The need for a new approach to relations between national minorities and the majority
Doc. 7488
9 February 1996Motion for a Recommendation
presented by Mr RADULESCU-BOTICA and othersThis motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it
The Assembly,
1. Having sought over a long period to promote the rights of minorities, considers that it is now time to supplement the legal instruments necessary for their application, while bearing in mind that a legal system presumes rights and duties for all;
2. Stressing that the question of national minorities should be considered as a normal part of the functioning of democracy in European countries and accordingly should be approached in such a way as to avoid any misunderstanding liable to lead to spurious conflicts;
3. Welcoming the organisation by the Committee of Ministers of the discussion seminar on citizens' responsibilities, with the participation of experts, on 15 December 1994 and hopes that it will be followed up by a colloquy on the same subject which could be organised by the Strasbourg International Institute for Democracy;
4. Acknowledging the principle whereby fair and just regulations are necessary to maintain a balance in relations between individuals belonging to a national minority and those belonging to the majority, in order to safeguard peace and the advancement of nations, as well as stability in Europe and aware that disregard for such a principle could give rise to human tragedies posing a serious threat to the safety of peoples;
5. Stressing the fundamental importance of the action which it has always pursued and which it will continue to pursue to protect the rights of persons belonging to national minorities;
6. Noting with concern that despite the Council of Europe's efforts to protect national minorities, there are still patently inconsistent approaches within the Organisation itself, between the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee of Ministers;
7. Considering that only a fair and balanced sharing of rights and responsibilities between all citizens can ensure that human rights are applied harmoniously throughout our continent,
8. Recommends therefore that the Committee of Ministers:
i. take action for the protection of national minorities based primarily on sustained dialogue with the authorities of those countries which are home to national minorities, and to devise legal standards applicable both to the members of these minorities and to the state;
ii. commence work on instituting a set of Council of Europe standards aimed at balancing the rights and responsibilities of persons, whether they belong to the majority or a national minority;
iii. define a "hard core" of rights and obligations applicable not only to members of the minority but also to members of the majority; these rights and obligations should inevitably include the right and obligation to learn and use the mother tongue and the official language of the country, respect for the Constitution of the state, loyalty towards the state, and preservation of the individual identity of persons whether they belong to the majority or a national minority;
iv. consider the possibility of adopting a declaration on the duties of man.
Signed [*]:
Radulescu-Botica, Romania, SOC
Newall, United Kingdom, EDG
Jeambrun, France, LDR
de Puig, Spain, SOC
Buzatu, Romania, UEL
Feric, Romania, EPP
Benvenuti, Italy, SOC
Latronico, Italy, LDR
Pozzo, Italy, EDG
Dionisi, Italy, UEL
Mignon, France, EDG
Schreiner, France, EDG
Couveinhes, France, EDG
Masseret, France, SOC
Durrieu, France, SOC
Paunescu, Romania, UEL
Motiu, Romania, -
Gabrielescu, Romania, EPP
Popovski, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, SOC
Kaspereit, France, EDG
Laakso, Finland, UEL
Korakas, Greece, UEL
Slobodnik, Slovakia, LDR
Prokes, Slovakia, EPP
Golu, Romania, SOC
* SOC : Socialist Group
EPP : Group of the European People's Party
EDG : European Democratic Group
LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group
UEL : Group of the Unified European Left