the MAX VAN DER STOEL award 2020
Programme Contents
Max van der Stoel...............................................................................................1
Max van der Stoel Award .................................................................................2
Award Winners ...................................................................................................2
Foreword (High Commissioner on National Minorities).............................3
Foreword (Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands).........................5
Invitation..............................................................................................................6
Programme ..........................................................................................................7
Account of the 2020 Award winner’s advocacy activities ...........................8
Feature about the 2020 Award winner ..........................................................10
Official justification of the International Jury of the Max van der Stoel Award..........................................................................15
Members of the Jury.........................................................................................16
Rules of Procedure for the Max van der Stoel Award.................................19 Max van der Stoel, first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, 1992–2001 Max van der Stoel Max van der Stoel was appointed as the first High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE HCNM) in 1992. He served an unprecedented eight and a half years in this post. Born in 1924, Van der Stoel is a senior statesman who had a long and distinguished career. As well as being twice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (1973−1977 and 1981−1982), he held seats in both the upper and lower houses of the Dutch Parliament. He was also a member of the European Parliament (1971−1973) and the North Atlantic Assembly (1968−1973, 1978−1981) as well as the Council of Europe Consultative Assembly and the Western European Union Assembly between 1967 and 1972. Between 1983 and 1986 he served as Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations and in 1991, he was awarded the honorary title of Minister of State by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands for his exceptional accomplishments. The following year he was appointed by the UN Commission on Human Rights as Special Rapporteur on Iraq.
Van der Stoel became familiar with the work of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE, later OSCE) in his roles as Foreign Minister during the Helsinki consultations from 1973 to 1975, as Chairman of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee for several years and as head of the Netherlands delegation during the CSCE conferences on the human dimension in Paris, Copenhagen and Moscow. After several renewals of his mandate as OSCE HCNM, he was succeeded, in July 2001, by the Swedish diplomat, Mr. Rolf Ekéus.
In 1999 Van der Stoel was awarded the Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau; the first citizen of the Netherlands to receive the award since 1919. Several honorary doctorates have also been awarded to him, including the Cleveringa Chair at Leiden University. The Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award at the University of Tilburg is named in his honour.
1 Max van der Stoel Award The Award of €50,000, named in honour of Mr. Max van der Stoel – a prominent Dutch statesman and the first to hold the position of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities − was established by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001. It is awarded biennially to an individual or an institution in recognition of the extraordinary and outstanding achievements aimed at improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.
Award Winners 2020 Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, Ireland
2018 High-school students from the municipality of Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2016 The Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR), Cyprus
2014 Spravedlivost, Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan
2011 Nansen Dialogue Centre Skopje
2009 Integration and Development Center for Information and Research, Crimea, Ukraine
2007 European Roma Rights Centre, Budapest, Hungary
2005 Memorial Historical, Educational, Human Rights and Charitable Society, Moscow, Russian Federation
2003 Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, Riga, Latvia.
¹ The 2013 Award was postponed to 2014 to avoid overlapping with the change in HCNM. The 2020 Award ceremony was postponed to 2021 because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on all in-person events in 2020.
2 Foreword by Kairat Abdrakhmanov High Commissioner on National Minorities
At a time when the value of diversity and multiculturalism is being increasingly called into question, an organization committed to integration and promoting the interests of Travellers and Roma - Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre from Ireland - has shown that unity and solidarity can triumph over division and discrimination. Therefore, the 2020 Max van der Stoel Award - with a unanimous decision of its international Jury - has been awarded to an organization that has tirelessly worked toward the integration of Ireland’s society by advocating for Roma and Traveller communities.
Roma and Traveller communities have experienced a long history of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. This has led to further inequalities, exclusion and cycles of poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath has further exacerbated the already existing vulnerabilities of Roma and Traveller communities.
Since its inception in 1985, the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre has been working toward building a bridge between Roma and Irish Traveller communities and the rest of Irish society. This non-governmental organization is dedicated to celebrating the cultures and traditions of both communities and advocating for their participation, equality and social justice at the regional, national and international levels. The organization’s success lies in empowering their communities and focusing integration initiatives on two important areas: education and healthcare. The organization tackles this by consistently supporting programmes that address economic and societal inequalities. As a result, Pavee Point successfully lobbied the authorities of Ireland to extend official legal recognition for the Traveller community as a minority ethnic group in March 2017. This speaks volumes, not only on the effectiveness of the organization to scale their activities and make a lasting impact, but also on the will of the Irish authorities to recognize the value of diversity and multiculturalism.
