What is it about?
This article expounds on the issues of minorities and minority right protection in Federations. Then, it starts with clarifying the conceptual controversies regarding who the minorities are, with the aim to have clear understanding of the concept. It also critically explores international legal norms for protecting minority rights and the pitfalls. The article argues that consociationalism is without a doubt one of the best institutional mechanism for resolving disputes and safeguarding the interests of minorities. It is power-sharing mechanism where agreements and decisions are made by political elites originating from various social segments. To this end, this mechanism empowers minorities to veto decision which enables minorities to effectively participate in decision making affecting their vital interest. Moreover, the article contends that those states which are concerned with minority rights must have a high level of commitment, political will, robust institutions and openness to the value of tolerance and dialogue.
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Why is it important?
Therefore, the articles implications could be taken as a lesson by other federations on their institutional design. Furthermore, the article aims to lay a foundation for scholarly debates and further research.
Perspectives
I'm confident that this article will contribute and add value to the academic discourse. I hereby declare that the manuscript is entirely the result of my own work and effort and that it has only been published in this prestigious journal.
Wondwossen Mengistu
Hawassa University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Minorities and Minority Right Protection in Federations, International Journal on Minority and Group Rights, April 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/15718115-bja10217.
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