Definition of “minority”

WANTED

Did you know that there has never been a conclusive and universally accepted definition regarding the term “minority” within the international law?

Well, in spite of using the word regularly either in everyday discourse or in official documents, there is nowhere to be found such a definition.  This fact has led to various and loose interpretations always in connection with the various interests of different nation-states.  For instance, the title "minority" is denied to the Roma living in Germany, since the latter sets as prerequisite for recognition of minorities the permanent settlement in well-defined areas; of course that has never been the case for Roma, as they have developed a nomadic way of life, as a result of centuries of fleeing persecution.

So, if you are ready to accept the challenge to find a commonly accepted and widely respected definition, take into consideration the following: before start working on defining minorities with words such as “people” and “nation” there are some extras to think of… there is no clear-cut and universally accepted definition for “people” and “nation”; besides that, what you come up with must cater for special cases like that of Roma that have neither a homeland nor any ties with any currently existing state.