This year OSCE HCNM celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Hague Recommendations regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities and the 15th anniversary of the Recommendations on Policing in Multi-Ethnic Societies. Next year, OSCE HCNM will celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Ljubljana Guidelines
3 on Integration of Diverse Societies. As we commemorate the milestones of our various guidelines and recommendations, we give an opportunity to governments and grassroots organizations to share their best practices on the platforms of events that we convene throughout the year.
In 2020, the Jury of the Max van der Stoel Award considered many excellent nominations. Pavee Point, with its unique grass roots efforts, systemic work and tailored approach to the needs of their community, stood out among the nominees. I believe this year’s winner’s method of work embodies what my eminent predecessor and the first High Commissioner on National Minorities, Max van der Stoel valued as the most effective method to promote national minorities, which is to empower them and engage them in the process to take ownership of action that brings change. The Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre serves as an outstanding example of an organization that has done both: empower national minorities and let them become the driving force behind the change.
Today, in an increasingly divided world, we turn to the past to seek inspiration from the words of wisdom of historical figures who promoted peace, love, humanity and cohesion among all members of society, including minorities. Over 100 years ago, an extraordinary Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbaiuly said: “Адамзаттың бәрін сүй бауырым деп”, which translates as “Love all of humanity like your own kin”. I believe that the efforts of Pavee Point, first and foremost, were driven by the desire to give recognition to our common humanity and kinship with Roma and Travellers. In their work, the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre went beyond promoting the educational and socio-economic participation of the Traveller and Roma communities. They made concentrated efforts toward unifying their society and laid the foundation for the peaceful coexistence of people in a stable and secure environment for years to come.
I hope that you, much like the OSCE HCNM and the international jury of the 2020 Max Van der Stoel Award, will draw inspiration from the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre and their remarkable achievements.
4 Foreword by Ben Knapen Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Human rights are universal. They apply to everyone, but sadly they are not always applied universally. Racism and discrimination are frequently at the root of this injustice. Minorities who do not conform to the expectations of the majority are expected to change their identities or face exclusion. All too often, people are denied their rights because of who they are.
The international community has long recognized this inequity, and attempted to address it. The office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities is the OSCE’s answer to the recurring question of minority rights. Max van der Stoel, the first High Commissioner, was also one of my predecessors as foreign minister. To me, he is an example in more ways than one. Throughout his long career he was sustained by his principles, to which he consistently held fast. He spoke out against injustice, but did so softly and effectively. He believed in the value of quiet diplomacy, and used its slow-burning potential to help advance the human rights agenda. His distinguished successors to the office of High Commissioner have carried on the important work of this institution, and demonstrated its continued relevance.
The Max van der Stoel Award is an example of this. Throughout the world, minorities continue to face difficulties and are frequently denied their rights. This prize honours and encourages individuals and organizations seeking to change that status quo.
Pavee Point is an excellent example of such an organization. Through hard work, positive community outreach, and consistent advocacy for the rights of Irish Travellers and Roma, they contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world. For over 30 years, they have worked tirelessly to improve the position of Travellers and Roma in society, and ensure respect for their cultural identities and human rights. Their persistent efforts show that true agents of change are in it for the long run. Their work is an example to us all.
I congratulate them on winning this well-deserved prize.
5 The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities cordially invites you to
The Max van der Stoel Award 2020 Ceremony
In 2001, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands established an award honouring the first High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE HCNM), the late Mr. Max van der Stoel.
The prize is sponsored by the Dutch Government and awarded biennially to a person or institution in recognition of their extraordinary and outstanding achievements aimed at improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE area.
This year the prize will be awarded to
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre from Ireland
The ceremony will take place on 19 November 2021 at 15:30 in the Academy Hall of the Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, The Hague.
