Vienna: The European Union has expressed its firm support for the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), Ambassador Christophe Kamp, during his address to the Permanent Council. The EU lauded the ambassador’s comprehensive report and reiterated the importance of the HCNM’s role as a conflict prevention instrument within the OSCE framework.
According to European Union, the protection and respect for human rights, particularly those belonging to national minorities, are fundamental to maintaining regional peace and stability across the OSCE region. The EU emphasized its commitment to upholding rights enshrined in the UN and Council of Europe Conventions and highlighted the significance of implementing OSCE commitments related to human rights and non-discriminatory treatment.
The EU commended the HCNM for his crucial role in addressing tensions involving national minorities through clear communication and diplomacy. The High Commissioner’s efforts in conflict prevention were recognized, particularly his visits to Serbia, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan, underscoring the importance of interethnic cooperation and inclusive dialogue.
The EU also praised the HCNM’s support in strengthening institutional capacity and legislative frameworks to engage minorities in matters affecting them. The ongoing engagement in Moldova and assistance to Ukrainian authorities amid Russia’s aggression were acknowledged as significant efforts.
The EU firmly stated that minority rights protection is the responsibility of the state where the minority resides, cautioning against exploiting minority presence in other states to undermine sovereignty. Concerns were raised regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine, particularly restrictions on minority language education and cultural life, which could hinder prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The EU encouraged all participating states to utilize the HCNM’s recommendations and guidelines in areas such as contested histories, gender and security, and minority youth inclusion. The EU extended its gratitude to the High Commissioner and his team for their dedicated work and wished them continued success in their endeavors.