Minority rights are human rights

Protection of national minorities, rights and freedoms of members of minorities are all part of international protection of human rights. It is necessary to begin the consideration of the legislative framework as a base for creating positive regulations in signatory states with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Covenant is the only global treaty that includes a provision (art. 27) that specifically refers to minority rights.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Minorities requires states to protect the existence and identities of minorities. It also calls upon states to encourage the promotion of national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identities. Under Article 2(1) of this declaration, minorities shall have the right to practice their religion, enjoy their culture and use their own language in both public and private settings without any kind of discrimination. Article 3 of this declaration guarantees persons belonging to minorities the right to exercise their rights individually and in community with others without discrimination. It was adopted by the General Assembly resolution 47/135 of 18 December 1992.