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RS 0.441.2 European Charter of 5 November 1992 for regional or minority languages

Original Language Title: RS 0.441.2 Charte européenne du 5 novembre 1992 des langues régionales ou minoritaires

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0.441.2

Original text

European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Conclue in Strasbourg on 5 November 1992
Approved by the Federal Assembly on September 25, 1997 1
Instrument of ratification deposited by Switzerland on 23 December 1997
Entry into force for Switzerland on 1 Er April 1998

(State on 14 August 2013)

Preamble

The member states of the Council of Europe, signatories to this Charter,

Whereas the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a closer union among its members, in particular in order to safeguard and promote the ideals and principles which are their common heritage;

Whereas the protection of the historical regional or minority languages of Europe, some of which, over time, may disappear, helps to maintain and develop the traditions and cultural richness of Europe;

Whereas the right to practise a regional or minority language in private and public life constitutes an imprescriptible right, in accordance with the principles contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of the United Nations 2 , and in accordance with the spirit of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe 3 ;

Taking into account the work carried out within the framework of the CSCE, and in particular the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and the document of the 1990 Copenhagen meeting;

Stressing the value of intercultural and plurilingualism, and considering that the protection and encouragement of regional or minority languages should not be at the expense of official languages and the need to learn them;

Aware that the protection and promotion of regional or minority languages in the different countries and regions of Europe is an important contribution to the building of a Europe based on the principles of democracy and Cultural diversity, within the framework of national sovereignty and territorial integrity;

Given the specific conditions and historical traditions specific to each region of the countries of Europe,

Agreed to the following:

Part I General Provisions

Art. 1 Definitions

For the purposes of this Charter:

(a)
By the expression "regional or minority languages" means languages:
(i)
Traditionally used in a territory of a State by nationals of that State who constitute a group numerically less than the rest of the population of the State; and
(ii)
Different official language (s) of that State;
It does not include the dialects of the official language (s) of the State or the languages of the migrants;
(b)
"Territory in which a regional or minority language is used" means the geographical area in which that language is the mode of expression of a number of persons justifying the adoption of the various protection measures and Promotion provided for in this Charter;
(c)
"Non-territorial languages" means the languages used by nationals of the State which are different from the language (s) practised by the rest of the population of the State, but which, although traditionally practised on The territory of the State may not be connected to a particular geographical area of the State.
Art. 2 Commitments

Each Party undertakes to apply the provisions of Part II to all regional or minority languages in its territory, which meet the definitions of art. 1.

2. In respect of any language indicated at the time of ratification, acceptance or approval, in accordance with Art. 3, each Party undertakes to apply a minimum of thirty-five paragraphs or sub-paragraphs chosen from among the provisions of Part III of this Charter, of which at least three shall be chosen in each of the s. 8 and 12 and one in each art. 9, 10, 11 and 13.

Art. 3 Modalities

1. Each Contracting State must specify in its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval each regional or minority language, or each less common official language on the whole or part of its territory, to which Apply the paragraphs selected in accordance with subs. 2 of the art. 2.

(2) Any Party may at any time notify the Secretary-General that it accepts the obligations arising from the provisions of any other paragraph of the Charter that had not been specified in its instrument of ratification, acceptance Or approval, or that it will apply s. 1 of this article to other regional or minority languages, or to other less widely used official languages on all or part of its territory.

3. The commitments provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be deemed to be an integral part of the ratification, acceptance or approval and shall bear the same effects as from the date of their notification.

Art. 4 Existing protection statuses

1. None of the provisions of this Charter can be interpreted as limiting or derogating from the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.

2. The provisions of this Charter shall not affect the more favourable provisions governing the situation of regional or minority languages, or the legal status of persons belonging to minorities, which already exist in a Part or are provided for in relevant bilateral or multilateral international agreements.

Art. 5 Existing Obligations

Nothing in this Charter shall be construed as implying the right to engage in any activity or to perform any action contrary to the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations 1 Or other obligations under international law, including the principle of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.


Art. 6 Information

The Parties undertake to ensure that the authorities, organisations and persons concerned are informed of the rights and duties established by this Charter.

Part II Objectives and principles pursued in accordance with s. 1 of the art. 2

Art. 7 Objectives and Principles

1. In respect of regional or minority languages, in the territories in which these languages are used and according to the situation of each language, the Parties shall base their policies, legislation and practice on the objectives and The following principles:

(a)
The recognition of regional or minority languages as an expression of cultural wealth;
(b)
Respect for the geographical area of each regional or minority language, by ensuring that existing or new administrative divisions do not constitute an obstacle to the promotion of this regional or minority language;
(c)
The need for resolute action to promote regional or minority languages in order to safeguard them;
(d)
Facilitation and/or encouragement of the oral and written use of regional or minority languages in public and private life;
(e)
The maintenance and development of relations, in the fields covered by this Charter, between groups practising a regional or minority language and other groups of the same State speaking a language in identical form or Close, as well as the establishment of cultural relations with other groups of the state practising different languages;
(f)
The provision of appropriate forms and means of teaching and studying regional or minority languages at all appropriate stages;
(g)
Provision of means for non-speakers of a regional or minority language residing in the area where the language is used to learn if they so wish;
(h)
Promotion of studies and research on regional or minority languages in universities or equivalent institutions;
(i)
The promotion of appropriate forms of transnational exchanges, in the fields covered by this Charter, for regional or minority languages in an identical or similar form in two or more states.

2. The Parties undertake to eliminate, if they have not yet done so, any unjustified distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference relating to the practice of a regional or minority language with the aim of discouraging or The danger of maintaining or developing it. The adoption of special measures in favour of regional or minority languages, intended to promote equality between the speakers of these languages and the rest of the population or to take account of their particular situations, is not As an act of discrimination against speakers of more widely used languages.

3. The Parties undertake to promote, through appropriate measures, mutual understanding between all language groups in the country, in particular by ensuring that respect, understanding and tolerance of languages Regional or minority groups are among the objectives of education and training provided in the country, and to encourage the mass media to pursue the same objective.

4. In defining their policy with regard to regional or minority languages, the Parties undertake to take into account the needs and wishes expressed by the groups practising these languages. They are encouraged to establish, if necessary, bodies responsible for advising the authorities on all matters relating to regional or minority languages.

5. The Parties undertake to apply, mutatis mutandis, the principles listed in s. 1 to 4 above for non-territorial languages. However, in the case of such languages, the nature and scope of the measures to be taken to give effect to this Charter shall be determined in a flexible manner, taking into account needs and wishes, and respecting traditions and Characteristics of the groups involved in the languages in question.

Part III Measures in favour of the use of regional or minority languages in public life, to be taken in accordance with the undertakings entered into under s. 2 of the art. 2

Art. 8 Education

1. In the field of education, the Parties undertake, in respect of the territory in which these languages are used, according to the situation of each of these languages and without prejudice to the teaching of the official language (s) of the State:

(a) (i) to provide for pre-school education in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To provide for a substantial part of pre-school education to be provided in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(iii)
To apply one of the measures referred to in (i) and (ii) above at least to pupils whose families so desire and whose number is considered sufficient; or
(iv)
If the public authorities do not have direct competence in the field of pre-school education, to promote and/or encourage the application of the measures referred to in i to iii above;
(b) (i) to provide for primary education in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To provide for a substantial part of primary education to be provided in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(iii)
To provide, within the framework of primary education, that the teaching of the relevant regional or minority languages is an integral part of the curriculum; or
(iv)
To apply one of the measures referred to under i to iii above at least to pupils whose families so wish and whose number is considered sufficient;
(c) (i) to provide for secondary education in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To provide for a substantial part of secondary education to be provided in regional or minority languages; or
(iii)
To provide in secondary education for the teaching of regional or minority languages as an integral part of the curriculum; or
(iv)
To apply one of the measures referred to under i to iii above at least to the pupils who so wish-or, where appropriate, to whom the families so wish-in sufficient numbers;
(d) (i) to provide for technical and vocational education in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To provide for a substantial part of technical and vocational education to be provided in the relevant regional or minority languages; or
(iii)
To provide, within the framework of technical and vocational education, the teaching of the relevant regional or minority languages as an integral part of the curriculum; or
(iv)
To apply one of the measures referred to under i to iii above at least to the pupils who so wish-or, where appropriate, to whom the families so wish-in sufficient numbers;
(e) (i) to provide for university and other higher education in regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To provide for the study of these languages as academic and higher education subjects; or
(iii)
If, owing to the role of the State in relation to higher education institutions, subparagraphs i and ii cannot be applied, to encourage and/or authorize the establishment of university education or other forms of education Higher in regional or minority languages, or ways to study these languages at the university or in other higher education institutions;
(f) (i) to make arrangements for the provision of adult or continuing education courses provided primarily or wholly in the regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To offer these languages as subjects of adult education and continuing education; or
(iii)
If the public authorities have no direct competence in the field of adult education, to promote and/or encourage the teaching of these languages in the context of adult education and continuing education;
(g)
Make arrangements for the teaching of the history and culture whose regional or minority language is the expression;
(h)
To ensure the initial and ongoing training of teachers necessary for the implementation of those of par. A to g accepted by the Party;
(i)
To establish one or more supervisory bodies to monitor the measures taken and the progress made in the establishment or development of the teaching of regional or minority languages, and to draw up reports on these points Periodicals which will be made public.

