Security and Human Rights presents Max van der Stoel issue

On the 24th of October, a 180-page special issue of the journal Security and Human Rights (SHR) was presented, honouring the life and work of the late Max van der Stoel, IQd Special Adviser and Chair of International Advisory Board. The issue contains never before published personal recollections of distinguished authors who were affected by van der Stoel’s work including IQd Senior Adviser, Prof. John Packer's contribution, 'Music and lyrics - dancing to his own tune'. Among the authors are Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Danilo Turk (President of Slovenia), Peter Kooijmans (former Foreign Minister of the Netherlands) and Knut Vollebaek (former Foreign Minister of Norway and the current OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities). The special issue offers unique insights in many aspects of the multifaceted work of Max van der Stoel that have largely remained outside the public domain. 

In the late 1980s, van der Stoel joined the newly founded Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) as a board member and later as chairman. The NHC publishes Security and Human Rights four times a year. This special issue of SHR was prepared by editors who worked closely with Max van der Stoel, both at the NHC, and at the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM). 

In 1992/1993, after a distinguished career as a Dutch politician and diplomat, van der Stoel became the first HCNM for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He was known as the quiet diplomat operating behind the scenes to prevent conflict and discreetly solve problems. As one observer put it, he kept the dogs from barking. Max van der Stoel was a tireless defender of human rights throughout his distinguished career, including in his capacity as OSCE HCNM. 

On 24th October, Mr. Knut Vollebaek, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities presented the “Max van der Stoel Award” to the Nansen Dialogue Centre Skopje for extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States. The award was established in 2001 by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands to honour Max van der Stoel. This years’ award ceremony included a special tribute to van der Stoel, and the launch of the special issue of Security and Human Rights.

For more information and review copies, please contact the Executive Editor.
Ms. Emma Oosten
T. +31 70 392 6700
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