linguistic rights

[Greg Dickson]

Hey all,

i was wondering if anyone could help me... is there a UN statement or
bill-of-rights type thing that talks about linguistic rights?  For
example, something that says people have the right and freedom to use
their first language?

if anyone knows anything bout this could they let me know?

(reason being, there are teachers at this community who actively
discourage students using their own language (a creole, called Kriol)
in the classroom, amongst themselves.... and i'm rather angry about
it...)

Greg Dickson
Linguist
Ngukurr Language Centre
PMB 6
via Katherine  NT  0852
Ph/Fax: 08 8975 4362
Email: greg.dickson at kathlangcentre.org.au