Stockholm 1992 131 the importance of direct contact between experts, governmental and non-governmental, through the series of Human Dimension seminars successfully begun by the CSCE Seminar on Tolerance (…) The increasing problem of refugees and displaced persons is an issue of major concern to all participating States, particularly in conflicts where the fulfilment of basic human needs is most at risk. The Ministers deplored the plight of civil populations most affected in such conflicts and called on all participating States to contribute to a concerted effort to share the common burden. All Governments are accountable to each other for their behaviour towards their citizens and towards their neighbours. Individuals are to be held personally accountable for war crimes and acts in violation of international humanitarian law. (…) 3. High Commissioner on National Minorities The Council appointed Mr. Max van der Stoel as CSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) to strengthen the CSCE’s capacity for early warning and preventive diplomacy. The High Commissioner will act within the mandate laid down in the Helsinki Document. The Ministers expressed their support for the High Commissioner and their readiness to co-operate with him in the execution of his complex but crucial task of identifying and containing at the earliest possible stage tensions involving national minority issues which have the potential to develop into a conflict within the CSCE area. The Ministers encouraged the High Commissioner to analyse carefully potential areas of tension, to visit any participating State and to undertake wide-ranging discussions at all levels with parties directly involved in the issues. In this context, the High Commissioner may discuss the questions with the parties and, where appropriate, promote dialogue, confidence and co-operation between them at all levels, to enhance political solutions in line with CSCE principles and commitments. The Ministers undertook to provide the High Commissioner with relevant information at their disposal on national minority issues, fully respecting the independence of the High Commissioner in accordance with the mandate. (…)