Helsinki 1992
115
(10) The High Commissioner will draw upon the facilities of the ODIHR in Warsaw, and in
particular upon the information relevant to all aspects of national minority questions available at the ODIHR.
Early warning
(11) The High Commissioner will:
(11a) collect and receive information regarding national minority issues from sources described below (see Supplement paragraphs (23)-(25));
(11b) assess at the earliest possible stage the role of the parties directly concerned, the nature of the tensions and recent developments therein and, where possible, the potential consequences for peace and stability within the CSCE area;
(11c) to this end, be able to pay a visit, in accordance with paragraph (17) and Supplement
paragraphs (27)-(30), to any participating State and communicate in person, subject to the
provisions of paragraph (25), with parties directly concerned to obtain firsthand information
about the situation of national minorities.
(12) The High Commissioner may during a visit to a participating State, while obtaining firsthand information from all parties directly involved, discuss the questions with the parties,
and where appropriate promote dialogue, confidence and co-operation between them.
Provision of early warning
(13) If, on the basis of exchanges of communications and contacts with relevant parties, the
High Commissioner concludes that there is a prima facie risk of potential conflict (as set out in
paragraph (3)) he/she may issue an early warning, which will be communicated promptly by
the Chairman-in-Office to the CSO.
(14) The Chairman-in-Office will include this early warning in the agenda for the next meeting of the CSO. If a State believes that such an early warning merits prompt consultation, it
may initiate the procedure set out in Annex 2 of the Summary of Conclusions of the Berlin
Meeting of the Council (“Emergency Mechanism”).
(15) The High Commissioner will explain to the CSO the reasons for issuing the early warning.
Early action
(16) The High Commissioner may recommend that he/she be authorized to enter into further
contact and closer consultations with the parties concerned with a view to possible solutions,
according to a mandate to be decided by the CSO. The CSO may decide accordingly.
Accountability
(17) The High Commissioner will consult the Chairman-in-Office prior to a departure for a
participating State to address a tension involving national minorities. The Chairman- in-Office will consult, in confidence, the participating State(s) concerned and may consult more
widely.
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents