In a statement adopted unanimously on 28 May 2020, during its 68th Plenary meeting, the Advisory Committee expressed its deep concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the vulnerability of certain national minorities and has deepened the already existing inequalities in many Council of Europe member states. The Advisory Committee will continue to follow closely the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the respect of rights of persons belonging to national minorities and to ensure that states responses are in compliance with their human rights obligations.

For statements by the Chair of the Committee of Experts on the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and of other representatives of Council of Europe bodies on the impact on COVID-19, see www.coe.int/covid-19.