The Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights

The Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights, adopted in 1996, asserts that all individuals have the right to use their native languages and access education, information, and services in those languages. It emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and aims to protect languages from extinction, promoting cultural heritage. The declaration calls for governments to respect and ensure these rights, fostering an environment where minority languages thrive alongside dominant ones. Essentially, it advocates for the recognition of linguistic rights as fundamental human rights, ensuring that everyone can express themselves in their own language without discrimination.