2. In the field of education and in respect of territories other than those on which the regional or minority languages are traditionally used, the Parties undertake to authorise, encourage or put in place, if the number The speakers of a regional or minority language justify it, teaching in or of the regional or minority language at the appropriate stages of education.

Art. Justice

1. The Parties undertake, with regard to the constituencies of the judicial authorities in which a number of persons practising the regional or minority languages are resident, to justify the measures specified below, depending on the situation Of each of those languages and provided that the use of the possibilities offered by this paragraph is not considered by the judge to be an obstacle to the proper administration of justice:

(a)
In criminal proceedings:
(i)
Provide that the courts, at the request of one of the parties, conduct the proceedings in the regional or minority languages; and/or
(ii)
To guarantee the accused the right to express himself in his regional or minority language; and/or
(iii)
To provide that motions and evidence, whether written or oral, are not considered inadmissible solely on the ground that they are formulated in a regional or minority language; and/or
(iv)
To establish in these regional or minority languages, upon request, the acts relating to judicial proceedings,
If necessary by means of interpreters and translations which do not entail additional costs for the persons concerned;
(b)
In civil proceedings:
(i)
Provide that the courts, at the request of one of the parties, conduct the proceedings in the regional or minority languages; and/or
(ii)
To allow, where a party to a dispute is required to appear in person before a court, that it is expressed in its regional or minority language without incurring additional costs; and/or
(iii)
To allow the production of documents and evidence in the regional or minority languages,
If necessary by the use of interpreters and translations;
(c)
In proceedings before the competent courts in administrative matters:
(i)
Provide that the courts, at the request of one of the parties, conduct the proceedings in the regional or minority languages; and/or
(ii)
To allow, where a party to a dispute is required to appear in person before a court, that it is expressed in its regional or minority language without incurring additional costs; and/or
(iii)
To allow the production of documents and evidence in the regional or minority languages,
If necessary by the use of interpreters and translations;
(d)
To take measures to ensure that the application of paragraphs i and iii of s. B and c above and the possible use of interpreters and translations does not entail any additional costs for the persons concerned.

2. The Parties undertake:

(a)
Not to refuse the validity of legal acts established in the State solely because they are drafted in a regional or minority language; or
(b)
Not to refuse the validity, between the parties, of the legal acts established in the State solely because they are drafted in a regional or minority language, and to provide that they will be effective against third parties who are not users of these languages, to The condition that the content of the act be brought to their knowledge by the person who claims it; or
(c)
Not to refuse the validity, between the parties, of the legal acts established in the State solely because they are drafted in a regional or minority language.

3. The Parties undertake to make available, in the regional or minority languages, the most important national laws and those of particular concern to the users of these languages, unless these texts are Already available otherwise.

