Effective Participation of National Minorities and Conflict Prevention

Book excerpt: "The effective management of differences between groups within democracies1 means moving beyond the examination of individual rights. In the field of national minorities conflict prevention diplomacy, promoting the effective participation of national minorities, most often the effective participation of smaller 'nationalities' within states, is of primary concern ; it is equally as important as respect for language and education rights. Enhancing participation encourages a sense of belonging, contributes to societal integration, and even, with consistent and careful application, nurtures loyalty to the multi- ethnic state"--