The Right to Identity

Four minority rights—the right to identity, to language, to cross-frontier contacts and to participation—are at the very centre of the discussion. For the selection of these rights see Chap. 10. These rights are compared to the four dimensions of self-determination. The four dimensions are determining the political status and deciding on the economic, social and cultural development. 

Several principles in relation to a minority-majority society can be deduced from this. They are highly influenced by the two extremes of having to protect both the minority and the majority from the dangers the one poses to the other. As to the physical dimension, both murder and genocide are outlawed. The wish to survive mentally is translated into the discussion about the right to identity which is important for groups like minorities and their survival. 

The right to identity. This includes the right to existence. Physical and mental existence are difficult to keep completely apart. This is without question of fundamental importance to minorities. Aspects of identity are well covered by the chosen four instruments. ... 

Individual Best Interest The question to consider here is whether it is in the personal interest of everyone to have the right to identity. It is difficult to find a scientifically proven answer, but who would we be without an identity It seems evident that it is in every individual s best interest to have an identity. Our identity, though it can change, stays with us. It is difficult to understand the existence of human beings without identity. 

The self-identity also influences which dimension of self-determination is sought by the group. Not all groups and minorities seek political self-determination. Some may seek only to determine their own cultural development. With the right to identity for individual members of minorities, a common basis is laid for a discussion on minorities and self-determination. 

Even stronger fommlaled, the right to identity never includes the right to state-creation. See... 

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