National minorities in inter-State relations

Almost every country has minorities, many of them belonging to communities that cross state borders. These communities can serve as a bridge and contribute to friendly relations, but the potential for tension can also exist.

Issues become a matter of legitimate international concern, especially when states claim to be protecting their “kin” abroad. Although the primary responsibility for protecting minority rights lies with the state within which they reside, minority issues often engage the interest of more than one state. In such cases, the High Commissioner addresses issues not only within, but also between, states. The High Commissioner recommends that states resolve such issues on the basis of friendly and good neighbourly relations.