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Many global and transnational agreements, the form of convenants, exist, aiming to protect minority languages. Usually, these convenants propose a number of measures to improve the situation of minority languages. If a nation decides to ratify such a convenant, it commits itself to carrying out the measures proposed.
To determine whether a nation in fact carries out these measures, the nation has to report about it to a committee every few years. This report is then judged by a committee. If the committee deems the measures taken insufficient, the nation is informed of this. Though it is not considered polite to ignore the committee's judgement, a nation is free to do so.
Though most convenants cannot be enforced, they do have power: because, by ratifying the convenant, a nation makes promises, and may be reminded about keeping or breaking those.
The provisions in the Charter are divided into two parts:
Look here for an overview of which language is protected by which part.
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