A/HRC/7/19/Add.3 page 20 reaffirm the principle of the legal continuity of the Latvian State and the reinforcing of Latvia’s national identity. However, he highlights the need to revisit this policy as a means to overcome this divisive issue between the Latvian and Russian-speaking communities. In particular, he noted the existence of two especially vulnerable groups of non-citizens - children of non-citizens who were born in Latvia and elderly persons - who could enjoy easier access to citizenship. 78. The Roma community in Latvia, as in most European countries, lives in particularly vulnerable conditions and suffers from structural discrimination that manifests itself specifically in the realms of education, employment and cultural stereotypes. Furthermore, Roma citizens have been exposed to mounting racist violence that has already claimed lives and that has left the Roma community under constant fear of attacks. The Special Rapporteur recognizes that some efforts have been made to address these problems, particularly with the implementation of the National Action Plan “Roma in Latvia 2007-2009”. However, apart from the provision of basic economic, social and cultural rights, authorities should focus on projects that target not only the community itself, but society as a whole. One of the main reasons for the marginalization of Roma citizens is intolerance and lack of acceptance by society at large, which can only be redressed through a national strategy that promotes cultural diversity and acceptance of multiculturalism. Such a strategy would also include activities that promote Roma culture as an enriching and unique component of Latvian national culture, thus deepening social and economic interactions between the Roma community and the rest of society. 79. The Special Rapporteur notes that racism and discrimination are phenomena under constant evolution, changing forms, expressions and typical targets. The gradual arrival in Latvia of new waves of migration, bringing for the first time non-European migrants to the country, is posing new challenges for the country in the integration of racially, ethnically and religiously different minorities. These challenges have already become present threats as non-Europeans have suffered from physical attacks and verbal threats, mainly by extremist groups. Although these crimes need to be met with a strong response by State institutions in the first instance, broader efforts need to be made to prepare Latvian society for the arrival and integration of persons with different traditions, ensuring respect for their culture, religion and customs. 80. The Special Rapporteur has noted that Latvia, like the other Baltic countries, is currently at a turning point in history. Its society is profoundly marked by the legacy of the Soviet domination and occupation, which has left scars that have yet to be healed, as the Special Rapporteur noted in his visit to the Occupation Museum. The central challenge it thus faces is to build a democratic, egalitarian and interactive multicultural society by taking into account both the need to reassert the continuity of its national identity - shaken and eroded by occupation but deeply rooted in a long memory - and the recognition and respect of the rights of minorities that arrived during the occupation. This new identity tension, with its political and cultural expressions, requires political vision, legal vigilance and cultural creativity to foster among communities a long-lasting sense of belonging and living together. Two principles should guide this process: respect for the historical truth and non-discrimination against minorities. To fully implement this strategy, national and regional factors will be of key relevance as far as the Russian communities are concerned. The full respect of their rights - in terms of citizenship, language, culture and the eradication of any form of discrimination - is closely linked to their involvement and participation in the process of a new multicultural nation that is fully respected by all countries in the region.