ACFC/31DOC(2008)001 minorities’ culture and identity. Moreover, the possibility for national minorities to create and use their own media is in itself an effective form of participation, in particular in public affairs and cultural life. This may also have direct and indirect social and economic benefits for persons belonging to national minorities. Article 1064 160. The right to use freely minority languages orally and in writing, in private and in public, as well as in relations with administrative authorities is a significant factor enhancing the participation of persons belonging to national minorities. This is particularly relevant for persons belonging to national minorities who live in areas inhabited traditionally or in substantial numbers by national minorities.65 For example, policies of recruitment of civil servants favouring those with minority language proficiency are a positive way of promoting and enhancing minority participation in public administration. Likewise, the possibility of using minority languages in relations with administrative authorities can contribute to more effective communication with the authorities by persons belonging to national minorities. In local elected bodies, the possibility to use minority languages can allow persons belonging to national minorities to participate more effectively in decision-making. In contrast, strict language requirements may seriously hamper participation of national minorities in certain areas of life, in particular in socio-economic life and electoral processes. Yet, the importance of proficiency in the official language should not be underestimated as it also contributes to the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities.66 Article 12, 13 and 14 161. Articles 12, 13 and 14 of the Framework Convention encapsulate wide-ranging provisions in the field of education, which have been extensively analysed by the Advisory Committee in its Commentary on Education adopted in 200667. 162. Article 12 (1) requires that State Parties take measures to foster knowledge of the culture, language, history and religion of national minorities and of the majority population. Together with Article 6 (1),68 Article 12 thus sets the objective for State 64 10(2) In areas inhabited by persons belonging to national minorities traditionally or in substantial numbers, if those persons so request and where such a request corresponds to a real need, the Parties shall endeavour to ensure, as far as possible, the conditions which would make it possible to use the minority language in relations between those persons and the administrative authorities. 64 10(1) The Parties undertake to recognise that every person belonging to a national minority has the right to use freely and without interference his or her minority language, in private and in public, orally and in writing. 65 10(2) In areas inhabited by persons belonging to national minorities traditionally or in substantial numbers, if those persons so request and where such a request corresponds to a real need, the Parties shall endeavour to ensure, as far as possible, the conditions which would make it possible to use the minority language in relations between those persons and the administrative authorities. 66 See also the remarks below concerning Article 14. 67 See Commentary on education under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, adopted by the Advisory Committee on 2 March 2006. 68 See paragraph 152 above. 40