Vol. 22 No. 2 (2023): Special Issue ‘The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities: Three Levels of Work over Thirty Years’

This special issue looks into the nuanced workings of the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Celebrating the HCNM's 30th anniversary, this special issue invites readers to reflect on the HCNM's journey over the past 30 years, considering its impact and limitations. The articles contribute to the ongoing discourse on the HCNM's role and the responsibilities of international institutions in fostering peace and stability, offering a nuanced exploration of the HCNM's history and potential for shaping the future landscape of minority issues in Europe.

The issue opens by highlighting the concentric circles within international institutions, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of staff and departments. The three articles presented in this special issue echo this model, providing a retrospective on the HCNM's three-decade history.

From insightful interviews with the living HCNMs to a spotlight on field projects supporting inter-ethnic relations, each article offers a unique perspective. The focus extends beyond the individual officeholder to the dedicated staff, exploring the institution's role in conflict prevention and norm-setting within the European minority rights regime.

Guest Editor: Vello Pettai