Recommendations Regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities advise that “[i]nternational law requires public authorities to ensure that all persons who are arrested, accused and tried be informed of the charges against them and of all other proceedings in a language they understand.”23 Moreover, the Oslo Recommendations add that “it is reasonable to expect that States should, so far as possible, ensure the right of persons belonging to national minorities to express themselves in their language [including through an interpreter] in all stages of judicial proceedings (whether criminal, civil or administrative) while respecting the rights of others and maintaining the integrity of the processes, including through instances of appeal.”24 It should be emphasized that when persons belonging to national minorities are able to use their language in proceedings, their perception that the process is fair increases, which in turn fosters confidence in the justice system and contributes to conflict prevention. The use of minority languages entails providing, free of charge, interpretation during proceedings and timely translation of relevant documents, including evidence used at trial. Particular attention should be paid to making laws available in minority languages and to developing legal terminology in minority languages consistent with relevant national laws to facilitate the use of these languages in proceedings. Moreover, in areas where national minorities are settled in substantial numbers, consideration should be given to conducting all proceedings in their language, as suggested in The Oslo Recommendations.25 In addition to ensuring that persons belonging to minority communities can use their language in proceedings, from a practical point of view, minorities should also be able to speak their language in administrative procedures and in communications with courts and national human rights bodies.26 Their language should be spoken by staff and displayed on signage in buildings alongside majority languages. Forms, information about the institution, legal aid services and other practicalities (such as opening hours) should be made available in minority languages on-site and, where relevant, online. 23 24 25 26 HCNM (1998) The Oslo Recommendations, explanatory note to Recommendation 17. See also European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (1950) article 5(2); Council of Europe (1994) Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, article 10(3); and Council of Europe, Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (2012) Thematic Commentary No. 3: The Language Rights of Persons Belonging to National Minorities under the Framework Convention, paragraph 59. HCNM (1998) The Oslo Recommendations, explanatory note to Recommendation 18. The same standard should apply to national human rights institutions. HCNM (1998) The Oslo Recommendations, Recommendation 19. Council of Europe (1994) Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, article 10(2). The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities 19