6 Programme 15:00 Registration
15:30 The Max van der Stoel Award 2020 Ceremony
Music to open the ceremony Welcome Speech by His Excellency Kairat Abdrakhmanov OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Welcome Remarks by Erik de Baedts General Director of the Carnegie Foundation – Peace Palace
Remarks by Her Excellency Helga Maria Schmid Secretary General of the OSCE
Remarks by His Excellency Matteo Mecacci Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Statement on behalf of the Jury by His Excellency Lamberto Zannier former OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and Chair of the Max van der Stoel Award 2020 Jury
Presentation Speech by His Excellency Ben Knapen Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Short Film about the Laureate
Congratulatory Remarks by His Excellency Roderic O’Gorman Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Ireland
Acceptance Speech on behalf of the Laureate Anastasia Crickley, Chairperson and Martin Collins, Director Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
Music to close the ceremony
7 Advancing the Human Rights of Travellers and Roma in Ireland Account of the 2020 Award winner’s advocacy activities
One of Pavee Point’s strategic goals is to focus on key policy issues in a co- ordinated, inclusive and collective way to advance the human rights of Travellers and Roma.
Pavee Point has played a significant role in, and continues to advocate for, the development and implementation of: • The National Traveller Roma and Inclusion Strategy and associated EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020 – 2030 • The holistic Traveller Education Strategy committed to by the current Irish government • Recommendations of the Irish Government Expert Review Group on Traveller Accommodation • The forthcoming National Traveller Health Action Plan • Ireland’s compliance with and progress on international human rights obligations under a range of UN, Council of Europe and OSCE Conventions, commitments and Charters
Pavee Point and COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic reached Ireland in February 2020 and from the onset Pavee Point was concerned that it would have a potentially devastating and disproportionate impact on Traveller and Roma communities.
The combination of living in more cramped and poor living conditions, the inequities reflected in a poor health status, limited health literacy and digital skills and the experience of racism and discrimination had the potential to create a perfect storm for the rapid spread of the pandemic and related impacts.
During COVID-19, Pavee Point worked collaboratively and in partnership with a range of government agencies and departments, the national police service plus a range of Traveller organizations and projects to ensure a variety of supports and protections for Travellers and Roma given the vulnerability of these communities.
8 Key Achievements in Mitigating the Impacts of COVID-19 on Traveller & Roma health • Travellers and Roma named as vulnerable groups • Travellers and Roma priority groups for COVID-19 testing • Travellers and Roma priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination • Department of Housing Circular and funding to local authorities to provide emergency facilities such as water, electricity and extra isolation space • Successfully lobbying for a national ban on Traveller evictions during lockdown • Inclusion of an ethnic identifier in Health Protection data collection • Traveller Primary Health Care Workers included as frontline healthcare workers • Development of culturally appropriate COVID-19 health education materials • Traveller Primary Health Care Workers engaging with Traveller families throughout pandemic.
COVID-19 Poster targeting Travellers and Roma. During COVID-19, Pavee Point worked collaboratively to ensure a variety of supports and protections for Travellers and Roma given the vulnerability of these communities. (Photo: © OSCE HCNM / Pavee Point)
Pavee Point COVID-19 public health information poster. (Photo: © OSCE HCNM / Pavee Point)
9 Feature about the 2020 Award winner: Interview with Missy Collins from the Primary Health Care Project led by Travellers for Travellers One of Pavee Point’s main areas of activity is in challenging health inequalities faced by Travellers. The Primary Health Care Project is led by Travellers for Travellers. Travellers listen to their community to assess their needs and work directly with health authorities to ensure that health policy considers Travellers’ needs.
Missy Collins has been a key member of the Primary Health Care Project for more than 30 years. She told us why the Project is so important, the relevance of Travellers being at the heart of advocacy, and the outcomes. She also shared some of her memories of Traveller life.
One of the aims of the Primary Health Care Project is to promote health information and access to services with Travellers (Photo: © OSCE HCNM / Derek Speirs)
“If you’d told me 30 years ago, ‘well, Missy, you’re going to be involved in Travellers’ health,’ I would have said, ‘nah.’ But I have to say, it was the empowerment and support we got from Pavee Point that made a difference.
“One of the aims of the Primary Health Care Project is that Travellers promote health services with Travellers. Travellers also talk to other Travellers about their needs, and take the information back to the health service providers.
10 “When we started the programme in 1992, a director from a government agency told me that Travellers going out talking to Travellers wouldn’t work because we can’t read and write; we’re not educated. Well, I said, I know my needs and I know what will work, but I didn’t win that day. I got up from that table and as I was going away, I said, ‘I will be back; I’m not giving up’.
A few months later, that same man agreed to a health service pilot for nine months and then he became our boss for ten years.
