- 21 - education at all levels for persons belonging to national minorities reflects a concern expressed in the Vienna Declaration. Article 13 Paragraph 1 72. The Parties’ obligation to recognise the right of persons belonging to national minorities to set up and manage their own private educational and training establishments is subject to the requirements of their educational system, particularly the regulations relating to compulsory schooling. The establishments covered by this paragraph may be subject to the same forms of supervision as other establishments, particularly with regard to teaching standards. Once the required standards are met, it is important that any qualifications awarded are officially recognised. The relevant national legislation must be based on objective criteria and conform to the principle of non-discrimination. Paragraph 2 73. The exercise of the right referred to in paragraph 1 does not entail any financial obligation for the Party concerned, but neither does it exclude the possibility of such a contribution. Article 14 Paragraph 1 74. The obligation to recognise the right of every person belonging to a national minority to learn his or her minority language concerns one of the principal means by which such individuals can assert and preserve their identity. There can be no exceptions to this. Without prejudice to the principles mentioned in paragraph 2, this paragraph does not imply positive action, notably of a financial nature, on the part of the State. Paragraph 2 75. This provision concerns teaching of and instruction in a minority language. In recognition of the possible financial, administrative and technical difficulties associated with instruction of or in minority languages, this provision has been worded very flexibly, leaving Parties a wide measure of discretion. The obligation to endeavour to ensure instruction of or in minority languages is subject to several conditions; in particular, there must be “sufficient demand” from persons belonging to the relevant national minorities. The wording “as far as possible” indicates that such instruction is dependent on the available resources of the Party concerned. 76. The text deliberately refrains from defining “sufficient demand”, a flexible form of wording which allows Parties to take account of their countries’ own particular circumstances. Parties have a choice of means and arrangements in ensuring such instruction, taking their particular educational system into account.

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