7 January 2004

:: NEWS ::

BHC publishes alternative report on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

2003 news

2002 news

Additional information:

State Report on the Implementation of the FCNM

September 1999 BHC Report

The alternative report of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) critically evaluates the report submitted by the government of Bulgaria (hereinafter the "government report") pursuant to article 25, paragraph 1 of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. It draws on the extensive research of the BHC on minority rights in Bulgaria for a period of more than ten years and on information provided by other NGOs and academic institutions. This alternative report tries to evaluate the government report objectively but in substance underlines its deficiencies thus trying to avoid repetition. The alternative report follows the structure of the government report and refers to several supplements that should be considered an integral part of the alternative report. In September 1999 the BHC published a report on the fulfilment of the commitments of Bulgaria under the Framework Convention. The present alternative report is a follow up of the 1999 report.

General weaknesses of the government report

The report submitted by Bulgaria pursuant to Article 25, paragraph 1 of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities on April 9, 2003, is marked by a major flaw, which cannot but be pointed out, because it reflects on the overall quality of the report's content and analysis. The language of the report, which was prepared and submitted with about 18-month delay, is comprised of general statements in most of its part, i.e. legal provisions are enumerated without being supported by prima facie evidence of effective implementation; concluded and/or underway projects and policies aimed at the cultural, economic, and social advancement of ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities are simply enlisted as well, and not propped up by any account of achieved results; the entire "Factual" component of the report is weak, because of lack of factual evidence such as concrete examples provided, statistics /or any data/ indicating achievements in the spheres outlined by the Framework Convention; and, last but not least, the report is silent or cursory on numerous important issues, which should have been addressed under the separate headings of the report.

The read the alternative report, click here.

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