THE PROTECTION OF MINORITY RIGHTS IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD

Abstract In recent decades, globalization has increasingly blurred geographical borders, fostering a more culturally integrated society. Despite this, the protection of minority rights remains a significant challenge in international law. Minorities exist in every country, often occupying a vulnerable position due to periodic discrimination. Existing international legal frameworks are insufficient to effectively safeguard the constitutional rights of minorities. While civil and cultural rights formally uphold states' obligations to ensure equal rights, practical implementation requires additional international mechanisms, blending hard and soft law, to standardize minority rights protection. The absence of a binding international treaty with a clear definition of minorities has led to misinterpretations, double standards, and ineffective legal mechanisms. This paper utilizes a comparative methodology to explore the declarative nature of international and national acts and underscores the importance of minority rights as an essential component of human rights. Recognizing linguistic, traditional, and cultural diversity as unifying societal values, this study advocates for enhanced legal measures to promote harmonious coexistence in an increasingly globalized world.