Section III Understanding and implementing a human rights-based approach to language issues A human rights-based approach to language can be framed as a ‘recognize-implement-improve’ method for ensuring that state authorities effectively comply with their obligations. Laws, policies and processes must recognize language rights within a human rights framework i.e., authorities must integrate these into their conduct and activities, and mechanisms must be put in place to effectively address problem areas where they exist and improve compliance. The human rights based approach to implement language rights is important for the following reasons: • It builds on existing instruments, mechanisms and monitoring and enforcement structures that are already in place to ensure protection and promotion of human rights internationally, regionally and nationally. To portray language rights as something exceptional, special or unusual could lead to misunderstanding, resistance or rejection. Acknowledging and highlighting their position within the human rights paradigm provides greater opportunities to respond effectively to language issues by working within the context of international human rights law, as well as domestic legislation. • It provides human rights perspective that help elaborate and guide various language policies. Experience and knowledge from different countries can be shared, which contribute to replications of good practices among states. This helps to translate language rights as stipulated in international law and standards into practical legislation, policies and processes. • It can help to identify and minimize language policies that do not meet international standards which could lead to the exclusion or marginalization of significant segments of a state’s population— and even conflict. A regularly practiced, systematic human rights approach to language issues helps to identify potential issues and negative impacts, while also providing the ways and means to respond to and correct them. • There are four core areas in a human rights approach to language: Dignity Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. This is a fundamental principle of international law. The commentary on the UN Declaration on Minorities states that good governance includes legal, administrative and territorial arrangements which allow for peaceful and constructive group accommodation based on equality in dignity and rights for all, and which allows for the necessary pluralism to enable people belonging to different groups to preserve and develop their identity. Meeting the aspirations of minorities and ensuring their rights acknowledges the dignity and equality of all individuals, fosters participatory development and contributes to the lessening of tensions both within and among states.7 7 Commentary of the Working Group on Minorities to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious or Linguistic Minorities,<https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G05/133/85/PDF/ G0513385.pdf?OpenElement >. 11