Art. 10 Administrative authorities and public services

1. In the districts of the administrative authorities of the State in which there are a number of users of regional or minority languages who justify the following measures and according to the situation of each language, the Parties undertake, in The extent reasonably possible:

(a) (i) to ensure that these administrative authorities use the regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
To ensure that those of their agents who are in contact with the public employ the regional or minority languages in their relations with those who speak to them in those languages; or
(iii)
To ensure that speakers of regional or minority languages can submit oral or written requests and receive an answer in these languages; or
(iv)
To ensure that users of regional or minority languages can submit oral or written applications in these languages; or
(v)
To ensure that speakers of regional or minority languages can validly submit a document in these languages;
(b)
To make available forms and administrative texts of common use for the population in regional or minority languages, or in bilingual versions;
(c)
To allow administrative authorities to draft documents in a regional or minority language.

2. With regard to the local and regional authorities in whose territories there are a number of users of regional or minority languages which justify the following measures, the Parties undertake to allow and/or encourage:

(a)
The use of regional or minority languages in regional or local administration;
(b)
The possibility for users of regional or minority languages to submit oral or written applications in these languages;
(c)
The publication by regional authorities of their official texts also in regional or minority languages;
(d)
The publication by local authorities of their official texts also in regional or minority languages;
(e)
The use by regional authorities of regional or minority languages in the debates of their assemblies, without excluding, however, the use of the official language (s) of the State;
(f)
The use by local authorities of regional or minority languages in the debates of their assemblies, without excluding, however, the use of the official language (s) of the State;
(g)
The use or adoption, if necessary in conjunction with the name in the official language (s), of the traditional and correct forms of toponymy in the regional or minority languages.

3. As regards public services provided by the administrative authorities or other persons acting on behalf of them, the Contracting Parties undertake, in the territories in which the regional or minority languages Shall be performed according to the situation of each language and to the extent reasonably possible:

(a)
To ensure that regional or minority languages are used in the provision of services; or
(b)
To allow users of regional or minority languages to make an application and receive an answer in these languages; or
(c)
To allow users of regional or minority languages to make an application in these languages.

4. For the purpose of implementing the provisions of s. 1, 2 and 3 that they have accepted, the Parties undertake to take one or more of the following measures:

(a)
Any translation or interpretation required;
(b)
Recruitment and, where appropriate, training of officials and other public officials in sufficient numbers;
(c)
To the satisfaction, to the extent possible, of requests from public officials who are aware of a regional or minority language to be assigned to the territory in which that language is used.

5. The Parties undertake to allow, at the request of the parties concerned, employment or the adoption of employers in the regional or minority languages.

Art. 11 Media

(1) The Parties undertake, for the users of regional or minority languages, in the territories where these languages are used, according to the situation of each language, to the extent that the public authorities have, directly or indirectly, A jurisdiction, powers or a role in this area, respecting the principles of independence and autonomy of the media:

(a)
To the extent that radio and television have a public service mission:
(i)
To ensure the creation of at least one radio station and a television channel in regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
Encourage and/or facilitate the creation of at least one radio station and a television channel in regional or minority languages; or
(iii)
To make appropriate arrangements for broadcasters to schedule programmes in regional or minority languages;
(b) (i) to encourage and/or facilitate the creation of at least one radio station in regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
Encourage and/or facilitate the issuance of radio programmes in regional or minority languages on a regular basis;
(c) (i) to encourage and/or facilitate the creation of at least one television channel in regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
Encourage and/or facilitate the broadcasting of television programmes in regional or minority languages on a regular basis;
(d)
Encourage and/or facilitate the production and distribution of audio and audiovisual works in regional or minority languages;
(e) (i) to encourage and/or facilitate the creation and/or maintenance of at least one newspaper in the regional or minority languages; or
(ii)
Encourage and/or facilitate the publication of newspaper articles in regional or minority languages on a regular basis;
(f) (i) to cover the additional costs of the media using regional or minority languages, where the law provides for financial assistance, in general, for the media; or
(ii)
To extend existing measures of financial assistance to audiovisual productions in regional or minority languages;
(g)
Support the training of journalists and other staff for media using regional or minority languages.

