OSCE Mission hosts discussion on European Charter on regional or minority languages

BELGRADE, 3 November 2006 - Using minority languages in education, the justice system, by administrative authorities, public services and the media will be the focus of a roundtable discussion in Subotica today.

The event, "The European Charter on Regional or Minority Languages: Implementation and Reporting," was organized by OSCE Mission to Serbia together with the Republic of Serbia's Agency for Human and Minority Rights and the Council of Europe.

Similar meetings will also take place in other cities until the end of 2006, bringing together representatives of national minorities, local self-government, provincial and central government institutions, media, and civil society.

"The Charter will be presented to all relevant stakeholders, who will discuss its implementation and exchange best practices in the field," said Hannelore Valier, Head of the Mission's Democratization Department.

The Charter was ratified by Serbia and Montenegro in December 2005.