Many global and transnational agreements, in the form of covenants, exist, aiming to protect minority languages. Usually, these covenants propose a number of measures to improve the situation of minority languages. If a nation decides to ratify such a covenant, 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 proper to ignore the committee's judgement, nations sometimes do.

Though most covenants cannot be enforced, they do have power: because, by ratifying the covenant, a nation makes promises, and may be reminded about keeping or breaking those.

This list of conventions is not exhaustive, but aims to mentions some influential ones.

• Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007): protects “indigenous peoples”.
• International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (1966), article 27: protects “ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities”.
• All members of the United Nations are expected to comply with its policies.

• State parties who have ratified the Convention are expected to uphold its policies.
• Offers protection for: “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, including language.
• View the Convention here.

• State parties who have ratified the Convention are expected to uphold its policies.
• Offers protection for: “indigenous peoples”.
• View the Convention here.