2. The Parties undertake to guarantee the freedom of direct reception of radio and television broadcasts from neighbouring countries in a language used in identical or similar form to a regional or minority language, and not to oppose the Retransmission of radio and television broadcasts from neighbouring countries in such a language. They also undertake to ensure that no restriction on the freedom of expression and the free movement of information in a language used in the same or similar form to a regional or minority language is imposed on the Written press. The exercise of the freedoms mentioned above, with duties and responsibilities, may be subject to certain formalities, conditions, restrictions or sanctions provided for by law, which constitute necessary measures, in a society Democratic, national security, territorial integrity or public safety, the defence of the order and the prevention of crime, the protection of health or morals, the protection of the reputation or the rights of others, To prevent the disclosure of confidential information, or to guarantee authority and The impartiality of the judiciary.

3. The Parties undertake to ensure that the interests of the users of regional or minority languages are represented or taken into account in the framework of the structures possibly created in accordance with the law, having as their task the task of Guarantee freedom and plurality of the media.

Art. 12 Cultural activities and facilities

1. In the field of cultural activities and facilities-in particular libraries, video libraries, cultural centres, museums, archives, academies, theatres and cinemas, as well as literary and production works Cinematographic, popular cultural expression, festivals, cultural industries, including the use of new technologies-the Parties undertake, in respect of the territory in which such languages are And to the extent that the public authorities have jurisdiction, powers or a role in this Domain:

(a)
Encourage the expression and initiatives specific to regional or minority languages, and encourage the various means of access to works produced in these languages;
(b)
To promote the various means of access in other languages to works produced in regional or minority languages, by helping and developing translation, dubbing, post-synchronisation and subtitling activities;
(c)
To promote access in regional or minority languages to works produced in other languages, by helping and developing translation, dubbing, post-synchronisation and subtitling activities;
(d)
To ensure that the bodies responsible for undertaking or supporting various forms of cultural activities incorporate into an appropriate measure the knowledge and practice of regional or minority languages and cultures in operations They have the initiative or support;
(e)
To promote the making available to the bodies responsible for undertaking or supporting cultural activities of staff with a command of the regional or minority language, in addition to the language (s) of the rest of the population;
(f)
To encourage direct participation, with regard to facilities and programmes of cultural activities, of representatives of the users of the regional or minority language;
(g)
Encourage and/or facilitate the creation of one or more bodies responsible for collecting, receiving and presenting or publishing works produced in regional or minority languages;
(h)
Where appropriate, to create and/or promote and finance translation and terminological research services with a view to, inter alia, maintaining and developing administrative, commercial and administrative terminology in each regional or minority language Economic, social, technological or legal right.

2. With regard to territories other than those on which regional or minority languages are traditionally used, the Parties undertake to authorise, encourage and/or provide for, whether the number of speakers of a language Appropriate cultural activities or equipment, in accordance with the preceding paragraph.

3. The Parties undertake, in their cultural policy abroad, to give appropriate place to the regional or minority languages and to the culture of which they are the expression.

Art. 13 Economic and Social Life

With regard to economic and social activities, the Parties undertake, for the whole country:

(a)
To exclude from their legislation any provision prohibiting or limiting without justifiable reasons the use of regional or minority languages in documents relating to economic or social life, and in particular in employment contracts and In technical documents such as the modes of use of products or equipment;
(b)
To prohibit the inclusion, in the internal regulations of undertakings and private acts, of clauses excluding or limiting the use of regional or minority languages, at least between speakers of the same language;
(c)
To oppose practices designed to discourage the use of regional or minority languages in the context of economic or social activities;
(d)
To facilitate and/or encourage by means other than those referred to in the above paragraphs the use of regional or minority languages.

2. In the field of economic and social activities, the Parties undertake, to the extent that the public authorities have jurisdiction, in the territory in which the regional or minority languages are used, and to the extent that this is Reasonably possible:

(a)
To define, by their financial and banking regulations, arrangements for the use of regional or minority languages in the drafting of payment orders under conditions compatible with commercial practices (cheques, drafts, etc.). Etc.) or other financial documents, or, where appropriate, to ensure the implementation of such a process;
(b)
In the economic and social sectors directly under their control (public sector), to take action encouraging the use of regional or minority languages;
(c)
To ensure that social facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes and homes offer the possibility of receiving and treating in their own language the speakers of a regional or minority language that require care for Health, age, or other reasons;
(d)
Ensure, in accordance with appropriate arrangements, that safety instructions are also drawn up in the regional or minority languages;
(e)
To make available in the regional or minority languages the information provided by the competent authorities concerning the rights of consumers.
Art. 14 Cross-border exchanges

The Parties undertake:

(a)
To apply the existing bilateral and multilateral agreements which bind them to States where the same language is used in the same or similar manner, or to endeavour to conclude, if necessary, in order to facilitate contacts between the speakers of the The same language in the states concerned, in the fields of culture, education, information, vocational training and continuing education;
(b)
In the interest of regional or minority languages, to facilitate and/or promote cooperation across borders, in particular between regional or local authorities in whose territory the same language is used identically Or near.

