In response to concern about language policies within participating States, and the impact which they could have upon minority-majority relations, in 1998 the then High Commissioner Max Van der Stoel launched the ‘Oslo Recommendations regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities’. He intended it to be a reference tool for the development of state policies and laws which would contribute to an effective implementation of the language rights of persons belonging to national minorities, particularly in the public sphere. Language was identified both as a personal matter closely connected with identity and as an essential tool of social organization which in many situations becomes a matter of public interest. This remains entirely true today, and all holders of my office have been confronted on a regular basis with the tensions which can arise between groups, when one or both of these aspects is mismanaged, creating an unnecessary conflict between the two. The Recommendations and Guidelines of the hcnm are designed to be a key resource for osce participating States in the management of diverse societies. All eight are based upon a synthesis of knowledge and experience gathered by the Institution, and developed through a partnership forged with external practitioners and academic experts.
Crises stemming from language policies are never inevitable, and where the key principles in the Oslo Recommendations are followed, they are eminently avoidable. As disputes arise, and where the political will exists, my Institution assists governments to find constructive solutions acceptable to both majority and minority populations. This is fully in line with my responsibility to act as “an instrument of conflict prevention at the earliest possible stage”. Sometimes such diplomatic work must be done quietly, without attendant publicity, since experience shows that this is the more effective method of achieving results.
I wholeheartedly welcome the present volume, and I particularly welcome the substantial contributions to it by a number of current and former staff of my Office, which ensures that hcnm experience and lessons learned in the implementation of the Recommendations are fully taken into account. In fact this publication covers, with a conflict prevention perspective, many issues arising from implementation of language policies, including respect for linguistic rights, relevant to states with diverse societies. It also provides an insight into the work that many international organisations do in this area, in partnership with governments. Moreover, it includes the contributions of a wide variety of independent experts, thus successfully showcasing the importance of co-operation between the hcnm, leading academics working in
Investment in implementing balanced language policies pays off with increased political stability, greater engagement from all members of society, and better productivity. This book is timely, and I hope that it will stimulate debate, and serve as a resource for actors involved in managing diversity, as well as those looking to better understand the different aspects of the role of the osce and its partner organisations working to reduce the risk of conflict.
Lamberto Zannier,osce High Commissioner on National Minorities