OSCE High Commissioner Launches New Mandate Focused on Minority Youth, Statelessness, and Gender Inclusion

At the OSCE’s 1523rd Permanent Council meeting held on 2 June 2025, the new High Commissioner on National Minorities, Christophe Kamp stressed the urgent need to address key challenges facing minorities across the region, including political exclusion, barriers to participation, and the risks of escalating inter-ethnic tensions. He outlined priorities for his mandate that place minority youth, stateless persons, and women from minority backgrounds at the center of conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

Ambassador Kamp emphasized the ongoing relevancy of the institution in conflict prevention, particularly in identifying and addressing tensions involving national minority issues that could escalate within the OSCE region. He underscored a renewed focus on meaningful participation by youth from minority communities in conflict prevention, viewing them as agents of social cohesion, inclusive democracy, and innovation. “Young people from minority backgrounds must not be seen as passive beneficiaries of policy but as active partners in shaping peaceful, democratic societies,” he said, highlighting upcoming initiatives to build leadership and capacity.

Building on institutional strengths, the High Commissioner highlighted enhanced collaboration with international partners, including the UNHCR, ODIHR, and OSCE participating States, to combat statelessness, a critical issue undermining human rights and regional stability. His office has also joined the Advisory Committee of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, reinforcing its strategic role in the multilateral effort. Additionally, Ambassador Kamp affirmed active involvement in OSCE-wide efforts such as the Women, Peace and Security roadmap and gender-focused roundtables, positioning gender equality at the heart of conflict prevention strategies.

His full address can be accessed on the website of the OSCE: https://www.osce.org/permanent-council/592568