The Right to Mother Tongue Education for Indigenous Peoples: An Overview of International and Regional Standards

Abstract

Language is an essential element of indigenous culture and identity. Meanwhile, indigenous languages are endangered or nearly extinct. It is argued that ensuring that native communities receive education in their mother tongue is key to conserve and revitalize indigenous cultures and linguistic heritage. This paper reviews the normative guidelines regarding the right to be taught in one’s own language set out in international and regional human rights law. It is argued that although there is currently no binding, universally accepted obligation to provide education for indigenous peoples in their native languages, a binding measure might soon emerge. Additionally, it is argued that the protection of indigenous heritage and cultural diversity requires re-evaluation of the current standards and that the right of native peoples to mother tongue-based education should be strongly endorsed by the international community.