Provides the expert commentary on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which is the principal international document establishing minority rights in a legally binding way. This commentary offers a detailed article-by-article analysis of the Convention, drawing upon its negotiating history and implementation practice.

Preface ; Introduction to the Council of Europe System of Minority Rights Protection and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ; Locating the Framework Convention within the universal system of human rights ; Preamble ; Article 1 Principle of non intervention-link to human rights ; Article 2 Good faith in application of FCNM ; Article 3 Nomination of minority groups ; Article 4 Principle of equality ; Article 5 Non-assimilation - Development of identity ; Article 6 Tolerance ; Article 7 Freedom of assembly association-expression-thought-religion ; Article 8 Religion ; Article 9 Expression - Media ; Article 10 Use of language ; Article 11 Use of names and signs ; Article 12 Education ; Article 13 Identity ; Article 14 Language education ; Article 15 Effective participation ; Article 16 Prohibition of demographic manipulation ; Article 17 Cross-frontier contacts ; Article 18 Bilateral relations ; Article 19 Limitation of derogations ; Article 20 Respect of legislation ; Article 21 No violation of international law ; Article 22 No derogation from human rights ; Article 23 Conformity to ECHR ; Articles 24-26 Advisory Committee ; Articles 27-32 Concluding provisions ; Conclusion: Advancing minority rights at regional and universal level ; Appendix: The European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ; Appendix: Explanatory Report

The Framework Convention is the principal international document establishing minority rights in a legally binding way Article-by-article guide to all major aspects of minority rights Many minority rights e.g. political participation, non-assimilation, and the use of native languages are not covered by other major Human Rights agreements Commentary incorporates drafting history and implementation practice Clear and detailed interpretation of the provisions of the Convention

Marc Weller is Director of the European Centre for Minority Issues and an Assistant Director of Studies in the Centre of International Studies at the University of Cambridge where he lectures on international law. He is a Fellow of the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law and of Hughes Hall, Cambridge.

The Framework Convention is the principal international document establishing minority rights in a legally binding way Article-by-article guide to all major aspects of minority rights Many minority rights e.g. political participation, non-assimilation, and the use of native languages are not covered by other major Human Rights agreements Commentary incorporates drafting history and implementation practice Clear and detailed interpretation of the provisions of the Convention