| | The No Nonsense Guide to Minority Rights in South Asia highlights the efforts for improving the situation of the minorities and indigenous peoples in the region, particularly through the strengthening of the provisions for "autonomy" as well as the institutions of federalism in the polities of the region. It also shows how these institutions, which have proved quite effective in the protection of minorities in Europe, remain underdeveloped and unexplored in South Asia.
Unlike in Europe, where the process of nation state formation created geographical conclaves of minorities, in South Asia the religious minorities are not limited to specific areas. South Asia needs the growing awareness among the political parties and the civil society that federalization of the polities and greater devolution of powers to the minorities and indigenous peoples, is essential for peace, coexistence, tolerance and stability in the region.
The co-publishers dedicate this book to the human rights defenders and hope it will be of assistance to activists, media, politicians and students. |
