THE MORAL FOUNDATIONS AND GEOPOLITICAL FUNCTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL NORMS OF MINORITY RIGHTS: A EUROPEAN CASE STUDY

Abstract

The last 15 years has seen an explosion of efforts to develop international norms of minority rights, both at the global level and at regional levels. Globally, the UN adopted a declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities in 1992, and is debating a Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Other international organizations, such as the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, have also developed norms on minority rights. Declarations have also been drafted by organizations at the regional level, such as the Organization of American States and the Council of Europe.