The Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (hereinafter referred to as persons belonging to minorities) was adopted by the General Assembly in 1992. It says that the states should protect the identity of persons belonging to minorities within their territories. They have the right to enjoy their culture, to profess and practice their religion, and to use their own language without any discrimination.
States should take steps to ensure that persons belonging to minorities may exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. States should take measures in the field of education of persons belonging to minorities and encourage them to participate in the economic progress and development of their country. National policies should be planned and implemented protecting the legitimate interests of persons belonging to minorities. Specialized agencies and other organizations of United Nations system should contribute to the realization of rights and principles set forth in the declaration.
