CATAN AND OTHERS v. MOLDOVA AND RUSSIA JUDGMENT
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technical knowledge and modern teaching methods. In this regard, particular account
shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.
Article 29
1. States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
(a) The development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical
abilities to their fullest potential;
(b) The development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for
the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations;
(c) The development of respect for the child’s parents, his or her own cultural
identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child
is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilizations
different from his or her own;
(d) The preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of
understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples,
ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin;
(e) The development of respect for the natural environment.
2. No part of the present article or article 28 shall be construed so as to interfere with
the liberty of individuals and bodies to establish and direct educational institutions,
subject always to the observance of the principle set forth in paragraph 1 of the
present article and to the requirements that the education given in such institutions
shall conform to such minimum standards as may be laid down by the State.”
THE LAW
82. The applicants complained about the forcible closure of their schools
by the “MRT” authorities and measures taken by those authorities to harass
and intimidate them because of their choice to pursue the children’s
education at Moldovan/Romanian-language schools. The Court must first
determine whether, in respect of the matters complained of, the applicants
fell within the jurisdiction of either or both of the respondent States, within
the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention.