Recommendation RecChL(2001)4 on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages by Hungary

The Committee of Ministers,

In accordance with Article 16 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;

Bearing in mind the instrument of ratification submitted by the Republic of Hungary on 26 April 1995;

Having taken note of the evaluation made by the Committee of Experts of the Charter with respect to the application of the Charter by the Republic of Hungary;

Bearing in mind that this evaluation is based on information submitted by Hungary in its initial periodical report, supplementary information provided by the Hungarian Government, information submitted by bodies and associations legally established in Hungary, and information obtained by the Committee of Experts during its "on the spot visit",

Recommends that the Republic of Hungary:

1. establish a policy for developing the Romani and Beas languages, with the aim of facilitating their use in public life, and respond to the needs of the users of these languages, in particular in education;

2. strengthen the institutional infrastructure for teaching in and of the minority languages, develop further the possibilities of bilingual education and provide sufficient teacher training;

3. strengthen the possibilities for speakers of minority languages to use their language before the courts and in relations with the administration, by taking organisational and other appropriate measures to ensure that the existing legal mechanisms can be utilised in practice;

4. continue to develop the potential of its newly established system of minority self-governments in view of the valuable contribution it can make to the promotion of the minority languages.