Abstract

The rights of ethnic-national minorities are based on principles such as freedom, equality, justice, and pluralism. The violation of these rights reveals a new hegemony after the formation of the modern nation-state, in which the dominance of majority culture and identity confronts ethnic minorities with serious challenges. This dominance, which now manifests itself in a new and modern form, aims to homogenize and erase ethnic-national identities. However, the tumultuous history of ethnic minorities, filled with experiences of genocide, exile, and forced assimilation, continues to remain a heavy burden on these peoples. In response, they seek to redefine "multicultural citizenship" while preserving their language, culture, and identity; a concept in which special rights and respect for the collective identity of ethnic groups, especially in minority conditions, are guaranteed for their continued existence. To achieve such a goal, a decentralized structure is needed, as centralized systems, with unilateral decision-making from the center, are unable to guarantee and protect minority rights.