(ANSA) - STRASBOURG, FEB 1 - Slovenia continues to guarantee
a high level of protection to the Italian minority living in its
territory, but according to the same minority there are gaps
between laws and their implementation, the report prepared by
the Advisory Committee for the Convention framework to protect
national minorities.
The individual and collective rights of the Italian community
are guaranteed by the constitution, relevant laws and
administrative acts. But according to Italians in Slovenia, this
legal framework is not implemented satisfactorily, especially in
terms of state television broadcasting in Italian, use of
language in local administrations, quality of education.
According to the representatives of the Italian community, this
happens due to the lack of funds and awareness campaigns on the
presence of the minority. According to the latest census
conducted in 2002, Italians make up 0.11% of the population,
that is 2,258 people.
The law recognises 4 Italian municipalities: Koper, Isola,
Pirano and Ancarano. Slovenia is one of the five member
countries of the Council of Europe which has ratified the
framework convention for the protection of national minorities
which specifically protects Italian community and language. The
other countries are Bosnia, Croatia, Romania and Switzerland.
Italy is among the countries that have not yet ratified this
treaty that came into force 20 years ago. (ANSA).
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