The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 75
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Owing to financial factors, administrative and resource burdens and the importance of institutional identity, strong general human rights institutions are preferred by many States. However, the European Centre for Minority Issues states that "given the importance of minority issues to both the minority and the majority communities … the appointment of an officer or establishment of a specialized department in the field of minority protection can only be welcomed". In reality, departments or sections may work within less well defined policy and mandate frameworks than those of dedicated bodies, and may face staff and resource restrictions. Senior appointments, including such posts as deputy ombudsperson for minorities, could be regarded as maintaining appropriate high-level focus on minority issues.