials for nine-year-olds