OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Anastasia Crickley and Martin Collins, Chairperson and Co-Director respectively of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, receive the 2020 Max van der Stoel Award on behalf of Pavee Point from Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Knapen, 19 November 2021, The Hague. (OSCE/Arnaud Roelofsz) Photo details
The High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) gets involved in a situation if, in his judgement, there are tensions involving national minorities which could develop into a conflict. Much of the day-to-day work is in identifying and addressing causes of ethnic tensions and conflicts. The High Commissioner addresses the short-term triggers of inter-ethnic tension or conflict and long-term structural concerns. If a participating State is not meeting its political commitments or international norms, the High Commissioner will assist by providing analysis and recommendations. Based on experience, the HCNM publishes thematic Recommendations and Guidelines that give advice on common challenges and best practice. The HCNM also provides structural support through small collaborative projects that aim to achieve sustainability through increasing local ownership.