On December 13th, 2024, the Faculty of Law of the University of Białystok hosted the International Student Scientific Seminar titled “National Minorities in Borderland Areas”, organized by the European Law and Human Rights Student Scientific Circle of the Faculty of Law, in cooperation with the Robert Schuman European Studies Student Scientific Circle from the Branch of the University of Białystok in Vilnius.
The initiative was implemented as part of the project "Youth Podlaskie Locally 2024-2026". It was funded by the National Freedom Institute - Civil Society Development Centre within the framework of the Youth Fund Program for the years 2022-2033.
The participants' presentations addressed important topics, including the factors behind the creation of minorities, the legal analysis of the situation of national minorities in Europe, the protection of their rights, and the issue of preserving cultural identity in the context of assimilation processes.
There were also presentations on examples of the presence, status, and structure of minorities in different border regions. Special attention was given to the role of folk groups and education in minority languages. The presentations and discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining national, linguistic, and cultural identity.
Such initiatives form the foundation for raising awareness about the importance of diversity and coexistence in a multicultural society. The seminar provided an excellent platform for exchanging views and experiences between participants from various academic and social backgrounds.
In addition to the academic sessions, we had the opportunity to tour the main campus of the University of Białystok, where we explored the university's modern infrastructure. We visited the University Natural Sciences Centre and the UwB Planetarium, which left a lasting impression on us. We also visited the University Library, one of the most modern facilities of its kind in the region.
We sincerely thank our colleagues from the European Law and Human Rights Student Research Group at the Faculty of Law, University of Białystok, for their cooperation and warm hospitality.
We also extend our gratitude to those who supported the organization of the seminar and ensured its substantive quality: Prof. UwB dr Hab. Mieczysława Zdanowicz, Prof. UwB dr Hab. Anna Doliwa-Klepacka, and Dr. Mateusz Ziemblicki.
Prepared by: Silvija Karazo
