Recommendation RecChL (2003)2

of the Committee of Ministers
on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages by Norway

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 3 September 2003
at the 850th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)
The Committee of Ministers,
In accordance with Article 16 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;
Having regard to the instrument of ratification submitted by Norway on 10 November 1993;
Having taken note of the evaluation made by the Committee of Experts on the Charter with respect to the application of the Charter by Norway;
Having taken note of the comments made by the Norwegian authorities on the contents of the Committee of Experts' second report;
Bearing in mind that this evaluation is based on information submitted by Norway in its national reports, supplementary information provided by the Norwegian authorities, information submitted by bodies and associations legally established in Norway and information obtained by the Committee of Experts during its "on-the-spot" visit,
Recommends that the Norwegian authorities take account of all the observations of the Committee of Experts and, as a matter of priority:
1. continue to improve the dialogue and co-operation with representatives of the various regional or minority languages;
2. rapidly resolve the situation of the Kven/Finnish language and consult with representatives of the Kven on this matter before a decision is taken;
3. progress in establishing the Inner Finnmark Court as a step to facilitate the use of Sami before judicial authorities;
4. increase their efforts to protect and promote Lule and South Sami.