The High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM)

The High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) heads an institution of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The post was created in 1992 to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that could endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between the 57 OSCE participating States.

The first High Commissioner was the Dutch Minister of State Max van der Stoel. The post is currently held by the fifth High Commissioner, Lamberto Zannier of Italy.

The post is described in the mandate of the HCNM as “an instrument of conflict prevention at the earliest possible stage.” This means that the High Commissioner works to address the long-term causes of inter‑ethnic tensions as well as trying to contain and de-escalate urgent situations. The High Commissioner works to ease tensions involving national minorities that could lead to conflict within the OSCE area. The High Commissioner also provides the OSCE with “early warnings” if ethnic tensions threaten to develop into conflict.

Program

Session one 11:00 – 12:00 (Dutch)
Session two 12:15 – 13:15 (Dutch)
Session tree 13:30 – 14:30 (English)

The presentations begin at 11.00 am, 12.15 pm and 13.30 pm and last for approximately one hour with space for Q&A. The language is Dutch (Sessions 1 & 2) and English (Session 3).

Visitors will be introduced to the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM).

There is a maximum number of twenty-five people per presentation.

Register now!

Address

High Commissioner on National Minorities of the OSCE
Prinsessegracht 22
2514 AP Den Haag
www.osce.org/hcnm

Security

Most organisations have strict security. Because of this, we have added a list of the DO’s and DON’Ts for you. As a visitor, you’ll be required to follow these. You will receive your security passes a week beforehand via e-mail. We ask you to please bring it with you. The security of the organisations can ask you to show your passes. Although the chance is there that registration will be enough and you will not be asked to show your pass. At all times you are required to bring a legal personal ID, like a passport of a ID-Card. Bus-, library, etc. cards are not valid identification. Security checks take time, so please keep this in mind when visiting. We ask for your patience for any eventual waiting times.

Do’s

  • Bring a valid ID like a passport or ID card
  • Bring a your admission ticket (print or online version)
  • Keep in mind that security checks can take some time.
  • Listen and comply with security.

Don’ts

  • Do not bring large bags.
  • Do not bring prams unless absolutely necessary.
  • Do not bring electronic devices.
  • Photos and video recordings aren’t always permitted.