Statement by the Universal Esperanto Association (Universala Esperanto-Asocio, UEA) during the 8th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues Palais des Nations, Geneva, 24-25 November 2015 4th item on the agenda: Difficulties of criminal justice to respond to the needs and requests of minorities. Speech by M. Stefano Keller, Head of the UEA delegation to the United Nations in Geneva Mr Chairman, Ms Special Rapporteur, My name is Stefano Keller and, together with my colleagues, I represent the Universala Esperanto-Asocio (UEA), which is the world association of speakers of the international language that is Esperanto. Esperanto has been used in the whole world for 128 years for interethnic communication, allowing for clear mutual understanding while putting everyone on equal footing. Regarding item 4 of the agenda, our association would like to draw your attention to the fact that language is present everywhere, in all aspects of criminal justice; it is the basis for the fulfillment of all rights as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our association, together with Esperanto-speakers worldwide, works to support the right of everyone to use their mothertongue in national or local administrations, as well as at school. Language barriers may prevent members of minorities from expressing themselves adequately and therefore from defending or claiming their right to fair justice. The UEA, in official partnership with the UN and the UNESCO, works to defend the language rights of minorities and indigenous peoples. We offer an interethnic language that is lively, politically neutral, and easy to learn, namely Esperanto. This means of communication is well-functioning and truly international.