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education at all levels for persons belonging to national minorities reflects a concern expressed
in the Vienna Declaration.
Article 13
Paragraph 1
72.
The Parties’ obligation to recognise the right of persons belonging to national minorities
to set up and manage their own private educational and training establishments is subject to the
requirements of their educational system, particularly the regulations relating to compulsory
schooling. The establishments covered by this paragraph may be subject to the same forms of
supervision as other establishments, particularly with regard to teaching standards. Once the
required standards are met, it is important that any qualifications awarded are officially
recognised. The relevant national legislation must be based on objective criteria and conform to
the principle of non-discrimination.
Paragraph 2
73.
The exercise of the right referred to in paragraph 1 does not entail any financial
obligation for the Party concerned, but neither does it exclude the possibility of such a
contribution.
Article 14
Paragraph 1
74.
The obligation to recognise the right of every person belonging to a national minority to
learn his or her minority language concerns one of the principal means by which such
individuals can assert and preserve their identity. There can be no exceptions to this. Without
prejudice to the principles mentioned in paragraph 2, this paragraph does not imply positive
action, notably of a financial nature, on the part of the State.
Paragraph 2
75.
This provision concerns teaching of and instruction in a minority language. In
recognition of the possible financial, administrative and technical difficulties associated with
instruction of or in minority languages, this provision has been worded very flexibly, leaving
Parties a wide measure of discretion. The obligation to endeavour to ensure instruction of or in
minority languages is subject to several conditions; in particular, there must be “sufficient
demand” from persons belonging to the relevant national minorities. The wording “as far as
possible” indicates that such instruction is dependent on the available resources of the Party
concerned.
76.
The text deliberately refrains from defining “sufficient demand”, a flexible form of
wording which allows Parties to take account of their countries’ own particular circumstances.
Parties have a choice of means and arrangements in ensuring such instruction, taking their
particular educational system into account.