“So, we did our own research questionnaire and Travellers went to talk to Travellers. The best thing about that is Travellers aren’t afraid of talking to other Travellers like they would be if it had been a social worker asking the questions. There’s always been a fear among Travellers that their children could be taken from them by social workers.
“At that time, we spoke to 85 families for the questionnaire and we took the answers back to Pavee Point and the healthcare providers. They ascertained that at that particular time there were three needs: a well-woman clinic, a hearing test for the children and a dentist set up in the evening, because Travellers were not using these services.
“Although we ourselves and our mummies before us had big families, we didn’t know a lot about our own bodies. We didn’t know what a smear test was, some of the women didn’t know what ovaries was. Some of the women were terrified when we told them they were going to have their breasts checked and a smear test. I remember one women who was afraid, but I convinced her to go in and, thank God, she did because her breast cancer was caught in time. It was work that made me very proud.
“The first time we went to the clinic with the children for their hearing test we brought 14 children, and 10 of them had to get treatment. If those children hadn’t been helped, they probably would have ended up not hearing or not being able to speak properly.
“It was the same with the dentist. We set it up to meet Traveller needs. The whole family could go to the dentist, even in the evening, so she could check the whole family.
“I can say that we had success because we don’t need to do this anymore. Nearly all the families know where to go and what to do and they trust the healthcare providers. So, we’ve kind of broken down that barrier and now it’s just as it should be. We’re closing the gap.
11 “When I would meet with health ministers or people from the department of health, the first thing we lobbied for was a strategy for Travellers’ health, and one of the recommendations was for an All-Ireland Traveller Health Study. It took a long time, but it was finally published in 2010.
“I’ll never forget it. It was launched in Dublin Castle. I held it up over my head and said, ‘This is what I’ve been waiting for. This is what I wanted for every Traveller in Ireland.’ I thought it was the greatest thing in the world and I was that proud, I was the proudest Traveller woman in Ireland.”
Missy Collins proudly holding the All-Ireland Traveller Health Study which was finally published in 2010 and launched at Dublin Castle. (Photo: © OSCE HCNM / Derek Speirs)
Good times and hard times “My mother had a big family; there was 12 of us. We didn’t have a roof over our heads at that time. We were travelling around the country and had a camp at the side of the road. My grandfather would sell stuff out of a basket to the farmers’ houses. Our mummy wouldn’t have attended any hospital before the children were born. When they would be out in the country, far from the town, my mother would say to my father, ‘pull in near the next town’, but she wouldn’t say, ‘I’m going to have a baby’. That was her old-fashioned way. And all the mothers at that time breastfed the child. They didn’t have any powder milk, and they wouldn’t have been able to get up during the night and heat it up because they’d have to light a fire. They had big plaid robes to wrap the baby up and [the mother] had to carry that child nearly all day. That was the way we lived and that was how we managed. I remember all these things, and to me there were good times but there were hard times.”
12 I thought there was no one like me “I was only eight years old when I made my first communion and nine for my confirmation. I didn’t have any school. You would see the priest in the parish - one where you had become comfortable, because there was discrimination that time as well - and he’d arrange it for you and ask you to say a few prayers. Then you might go up to the school in the evening when the other children had gone home, so a master or a nun could teach a bit of catechism. I made my first communion with a dress that at least a hundred children might have used before me. The nuns lent it to me, and there were little white canvas shoes. I thought there was no one like me. I will never forget it. I went into one shop in the village and a woman gave me a whole banana ice cream, and I was delighted.”
Pay no heed “We still face discrimination. It doesn’t matter how you dress or what you do, as soon as an Irish person sees me, they know I am a Traveller. If you go into a shop, they’ll follow you around. I suppose most of the time we get that much discrimination against us that we’ll just leave and say, ‘pay no heed’. We used to say it years ago, as well. I always knew there was discrimination but before I got involved with Pavee Point I wouldn’t have tried to do anything about it. When I got involved with Pavee Point in the early 90s I got to realizing how much and how deep discrimination was with the Travellers. It used to be that you would go into the health clinic and the first person you would meet would look at you as if you didn’t know how to read and write, which I didn’t, and you would know from their manner that they were discriminating against you. So you’d come back home and say, ‘don’t go down to that clinic because they don’t want you.’
A picture will capture a Traveller’s attention very quickly and they will take more of an interest, especially if that image is related to Travellers. (Photo: © OSCE HCNM / Derek Speirs)
13 Feeling wanted or expected goes a long way If you can’t read or write, you go to a clinic or a hospital or anywhere, and you see everything written but you don’t know what it says. A picture will capture a Traveller’s attention very quickly and they will take more of an interest, especially if that image is related to Travellers, like a trailer or a wheel, or a photo of a Traveller person. If you see that displayed within a hospital setting or in a clinic then you feel that you’re welcomed because there’s a picture of us here in this building. So there’s a part of feeling like you’re wanted or you’re expected, and that goes a long way.
14 Official justification of the International Jury of the Max van der Stoel Award The grounds on which the 2020 Award was made to the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre from Ireland The Jury of the Max van der Stoel Award has decided to honour Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre from Ireland with the 2020 Max van der Stoel Award in recognition of its continued efforts to strengthen the genuine integration of Ireland’s society by advocating and protecting the rights of the Traveller and Roma communities.
In Ireland, the Roma and Traveller communities have suffered a long history of multiple and intersectional discrimination. Both communities experience poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunity, decreased life expectancy, cultural bias and social stereotyping. Since its foundation in 1985, the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre has recognized the need for solidarity between Roma and Irish Traveller communities based on their shared experiences of racism and social exclusion.
This non-governmental organization (NGO) courageously and continuously seeks to celebrate the cultures and traditions of both communities in an inclusive manner by advocating for participation, social justice and genuine equality at the regional, national and international levels. Pavee Point supports the integration of Ireland’s diverse society through education and healthcare initiatives, and works to combat violence against women and support participation in programmes that bridge economic and societal inequalities. In addition, Pavee Point raises awareness within broader society of the fundamental rights of Roma and Travellers, and works to eradicate negative stereotypes and discrimination of these communities, including of women and children. In promoting the status of Travellers, Pavee Point successfully lobbied the Republic of Ireland to extend official legal recognition for this community as a minority ethnic group in March 2017.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how persistent societal inequalities have left many vulnerable communities in an even more precarious situation. Pavee Point has been actively involved in various initiatives, including co-operating with national authorities, to mitigate the negative implications of the pandemic for the Roma and Traveller communities. Acknowledging its activism, community-based approach, and tireless commitment to advocate for Roma and Travellers, including by amplifying their voices during these times of heightened discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jury made the unanimous decision to reward Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre with the 2020 Max van der Stoel Award.
15 Max van der Stoel Award 2020 Jury
Ambassador Lamberto Zannier Ambassador Lamberto Zannier is a High-Level Expert at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and has occupied this position since September 2020. He served as the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities from July 2017 until July 2020. Previously, he was OSCE Secretary General for two consecutive three-year terms, from 1 July 2011 until 30 June 2017. Other senior positions include UN Special Representative for Kosovo and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 2008 to 2011, Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE (2002-2006), Chairperson of the negotiations on the adaptation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (1998-1999) and Head of Disarmament, Arms Control and Cooperative Security at NATO (1991- 1997). Zannier joined the Italian Foreign Ministry as a career diplomat in 1978 and also served in Rome, Abu Dhabi, Vienna and The Hague, mainly specializing in multilateral and security affairs. He has authored several publications on security, conflict prevention and crisis management issues. He holds a Law degree and an honorary degree in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Trieste, Italy.
Alexander Verkhovsky Director of the SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, Moscow, Russia
Alexander Verkhovsky’s areas of research are political extremism, nationalism and xenophobia, religion and politics, as well as the misuse of anti-extremism policies in contemporary Russia. He has authored or co-authored several books on these issues, including: Criminal Law in OSCE Countries against Hate Crimes, Incitement to Hatred, and Hate Speech.
16 Barbara Oomen Barbara Oomen is Professor of the Sociology of Human Rights at Utrecht University, based at University College Roosevelt, in Middelburg, the Netherlands
Barbara Oomen has published extensively on the realization of human rights worldwide, with works like Global Urban Justice: The Rise of Human Rights Cities. Specific areas of interest include human rights education and human © Mechteld Jansen rights and cultural diversity. She worked at the University of Amsterdam, Columbia University and the European University Institute in Florence. Her current research project is supported by the Vici program of the Netherlands Science Foundation and concerns the relevance of international human rights law to the way in which local authorities throughout Europe welcome and integrate refugees. Barbara Oomen sits on a wide range of advisory boards such as the Roosevelt Foundation and that of the Human Rights Cities Network.
