Right to cross

The right to cross-frontier contacts. This right is often overlooked. Nevertheless, it should not be underestimated in its importance to members of minorities. Especially in cases where there is a kin-state, cross-frontier contacts of very important. However, also the possibility to be in contact with other minorities is included in this right. This can be equally important to minorities that may live in a border region, or it is simply a matter of being in contact with other minorities in Europe who are in a similar situation. Even though provisions on cross-frontier contacts are very short, they appear in all the four focus instruments. ... 

For provisions on the right to cross-frontier contacts see para. 32.4 of the Copenhagen Document, art. 14 of the Language Charier, art. 2 (5) of the UN Minority Declaration and art. 17 FCNM. 

Pedigree The right to cross-frontier contacts is a recurring right. It is included both in treaties and other documents. It has a well-established pedigree. 

Coherence The right to cross-frontier contacts is embedded in the larger minority framework. Cross-frontier contacts can strengthen the identity of a minority. They can be to the benefit of the state. Cross-frontier contacts are not only the contact... 

Individual Freedom Restricting the contacts of members of minorities solely to the majority society would take away the freedom of choice for the members. The right to cross-fr(Mitier crmtacts again is a possibility but not a must. It is up to the individual members of the minority. There is equally no obligation of individual... 

The Dijference Principle The possibility to keep cross-frontier contacts is to the benefit of the least advantaged. It supports their existence and identity. It promotes the minority s possibility to be heard beyond the state boundaries. The right to cross-frontier contacts implies that minorities have a special interest in this while the majority does not necessarily share this interest. The granting of this right focuses on minorities and their needs. The difference principle is respected. 

The Right to Cross-Frontier Contacts and Self-Determination... 

No subject related to forced migration has received more attention from a normative perspective than the question of whether some forced migrants should have a special right to cross borders in search of international protection, or asylum. In particular, scholars have been concerned with who should be able to claim asylum, and what responsibilities states have to admit and protect those they recognize as refugees. 

---