The Right to Identity and Self-Determination

A common identity is one of the basic characteristics of a minority. A majority also has an identity even though it may not be displayed as consciously as in the case for a minority. For the majority, it is not so essential to express its identity as the surroundings and society as such is coined by the majority identity. Even though the right targets individuals, the minority would not have an identity if its members had none. While the collective identity is more than and possibly different from the sum of individual identities, these are feeding the collective identity. 

Identity is part of the subjective factor in the definition of a minority. When applying the groups characteristics approach to peoples,identity is also a core feature. The right to have an identity for members of minorities contributes to the definition of the self in self-determination. It is therefore highly relevant for the discussion on minorities and self-determination. Taking a group characteristics approach of peoples, identity is also part of the definition. Peoples must have the 

Having an identity does not automatically lead to self-determination. Identity is part of the preconditions for self-determination to be applicable. A minority without an identity is impossible per definition. A strong identity may strengthen claims to self-determination however, while identity is essential for self-determination, self-determination is no automatic result for a group with an 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. 

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