National Minorities and Migration in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine
Publisher: CARIM East Volume: 51 pages, pdf Description: The dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in massive depopulation in the former Soviet republics and unprecedented migration flows, including persons belonging to national minorities. Citizens of a once indivisible country were suddenly divided into “those of our kind” and “outsiders” – natives and national minorities/ immigrants. The latter were often not guaranteed citizenship or basic rights, and were subjected to laws requiring the use of the state language. A significant percentage of national minorities have thus become forced migrants and refugees leaving neighbouring states under threat of violence or because of discrimination.