Joint Statement and Framework Program of Action adopted by the Portoroz Conference on Inter-Ethnic Relations and Minorities in South Eastern Europe

The Conference on Inter-Ethnic Relations and Minorities took place on 16 and 17 March 2000 in Portoroz, Slovenia. The conference was co-organized by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Council of Europe within the framework of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe

Both the Stability Pact, adopted in Cologne on 10 June 1999, as well as the Sarajevo Summit Declaration, adopted on 30 July 1999, reaffirm the importance of preserving the multiethnic diversity of countries in the region and protecting minorities. Indeed, the genuine promotion and protection of human dignity and rights - based on the recognition of equality while preserving diversity throughout South Eastern Europe - is crucial for the true success of the Stability Pact.

Tragedies that have afflicted South Eastern Europe stem to a large extent from unresolved national problems exploited by unscrupulous leaders seeking mono-ethnic solutions. They stem from ethno-nationalist drives for superiority of one group over the other. If not countered, nationalist tendencies perpetuate a vicious continued circle.

South Eastern European countries are characterized by complex mosaics of distinct ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious and other groups or communities. The Perceptions driven by nationalism are inadequate and dangerous as many of those groups or communities throughout the region strive not only for their rights but all too often for their very existence and recognition.

While recognizing that there can be no uniform approach, there is however a common need for preservation or (wherever necessary) rehabilitation of multiethnic and multicultural society and the development of democratic citizenship in all countries of South Eastern Europe. Ethnocentric thinking needs to be replaced by a plurality of mutually enriching identities whereby a majority not only recognizes a minority but accords it special measures, if need be, for the realization of true equality.

The pursuit of multi-ethnic and multicultural coexistence and cooperation, based on shared European standards of democratic institutions, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms and the protection of minorities, are of vital importance for developing prosperous, stable and vibrant societies in individual countries as well as for the peace, development and stability of the region as a whole. Efforts to enhance cultural cohesion inter alia through promotion of artistic creativity and inter-cultural dialogue should be encouraged.

Moreover, socio-economic development and prosperity as well as overall security are fundamental bases for sustained long-term multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism. Continuous coordination with other Stability Pact endeavors, including those conducted within the Working Table on Economic Development and Cooperation and Working Table on Security, is therefore essential.

Given that inter-ethnic relations in parts of South Eastern Europe have been seriously strained or have collapsed altogether, the long-term process of inter-ethnic rehabilitation will need sustained and concerted support first and foremost in individual South Eastern European countries as well as by the international community of states and international organizations, including expert institutions and non-governmental organizations. Minorities themselves will need to be afforded possibilities for true participation in this process if it is to succeed.

The Portorož conference reaffirmed the commitment of participating states to the existing international standards regarding human rights and the protection of minorities. Participants pledge to pursue policies and measures to enhance human dignity of individuals in order to promote tolerance and the mutual enrichment that multiethnic societies provide.

The objectives of the Stability Pact are to be translated into concrete action based on the Report of the Special Delegation of Council of Europe Advisors on Minorities, this Joint Statement, the Framework Program of Action and the List of Projects. These should be basic elements to be considered in the development of national action plans. Individual countries of South Eastern Europe commit themselves to developing their national action plans, tailored to their individual needs, while taking into account the need for cooperation with other states.

The conference identified numerous existing good practices and good processes in the region as well as in other parts of Europe, such as enhancement of participation of minorities in the conduct of public affairs through adequate direct representation of minorities in local government and national parliaments, appropriate level of self-administration, provisions and measures ensuring adequate shares of persons belonging to minorities among public officials, the institution of the minority rights ombudsman in ethnically plural countries. Such good practices and processes proved to be useful examples worth following, as appropriate, elsewhere and are accordingly to form a substantial part of the Framework Program of Action and national action plans.

The Portorož conference calls upon the Stability Pact to give strong and ongoing support to the endeavors aimed at fostering inter-ethnic relations and enhancement of the protection of minorities, including of Roma and Roma related populations.

Interested countries may wish to express their additional commitments and develop further projects considering good practices, good processes and proposals for commitments listed in the Report of the Special Delegation of Council of Europe Advisors on Minorities.