National minority issues

In some states, issues related to ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious communities can become sources of tension, division and conflict. Tensions can emerge within a society or between states, undermining trust and cohesion. Left unchecked, such tensions can threaten peace and stability. Divisions can also be exploited for political reasons. 

Although there is no universally agreed definition of “national minority”, the mandate makes it clear that this includes ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities. The High Commissioner uses the term “national minority” to refer to a wide range of persons, including ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural communities, regardless of whether these groups are recognized as such by the states where they reside and irrespective of the designation applied to or claimed by them.

Moreover, since individual identities are often multiple, multilayered, contextual and dynamic, the High Commissioner understands the term to include combinations of identity expression. The High Commissioner also pays attention to gender issues, which often intersect with minority concerns.  Furthermore, because the High Commissioner promotes integration as a dynamic, multi-actor process of mutual engagement that facilitates effective participation by all members of a diverse society, other under-represented minority groups may be included.

While minority rights are vital to conflict prevention, the High Commissioner is not empowered to act as a human rights monitor and does not investigate individual cases.