New OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors starts mandate

THE HAGUE, 20 AUGUST 2013 – The newly appointed OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), Astrid Thors, started her three-year mandate at the office of the HCNM in The Hague today.

Thors has been a Member of the Parliament of Finland since 2004. She also served as Minister of Migration and European Affairs of Finland and was a Member of the European Parliament. Her appointment as the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities was a consensus decision of all 57 OSCE participating States.

On taking office, Thors said: “It is a big honour to continue the important work done by all of my predecessors. The institution is a valuable asset for the OSCE participating States, and my wish is to continue the work in good co-operation with all the participating States.”