Rights of linguistic minorities 2013, para. 45

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Paragraph text
In some national contexts Governments have imposed prohibitive restrictions on the use of minority languages in public spheres, including in political life. Under such circumstances minorities have even faced prosecution for exercising their right to use their language publicly, for example in the context of political campaigns. Such actions may be imposed in the context of efforts to stringently enforce the use of a single national language or assimilate minority communities via restrictions on their language use. In some cases, inter-ethnic or inter-religious conflict may motivate such restrictions designed to marginalize and exclude a particular population group. Few cases have been reported of restrictions on the use of minority languages in private life; however, aggressive promotion of a national language and restrictions on education in the mother tongue may be interpreted by members of a minority as attempts to assimilate them or eradicate minority language use in all spheres.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on minority issues
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Civil & Political Rights
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Ethnic minorities
Year
2013
Paragraph type
Other
Paragraph number
45