[Documents/Docheader.htm]

The OSCE guidelines on the use of minority languages in the broadcast media and the Council of Europe standards: need to enhance co-operation and synergy

Doc. 10362
26 November 2004

Motion for a recommendation
presented by Mr Cilevics and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

---

1.         In its Recommendation 1623 (2003), the Assembly urged the member states "… to pay particular attention to the fair implementation of Article 9 of the Framework convention [for the Protection of National Minorities] (freedom of expression) by abolishing undue restrictions imposed on private broadcasting… in minority languages". Nevertheless, some member states, in particular those who have not yet ratified the Framework convention, as well as some state parties to the Convention, continue to put undue and disproportionate restrictions on media broadcasting in minority languages.

2.         Almost simultaneously with the adoption of the recommendation mentioned above, another important document was adopted under the auspices of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities – the OSCE Guidelines on the Use of Minority Languages in the Broadcast Media.

3.         The Assembly welcomes adoption of the Guidelines mentioned above, and appreciates efforts of the OSCE and its High Commissioner on National Minorities aimed at the implementation of modern European standards of minority rights in the whole OSCE region.

4.         With the view to enhance synergy between the two major European organisations, the Assembly decides to study the experience of implementation of the aforementioned OSCE Guidelines in the Council of Europe member states, as well as to explore opportunities of more effective co-operation with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities in the field of promoting the common standards and ensuring effective protection of national minorities in Europe.

Signed [1]:
CILEVICS, Boriss, Latvia, SOC
BEMELMANS-VIDEC, Marie-Louise, Netherlands, EPP/CD
BUDIN, Milos, Italy, SOC
EINARSSON, Mats, Sweden, UEL
IWINSKI, Tadeusz, Poland, SOC
JASKIERNIA, Jerzy, Poland, SOC
JUDD, United Kingdom, SOC
LLOYD, Tony, United Kingdom, SOC
STOISITS, Terezija, Austria, SOC
TK�C, Vojtech, Slovakia, EDG
van THIJN, Ed, Netherlands, SOC
ZAVGAYEV, Akhmar, Russia, EDG

---

[1]

SOC EPP EDG LDR UEL NR

Socialist Group Group of the European People’s Party European Democratic Group Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group Group of the Unified European Left Not registered in a group