Minority languages: experts to visit Switzerland
A delegation of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is to visit Switzerland from 16 to 18 September 2003 to monitor the country's implementation of this treaty.
During its visit to Chur and Bern, the delegation will meet representatives of the Romansh, Italian and Walser languages, a professional in the field of the media in Romansh, representatives of the Cantons of Grisons and Ticino, as well as representatives of the bilingual cantons and of the federal authorities.
On the basis of the information gathered, the Committee will prepare its own report, if necessary proposing recommendations to be made to the Swiss authorities on how the Charter can be better implemented.
Pursuant to Article 16 paragraph 2 of the Charter, up to a month after the above-mentioned visit has taken place, i.e by 18 October 2003, bodies or associations legally established in Switzerland will have the possibility to draw the attention of the Committee of Experts to matters relating to the undertakings entered into Switzerland under Part III of the Charter and/or to submit statements concerning the policy pursued by Switzerland in accordance with Part II of the Charter.
