OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Who we are
The High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) works to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States or within the OSCE region. The High Commissioner is a conflict-prevention instrument but takes a cross-dimensional approach. He frequently reminds states of their minority rights obligations because failure to respect them is a significant source of ethnic tensions that could lead to conflict. The office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities is in The Hague. The High Commissioner has approximately 30 staff.