Over the past two years, from mid-2022 to mid-2024, despite some positive developments and good practices, very worrying trends against diversity and minority rights in Europe have been observed, says the Advisory Committee on the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in its latest activity report. These trends include increasing instrumentalisation of minority policies for political ends, perceiving national minorities as a security threat, a danger of societal disintegration as a result of scapegoating and exclusion of individuals based on their ethnic affiliations, as well as challenges related to economic inequalities disproportionally affecting persons belonging to national minorities.
Among the positive developments, the Council of Europe Advisory Committee points out improved collection of data on multiple ethnic and linguistic affiliations; a more flexible approach to the scope of application of the Convention allowing individuals enjoy rights that are particularly relevant for their situation; strengthening of anti-discrimination frameworks and property restitution mechanisms. The Committee also notes resolution of many matters concerning religious minorities; a dramatic turn towards digital mass media which made the broadcasts for minorities more accessible. Progress has been observed in the use of minority languages in administration, education, as well as in ensuring the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities in all aspects of life.
However, the Council of Europe experts reveal very worrying trends directed against minority rights. “Securitisation” and disproportionate effects of real and legitimate security concerns on access to minority rights or on attitudes towards persons affiliating with national minorities is a serious challenge. The expression of minority affiliations by individuals is viewed in many contexts as a sign of disloyalty to the state, and national minorities - as a security threat and destabilising elements, rather than a part and parcel of European diverse societies.
A shift away from multilateralism and a return to increased bilateralisation, with the accompanying politicisation and instrumentalisation of minority rights is another negative trend. All this makes it very difficult for persons affiliating with national minorities to freely self-identify, express themselves and develop their identities. In such a context, it is not easy for them to effectively participate in all aspects of life through established mechanisms. The lack of rights and exclusion of individuals based on their ethnic, linguistic and/or religious affiliations are bound to lead to alienation and ultimately to societal disintegration, the Committee warns.
The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is Europe’s most comprehensive treaty protecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. It treaty entered into force on 1 February 1998 and is now in force in 39 states.
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