Tolerance and Intercultural Dialogue vs. Discrimination of National Minorities – Application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Serbia
Tolerance and Intercultural Dialogue vs. Discrimination of National Minorities – Application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Serbia

Author(s): Milica S. Joković Pantelić, Ivana Stjelja
Subject(s): Politics, Sociology, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: national minorities; equality; dialogue; tolerance; discrimination
Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to analyse the application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Serbia, i.e., obligations arising from Articles 4 and 5 of this Convention. The analysis deals with prerequisites and conditions that are of relevance for the purpose of protecting national minorities, the latter being significant in order to ensure that national minorities are protected against discrimination. For the minority national and ethnic identities to be accepted, it is important to raise the level of population’s culture, especially political culture, whereby it is particularly significant to embrace and respect differences. Without this, a harmonious cohabitation of all ethnic groups, both the majority and minority ones, is not possible. Substantial means for the fulfilment of obligations stipulated by the Framework Convention are upbringing, education, socialisation, dialogue, tolerance, compromise, and consensus. The purpose of this paper is also to review conditions for the specific application of Articles 4 and 6 of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. This analysis includes the Fourth and the Fifth Periodical Reports on monitoring the application of the Convention, the reports pertaining to mutual interactions and communication, use of the language in everyday communication, education, and protection against discrimination. We have additionally analysed proposals and views of the Council of Europe Advisory Committee and reports compiled by the Republic of Serbia. Finally, we have drawn certain conclusions presented in the form of measures which, according to the Framework Convention, Serbia should undertake for the purpose of protecting national minorities.

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