New guide published to enhance minority rights via inclusive education

Inclusive educational environment recognising diversity, promoting a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, addressing discrimination and segregation is crucial for enhancing the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. What should be done in practice by European states, civil society and the academic community to foster such an environment is the focus of the Thematic Commentary, adopted by the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and published on 17 October.

Key points of the new document include:

– Curriculum Development: Educational materials and teacher training must incorporate minority rights and respect for diversity as fundamental values.

– Equal Access: Ensuring quality education for all requires addressing socio-economic barriers faced by people in vulnerable situations, devising and putting into practice support mechanisms to create equal opportunities.

– Language Rights: The right to learn minority languages must be safeguarded from the early stages of education onwards, alongside official languages.

– Endangered Languages: The revitalisation of endangered languages requires sustained efforts, leveraging new technologies while ensuring equitable access to quality education.

– Effective participation: Active participation of persons affiliated with national minorities in educational policymaking is essential to address their specific needs. This involves collecting disaggregated data on educational outcomes to develop targeted strategies.

The new Commentary replaces the 2006 edition, providing an updated interpretation of the Framework Convention’s provisions relevant to education, based on the Advisory Committee’s country monitoring work. This comprehensive document serves as a practical guide for state authorities, public officials, civil society organisations, persons affiliating with national minorities, and other stakeholders involved in advancing minority rights.

 Thematic commentary