Part IV Application of the Charter

Art. 15 Periodic reports

1. The Parties shall submit periodically to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, in a form to be determined by the Committee of Ministers, a report on the policy followed, in accordance with Part II of this Charter, and on measures Pursuant to the provisions of Part III that they have accepted. The first report shall be submitted within one year after the entry into force of the Charter in respect of the Party concerned, the other reports at intervals of three years after the first report.

2. The Parties shall report publicly.

Art. 16 Consideration of reports

1. The reports submitted to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe pursuant to Art. 15 will be reviewed by an expert panel established pursuant to s. 17.

2. Bodies or associations legally established in a Party may draw the attention of the Committee of Experts to matters relating to the commitments made by that Party under Part III of this Charter. After consulting the Party concerned, the Committee of Experts may take this information into account in the preparation of the report referred to in paragraph 1. 3 of this article. Such bodies or associations may also submit declarations on the policy followed by a Party, in accordance with Part II.

3. On the basis of the reports referred to in par. 1 and the information referred to in s. 2, the Committee of Experts will prepare a report to the Committee of Ministers. This report shall be accompanied by comments which the Parties will be invited to make and may be made public by the Committee of Ministers.

4. The report referred to in par. 3 shall, in particular, contain the proposals of the Committee of Experts to the Committee of Ministers with a view to the preparation, where appropriate, of any recommendation of the Committee to one or more Parties.

5. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe will make a detailed biennial report to the Parliamentary Assembly on the application of the Charter.

Art. 17 Committee of Experts

1. The Committee of Experts shall be composed of one member for each Party, appointed by the Committee of Ministers on a list of persons of the highest integrity, of a recognised competence in the matters covered by the Charter, which shall be proposed by the Party concerned.

2. Committee members will be appointed for a period of six years and their terms of office will be renewable. If a member is unable to fulfil his or her mandate, he shall be replaced in accordance with the procedure laid down in par. 1, and the replacement member will complete the term of office of his predecessor.

The Committee of Experts shall adopt its rules of procedure. Its secretariat will be provided by the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

Part V Final provisions

Art. 18

This Charter is open for signature by the member states of the Council of Europe. It will be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of Europe.

Art. 19

1. This Charter shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which five member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Charter, in accordance with To the provisions of s. 18.

2. For any Member State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by the Charter, it shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, Acceptance or approval.

Art.

After the entry into force of this Charter, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any non-member state of the Council of Europe to accede to the Charter.

2. For any acceding State, the Charter shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Art.

(1) Any State may, at the time of signature or at the time of deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, formulate one or more reservations (s) to s. 2 to 5 of the art. 7 of this Charter. No other reserves are permitted.

(2) Any Contracting State which has made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may withdraw it in whole or in part by sending a notification to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary-General.

Art.

1. Any Party may, at any time, denounce this Charter by sending a notification to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

(2) Denunciation shall take effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary-General.

Art.

The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council and any State which has acceded to this Charter:

(a)
Any signature;
(b)
The deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;
(c)
Any date of entry into force of this Charter in accordance with its s. 19 and 20;
(d)
Any notification received pursuant to the provisions of Art. 3, para. 2;
(e)
Any other act, notification or communication relating to this Charter.

In witness whereof, The undersigned, duly authorized to that effect, have signed this Charter.

Done at Strasbourg, on 5 November 1992, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member state of the Council of Europe and to any State invited to accede to this Charter.

