Implementing Minority Rights in the Balkans

摘要

Though we stand at the beginning of the twentieth century and a new millennium,many unresolved issues continue to divide peoples. This is particularly the case in the Balkans. The Balkan region is one of the most important because so many disputes between states and nations have their origins in this part of Europe. The minorities within the countries of the Balkan region represent from 10 percent to 35 percent of the total population. In many cases they do not play a significant role in their societies. An exception is the Republic of Macedonia, where minorities represent 33 percent of the total population and play a significant role in the state. Unfortunately, this is not an example that many other Balkan states seek to follow. The future of the Balkans is however tied to resolving the minority rights issue within existing international norms, including the principles of open borders, free communication between nations and minorities, and the elimination of embargoes and sanctions.