Guidelines on the use of Minority Languages in the Broadcast Media GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF MINORITY LANGUAGES IN THE BROADCAST MEDIA І. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1) Freedom of Expression The freedom of expression of every person, including persons belonging to national minorities, includes the right to receive, seek and impart information and ideas in a language and media of their choice without interference and regardless of frontiers. The exercise of this freedom may be subject only to such limitations as are compatible with international law. 2) Cultural and Linguistic Diversity States should guarantee the freedom of choice by creating an environment in which a variety of ideas and information can flourish as communicated in various languages. 3) Protection of Identity All persons, including persons belonging to national minorities, have the right to maintain and develop their identity, including through the use of their language(s), in and through the broadcast media. 4) Equality and Non-Discrimination All persons, including persons belonging to national minorities, have the right to enjoy the freedom of expression and to maintain and develop their identity in and through the broadcast media in conditions of equality and without discrimination. States should take special and concrete measures, where necessary, to ensure that persons belonging to national minorities enjoy effective equality with regard to the use of their language in the broadcast media. 7