Doc. 9623

13 November 2002

Maintaining the cultural identity of national minorities in central and eastern Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Sudarenkov and others

1.       The problem of inter-civilisation and inter-religious dialogue is extremely pressing, both for Russia and for countries in central and eastern Europe. In this respect, a key issue is maintaining the cultural identity of national minorities in central and eastern Europe.

2.       The Russian Federation is one of the largest multi-national states in the world. More than 170 nationalities live in Russia (the country’s population is currently about 140 million). Russia has traditionally been a multi-ethnic state. For most nationalities in it, the territory of modern Russia is their historical native land. There are about 65 indigenous national minorities in Russia. The population of various ethnic groups (including minorities) varies between several million (Ukrainians) to 10 thousand or less (24 ethnic groups). Minorities represent about 20 % of the Russian Federation’s population.

3.       Successful implementation of national policy in any state with ethnic, confessional and cultural diversity is possible only through a strong legislative base. This legislative base should guarantee equal rights and freedoms, establish the right to assert national identity, to use the native language and to chose language of dialogue, and should guarantee education to all citizens.

4.       Social integration, creating conditions for social, national and cultural development, equal rights and freedoms for all citizens, irrespective of race, nationality, language, attitude to religion or membership of social groups and public associations, whatever their national identity, should be a key priority in the national policies of European states in the 21st century.

5.       The task of developing full rights for national minorities in central and eastern Europe, and maintaining their cultural identity, is extremely important in terms of counter-acting national and political extremism and separatist tendencies.

6.       Accordingly, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

i.       pay greater attention to the fact that policies aimed at creating, maintaining and disseminating the cultural values of one or another nationality should not be detrimental to the cultures of other nationalities which are resident on the territory of the given state;

ii.       note that national policies should focus on maintaining the cultural identity of ethnic groups, through special protection and encouragement for these groups. These measures should be implemented via special state programmes for socio-economic, national and cultural development (e.g. through programmes for the further development and maintenance of national minorities’ cultures, languages and traditions).

Signed : ¹

Sudarenkov, Russia, SOC

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Bakulin, Russia, UEL

Blankenborg, Norway, SOC

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Fedorov, Russia, EDG

Khripel, Russia, SOC

Laakso, Finland, UEL

Schreiner, France, EDG

Tulaev, Russia, EDG

¹        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

      NR: not registered in a group