Rights of linguistic minorities 2013, para. 44

Paragraph
Paragraph text
The South African Constitution (art. 6) recognizes as official languages Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu, as well as English, and requires the State to take practical and positive measures to elevate the use of those languages, recognizing the “historically diminished use and status” of some languages. Municipalities must take account of language usage and preferences of their residents, including in education. The 2010 revised Constitution of Kenya has provisions for minorities, including article 7, which requires the State to protect the diversity of language of the people of Kenya and promote the development and use of indigenous languages. Article 44 establishes the right to use the language of a person’s choice and to form cultural and linguistic associations. Article 56 requires the State to establish affirmative action programmes to ensure that minorities and marginalized groups can develop their cultural values, languages and practices, including in the field of education.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on minority issues
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
Person(s) affected
  • Ethnic minorities
Year
2013
Paragraph type
Other
Paragraph number
44