Respect for and protection of human rights, including minority rights 4. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including minority rights, enables diverse societies to fully develop in conditions of security, peace and co-operative relations. International commitments and binding obligations are the minimum standards States have to observe. Positive obligations also entail proactive policies and the promotion of full respect for the rights of all individuals. Minority rights are an integral part of international human rights law and impose legal obligations upon every member of the international community. OSCE participating States are also bound by their political commitments in the area of minority rights.19 The UN Charter underlines the importance of preventing and removing threats to peace,20 and history shows that when States do not adequately protect the rights of minorities, conflicts are more likely to erupt. Protecting and promoting human rights, including minority rights, help States to strengthen the cohesiveness of their societies while respecting diversity, and can thus be considered preconditions for lasting peace, security and stability. To promote the integration of society, States should acknowledge the diversity in their societies and abstain from any attempts to assimilate minorities against their will. In addition, they are obliged to promote the rights of persons belonging to minorities to effectively participate in public affairs and to maintain their identities by providing adequate opportunities to develop their culture, to use their language and to practise their religion.21 Specific recommendations on how to effectively implement these rights have been published by the HCNM, including with regard to education22, use of language23 and effective participation in public life24. 19 20 21 24 Copenhagen Document. UN Charter, article 1. This obligation is laid down in, inter alia, the ICCPR, article 27; the 1960 UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education, article 5.1.c.; the UN Declaration on Minorities, articles 1, 2(2) and 2(3); the Copenhagen Document, paragraphs 33 and 35; and the FCNM, articles 5(1), 8 and 10–15. The Hague Recommendations regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities, 1996 (hereinafter: “Hague Recommendations”). The Oslo Recommendations regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities, 1998 (hereinafter: “Oslo Recommendations”). Lund Recommendations. 12 Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies 22 23