Daniel Serwer Daniel Serwer is Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, D.C., United States of America
Previously director of the Conflict Management and American Foreign Policy programs at SAIS, Daniel Serwer has worked on preventing inter-ethnic and sectarian conflict in Iraq and has facilitated dialogue between Serbs and Albanians in the Balkans. As a minister-counselor at the U.S. Department of State, Serwer directed the European office of intelligence and research and served as U.S. special envoy and co-ordinator for the Bosnian Federation, mediating between Croats and Muslims and negotiating the first agreement reached at the Dayton peace talks.
Dr. Serwer (Ph.D. Princeton) is the author of two books: Righting the Balance: How You Can Help Protect America and From War to Peace in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Ukraine.
17 Petra Roter Dr. (Cantab.) Roter is Professor of International Relations at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and senior researcher at the Centre of International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences
Petra Roter is a national director of the European Master programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (Venice); an academic co-ordinator of the MA in International Relations (Ljubljana); and a member of the Scientific Board of the EURAC Institute for Minority Rights. She was the President of the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and has been elected as an independent expert to serve on the Advisory Committee for the second term.
Rainer Hofmann Dr. iur. Hofmann is Professor of Public Law, Public International Law and European Law at Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
Rainer Hofmann is a former Member of the Executive and Management Board of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, Vienna (Austria), representing the Council of Europe; former Vice-President of the Board of the European Center for Minority Issues (ECMI) in Flensburg (Germany); and former President of the Advisory Committee on the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.
18 Rules of Procedure Max van der Stoel Award 1. GENERAL 1.1 The Max van der Stoel Award will be presented in recognition of extraordinary and outstanding achievements aimed at improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE area. It will be awarded to international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, government bodies or individuals with a record of excellence in this field. 1.2 The Award shall be presented every two years. 1.3 The Award shall consist of a cash sum of €50,000 and a certificate. 1.4 Award winners must indicate in advance how they wish to receive the cash award. 1.5 Award winners may spend the cash award as they deem appropriate. No restrictions may be imposed in this respect.
2. MANAGEMENT The management of the Award will be executed by the office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (OSCE HCNM) in The Hague.
3. THE JURY 3.1 The HCNM will be responsible for the constitution of the Jury. 3.2 Members of the Jury shall be appointed for a maximum period of three terms leading to the presentation of the Award. When selecting candidates for the Jury, preference shall be given to persons with an international reputation for their work on behalf of national minorities and European security policy in relation to national minorities. 3.3 If a member of the Jury has a hierarchical or comparable relationship with a prospective Award winner (e.g. is on the board or the supervisory council of a legal entity or is a relative or partner of a natural person), the Jury member in question shall not take part in compiling the list of five nominees for the Award. If, at the deadline for nomination, a relationship of this kind exists between more than two members of the Jury and prospective Award winners, the Jury shall be dissolved for one year. A new Jury shall be appointed for a period of eight months, consisting of the uncontested members of the previous Juries and the reserve members next in line on the reserve list, subject to the rules set out above concerning hierarchical or comparable relationships. 3.4 The Jury shall formulate, in writing, the grounds on which the Award is given.
19 4. NOMINATIONS 4.1 Nominations for Award winners shall be submitted to the Jury by: a) the OSCE Missions and Institutions; b) the OSCE Participating States through their Permanent Representations with the OSCE in Vienna; and c) the OSCE HCNM in The Hague. 4.2 The Award may not be shared.
5. AWARD CEREMONY 5.1 The Award shall be presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the HCNM. The Minister shall incorporate in his speech the grounds for the Award, as formulated by the Jury. 5.2 Two representatives of the winning organization, or, if the winner is a natural person, the winner and one other person, shall be entitled to travelling expenses to The Hague and hotel accommodation for three nights, and shall receive the equivalent of the UN daily subsistence allowance (DSA). An extra allowance shall be granted if hotel bed and breakfast rates exceed 50 per cent of the UN DSA rate. 5.3 In consultation with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the HCNM shall produce the certificate and a book for all guests present on those occasions.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY The HCNM shall submit biennial reports to the Security and Defence Policy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval by the Ministry’s Financial and Economic Affairs Department. Both the Ministry’s internal and external accountants shall be authorized to inspect and comment on the reports.
20