RIGHTS OF PERSONS BELONGING TO THE NATIONAL MINORITIES IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

Throughout its historic development, the stress put in international law on the protection of national minorities has been stronger or weaker depending upon the momentary interest of states. In (general) international law, the term 'national minority' has not yet been legally defined. Such a definition has been formulated only for Europe. This article explores these historical developments and attempts to explain the current differences in the definition in various tribunals and jurisdictions. In this context it also compares the systems of protection of national minorities at the international and European level.