O'Nions, Helen --- "Minority and cultural rights of migrants" [2014] ELECD 185; in Chetail, Vincent; Bauloz, Céline (eds), "Research Handbook on International Law and Migration" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2014) 239

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Law and Migration

Editor(s): Chetail, Vincent; Bauloz, Céline

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9780857930040

Section: Chapter 9

Section Title: Minority and cultural rights of migrants

Author(s): O'Nions, Helen

Number of pages: 26

Abstract/Description:

The application of minority rights to non-nationals is a problematic area in international law. Many Europeans continue to express the view that globalization and migration has damaged their national culture and a significant minority rejects the view that there is value in a multi-ethnic society. These are unique times for non-nationals in Europe. We have seen a galvanizing of national identity as a consequence of both economic austerity and the political events in Northern Africa and the middle-East, including the 'war on terror' and the accompanying rise of security rhetoric in Western politics. The erosion of certain religious rights has been justified with reference to democratic values which appear predicated on secularism rather than diversity. Cultural and minority rights are often presented as part of the problem. Yet, as Nimni contends 'the recognition of the collective right to take part in cultural life is not only a vital human need, but a sine qua non step for the integration of national and ethnic minorities in multicultural states'. In principle the universal application of human rights norms makes no distinction between nationals and non-nationals, yet the State's right to control its borders as a matter of territorial integrity readily divides those that belong from those that do not. Secure borders are seen as essential to preserve national identity which itself is built on a perception of common origins and values which, to some extent, depend on a favourable comparison with the non-national.