Reflections on the six-year tenure of the Special Rapporteur 2017, para. 38
Paragraph- Paragraph text
- In her report, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that for minorities, language was a central element and expression of their identity and of key importance in the preservation of group identity. Language was often particularly important to non-dominant communities seeking to maintain their distinct group and cultural identity, sometimes under conditions of marginalization, exclusion and discrimination. Minority language rights and language use were frequently a source of tensions, both between and within States. Proponents of linguistic rights had sometimes been associated with secessionist movements or had been seen as a threat to the integrity or unity of a State. The Special Rapporteur pointed out that it was often only when minorities asserted their rights to identity and language that discrimination or persecution started. Fulfilling the rights of minorities, including their language rights, was an essential means to prevent tensions from emerging and was a key element of good governance and conflict prevention. If not appropriately addressed at an early stage, such tensions had led to protracted conflicts and deepening of divisions between linguistic groups. Where conflicts had ceased or peacebuilding initiatives were under way, it was essential that all groups in society should play a full role in discussions, negotiations and decision-making processes.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on minority issues
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2017
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Paragraph number
- 38
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