Abstract
The thesis asserts that on the basis of international human rights law, States are required to adopt a minority regime involving a comprehensive set of special measures to provide for a minimum protection of the cultural, linguistic or religious identity of persons belonging to minorities.
Special measures are explained as "legislative, administrative or other measures which are adopted for the benefit of certain groups and their individual members, with the aim of achieving equality between all human beings".
The thesis is based upon an interpretation of standards included in contemporary international human rights instruments, with a particular emphasis on Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
According to these standards, domestic law and policy should include special measures concerning
(a) religion; (b) use of language; (c) minority schools and educational systems; (d) effective participation in public life; (e) economic and social rights; and, (f) protection against the destruction of the group.
Special measures are explained as "legislative, administrative or other measures which are adopted for the benefit of certain groups and their individual members, with the aim of achieving equality between all human beings".
The thesis is based upon an interpretation of standards included in contemporary international human rights instruments, with a particular emphasis on Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
According to these standards, domestic law and policy should include special measures concerning
(a) religion; (b) use of language; (c) minority schools and educational systems; (d) effective participation in public life; (e) economic and social rights; and, (f) protection against the destruction of the group.