Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

Political and economic upheavals and wars in the last centuries have spurred migrations to and within Europe which have created societies that are rich in ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity. As a result, many minorities have been confronted with discrimination and even denial of citizenship. They have often been and are excluded from employment, housing, education and access to health services or justice. Many of them are under-represented in European governments and institutions which makes it difficult for them to find political redress to violations of their rights.
Protection of national minorities has always been on the Council of Europe’s agenda, but the issue acquired even more importance with the collapse of European communist regimes, extreme nationalism and conflicts in certain parts of Europe. More...