The indigenous minorities take a special position in Russia. In relation to these peoples, often living in difficult climatic conditions and having traditional lifestyles, three targeted federal and dozens of regional socio-economic development programmes have been implemented; additionally, the budgetary subsidies to support reindeer herding and livestock breeding were provided to Federal subjects of Russia over the last 15 years. Creation of non-budgetary funds of credit support for enterprises of minority peoples was made possible thanks to the agreements between large industrial companies and the regional authorities, local governments and indigenous communities in the framework of the development of public-private partnerships. Dear Madam Chairperson, I would like to draw your attention once more to the well-known problem of excessive requirements with regard to proficiency in the state language being imposed on persons belonging to minorities, which is barring minority members from employment in the public and private sectors in a number of countries. We have already heard today, that such practices adversely affect the level of employment and income, and generally, the participation of minorities in the economic life. The introduction of high fines, stricter requirements for proficiency in the official language, the availability of lists of occupations that require certification of proficiency in the official language, lead to marginalisation of minorities from the labour market. We believe that states should take additional measures to ensure employment and economic integration of minorities, including necessary professional and linguistic training. Thank you for attention.

Select target paragraph3