Minority rights in Europe: European minorities and languages

Book abstract:

In the history of Europe minorities have consistently had an impact on political stability and security, which has often led to internal tensions and conflicts. Consequently the European institutions have placed minority issues high on their agenda. This book aims to provide greater insight into certain aspects of minority issues that have been neglected by previous publications. It also aims to facilitate discussion in scientific, governmental and non-governmental circles dealing with human rights protection and security issues in order to help provide solutions to certain minority issues.

The book has three main parts: Academic Discussion; International Activities and Documents; National Activities and Documents. Academic discussion has sections that include: The Linguistic Rights of Minorities in Europe; The Frisian Language in the Netherlands; Linguistic Rights in Spain; Steps Towards a Minority Policy in Sweden. International Activities and Documents examines the provisions made over the protection of human rights in six institutions: United Nations; Council of Europe; The European Union; Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; Council of the Baltic Sea States; Central European Initiative. Each section has an analysis of the institution and reproduces relevant documents produced by the institution. National Activities and Documents provides a survey of each individual European country in order to provide an insight into the compliance of national governments with commitments made at international level, and also to allow comparison to be made between countries.

The book aims to be source of reference for public and academic work. Dr S.Trifunovska is Senior University Lecturer at the Law Faculty, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.