Language policy can promote stability. For many individuals and groups, language is a key component of identity, and threats to it can raise tensions. Respect for linguistic rights, whilst also considering a state's need to maintain cohesion, reduces conflict potential. The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities promotes functional solutions to such contentious issues, and the Oslo Recommendations regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities address these challenges. This book analyses the components of a balanced legal and policy framework on language use, with a view to preventing conflict. In addition to reviewing the work of the OSCE HCNM in this area, it also draws upon the expertise of other international organisations and leading academics working in this field.


Iryna Ulasiuk Ph.D. (European University Institute, 2010) is a Senior Legal Adviser at the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. She has a number of publications in the field of minority rights, education and language rights.Laurenţiu Hadîrcă, LL.M. in Comparative Constitutional Law (CEU, 2004), M.Litt. in International Relations (Monash University, 2005) is a Senior Legal Adviser to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. He has several publications on human rights and international relations.William Romans LL.M. (Stellenbosch, 2001), LL.B. (Hon.) (Edinburgh, 1998) is a Senior Legal Adviser to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. He is an attorney-at-law and has worked in the field of international law since 2001.