The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities

A set of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Recommendations on access to justice and national minorities

Based on the experience of the HCNM and the advice of internationally recognized experts, these HCNM Recommendations seek to provide guidance to OSCE participating States on access to justice and national minorities. Access to justice for national minorities is not only about minorities’ enjoyment of rights but is also relevant to conflict prevention within and between states. These Recommendations include the principles underpinning access to justice for national minorities, and cover the scope of access to justice; language and cultural considerations; legal assistance; reflecting diversity in institutions related to justice; trust between law-enforcement agencies and minority communities; enforcing the law in an impartial and non-discriminatory manner; ensuring victim support services and witness protection measures are sensitive to minority needs; executing court orders and judgments effectively, impartially and within a reasonable time; treating minorities in detention or prison with respect; and providing effective redress in cases of human rights violations as a result of inter-ethnic conflict. The HCNM Recommendations are accompanied by a set of explanatory notes.