Aligning Interculturalism with International Human Rights Law [FINAL].pdf (423.69 kB)
Aligning interculturalism with international human rights law: 'Living Together' without assimilation
On the basis of the perceived failure of multiculturalism, a shift towards ‘interculturalism’ has been advocated by politicians in Western Europe and international organisations including UNESCO and the Council of Europe. While seemingly benign from a human rights perspective, critics of interculturalism warn that in practice this shift can be used to justify the adoption of assimilationist policies. Forced or unwanted assimilation violates the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Consequently, this article explores the compatibility of interculturalism with international human rights law. It argues that when adopted within a minority rights (multiculturalist) framework, such as the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, interculturalism is broadly compatible with human rights standards. However, when adopted outside this framework, for example, within the European Court on Human Rights’ jurisprudence, interculturalist concepts can easily be used to legitimize the violation of the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Human Rights Law ReviewISSN
1744-1021Publisher
Oxford University PressExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
18Page range
441-471Department affiliated with
- Law Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sussex Centre for Human Rights Research Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-04-04First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-08-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-03-29Usage metrics
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