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Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) - Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (RATIFICATION: 2002)

Education and means of communication. Indigenous Languages Act. The Committee notes with interest the Indigenous Languages Act, which came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette No. 38981 of 28 July 2008. The purpose of the Act is to regulate, promote and reinforce the use, revival, preservation, defence and development of indigenous languages, a means of communication and cultural expression to which indigenous peoples and communities are entitled, the National Institute for Indigenous Languages being set up as the implementing body. It notes in particular that under section 17 of the Act, in order to be president or vice-president of the National Institute for Indigenous Languages, it is necessary to: (1) be indigenous; (2) speak the language of the indigenous people concerned; (3) be trained and have professional and academic experience in the use, research, development and dissemination of indigenous languages; and (4) be nominated by an indigenous people, community or organization. The Committee notes that, under section 28 of the Act, indigenous peoples and communities have the right to participate in the formulation, planning and implementation of public policies relating to indigenous languages and that other sections of the Act also establish the right to participation. Noting that the final transitional provision of the Act establishes that the Institute will begin to operate no later than one year following the entry into force of the Act, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the functioning of the Institute and on the application of the Act in practice, particularly the manner in which section 17 is applied and the manner in which participation provided for in the other sections of the Act is undertaken.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.