OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Integration of societies
Integration is a dynamic, multi-actor process of mutual engagement that facilitates effective participation by all members of a diverse society in economic, political, social and cultural life, and fosters a shared sense of belonging at national and local levels. Weak or non-existent integration policies often contribute to instability by failing to adequately address the root causes of tensions. Good integration policies can create a society in which everyone has a sense of belonging and of contributing no matter what their ethnic, linguistic, cultural or religious background. The HCNM therefore provides guidance and recommendations to help states improve the cohesiveness of their societies through context-specific advice.