Jurisprudence of Minority Rights: The Changing Contours of Minority Rights

Abstract

Questions concerning minority rights has long been of international consequence and is at the center of many academic, legal and political debates. Identity claims of minority groups have been recognized and deemed worthy of protection. It is significant to note that nonetheless, even today minority issues tend to occasion anxiety amongst people and States. It is, therefore, necessary to have a jurisprudential understanding of minority rights. This will enable us to gain clarity on questions of the nature of minority rights and the various challenges revolving around them. The paper has viewed claims and rights of minorities from the standpoint of international law and human rights and in doing so has charted out the historic progression of minority rights. It further studies the present day issues of the inter-relationship between minority rights and refugees and migrants. It also examines the ever-increasing demands for the inclusion of various categories like gender and children under the minority rights regime.

Keywords: Minority Rights, History of Minority Rights, International Law, Human Rights