The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities 1. Access to justice for persons belonging to national minorities should be underpinned by the principles of the rule of law, non-discrimination and equality, including gender equality, the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial body established by law, the right to legal assistance and the right to an effective remedy. 2. Measures to guarantee access to justice for national minorities should be broader than providing access to courts. States should establish, strengthen and fund independent human rights institutions that can secure effective remedies for all complainants, including persons belonging to national minorities. 3. States should ensure that when persons belonging to national minorities engage with judicial and national human rights institutions and take part in proceedings, they are able to do so in a language they understand, and preferably in their language, as well as in an environment that is respectful of their identity. 4. States should make legal assistance available to national minorities in a way that addresses the obstacles they face in accessing justice. 5. The composition of courts, tribunals, prosecution offices, law-enforcement agencies, correctional services, enforcement agencies (or bailiffs) and human rights institutions, should aim to reflect the diversity of the population at all levels. 8 The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities