Considering these scenarios, it became apparent to the High Commissioner that it would be of value to have written guidance for policy makers, police, national minority communities and civil society on how to approach policing and address the issue of police-minority interaction in multiethnic societies across the OSCE region. The Recommendations were drafted with a view to promoting awareness of the handling of national minority issues in policing and assisting the Participating States with some practical guidance in developing policies and law enforcement practices – thereby promoting harmonious relations between the police and national minority communities. In the day-to-day field work of the High Commissioner, the matter of multi-ethnic policing is one of the leading themes - with the guiding principles being found in these Recommendations. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, When it comes to multi-ethnic policing, there is a multitude of factors that determines its effectiveness. In the experience of the High Commissioner, a strong feeling that you can rely on the rule of law is essential to the peaceful