(Suivent signatures)

Scope of application on 14 August 2013 4

States Parties

Ratification Statement of Succession (S)

Entry into force

Germany *

16 September

1998

1 Er January

1999

Armenia *

25 January

2002

1 Er May

2002

Austria *

28 June

2001

1 Er October

2001

Bosnia and Herzegovina *

21 September

2010

1 Er January

2011

Cyprus *

26 August

2002

1 Er December

2002

Croatia *

5 November

1997

1 Er March

1998

Denmark *

8 September

2000

1 Er January

2001

Spain *

April 9

2001

1 Er August

2001

Finland *

9 November

1994

1 Er March

1998

Hungary *

April 26

1995

1 Er March

1998

Liechtenstein *

18 November

1997

1 Er March

1998

Luxembourg

22 June

2005

1 Er October

2005

Montenegro *

6 June

2006 S

6 June

2006

Norway *

10 November

1993

1 Er March

1998

Netherlands * A

2 May

1996

1 Er March

1998

Poland *

12 February

2009

1 Er June

2009

Czech Republic *

15 November

2006

1 Er March

2007

Romania *

29 January

2008

1 Er May

2008

United Kingdom * B

March 27

2001

1 Er July

2001

Isle of Man *

April 23

2003

April 23

2003

Serbia *

February 15

2006

1 Er June

2006

Slovakia *

September 5

2001

1 Er January

2002

Slovenia *

4 October

2000

1 Er January

2001

Sweden *

February 9

2000

1 Er June

2000

Switzerland *

December 23

1997

1 Er April

1998

Ukraine *

19 September

2005

1 Er January

2006

*

Reservations and declarations. Reservations and declarations, with the exception of those of Switzerland, are not published in the RO. The texts in English and French can be found at the Council of Europe website: http://conventions.coe.int or obtained from the Directorate of Public International Law (DDIP), International Treaty Section, 3003 Berne.

A

For the Kingdom in Europe.

B

The Charter applies to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Reservations and declarations

Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Council declares, in accordance with Art. 3, para. 1, of the Charter, that Romansh and Italian are, in Switzerland, the less common official languages to which the following paragraphs apply, chosen in accordance with Art. 2, para. 2 of the Charter:

A. Romansh

Art. 8 (teaching)

Par. 1, para. A (iv), b (i), c (iii), d (iii), e (ii), f (iii), g, h, i

Article 9 (justice)

Par. 1, para. A (ii), (iii), b (ii), b (iii), c (ii)

Par. 2, para. A

Par. 3

Art. 10 (administrative authorities and public services)

Par. 1, para. A (i), b, c

2, al. A, b, c, d, e, f, g

Par. 3, para. B

Par. 4, para.

Par. 5

Art. 11 (media)

Par. 1, para. A (iii), b (i), c (ii), e (i), f (i)

Par. 3

Art. 12 (cultural activities and facilities)

Par. 1, al. A, b, c, e, f, g, h

Par. 2

Par. 3

Article 13 (economic and social life)

Par. 1, para. D

Par. 2, para. B

Article 14 (cross-border trade)

Al. A

Al. B.

B. Italian

Art. 8 (teaching)

Par. 1, para. A (i), a (iv), b (i), c (i), c (ii), d (i), d (iii), e (ii), f (i), f (iii), g, h, i

Article 9 (justice)

Par. 1, para. A (i), a (ii), a (iii), b (i), b (ii), b (iii), c (i), c (ii),

Par. 2, para. A

Par. 3

Art. 10 (administrative authorities and public services)

Par. 1, para. A (i), b, c

2, al. A, b, c, d, e, f, g

Par. 3, para.

Par. 4, para.

Par. 5

Art. 11 (media)

Par. 1, para. A (i), e (i), g

Par. 2

Par. 3

Art. 12 (cultural activities and facilities)

Par. 1, al. A, b, c, d, e, f, g, h

Par. 2

Par. 3

Article 13 (economic and social life)

Par. 1, para. D

Par. 2, para. B

Article 14 (cross-border trade)

Al. A

Al. B.


RO 2003 2507 ; FF 1997 I 1105


1 RO 2003 2506
2 RS 0.103.2
3 RS 0.101
4 RO 2003 2522 , 2006 3565, 2010 2261, 2013 2713. A version of the updated scope of application is published on the DFAE website (www.dfae.admin.ch/traites).


Status August 14, 2013