The Bonn-Copenhagen declarations are two separate, unilateral but similar declarations from Germany and Denmark issued in 1955 and recognizing the ethnic minorities in the two countries: the Danish minority in Germany and the German minority in Denmark, respectively.
Although the declarations are not binding according to international law, they were quickly implemented into national law by both countries.
The declarations establish that minorities have same civil rights as other citizens of the country of residence and that issues relating to the minorities are internal matters of each of the two countries.[1]
The declarations consist of two documents:
The Bonn-Copenhagen model is often cited as an example to follow when it comes to resolving conflicts regarding ethnic minorities.[2] However, the model is primarily relevant for reciprocal minorities living on either side of a national border. The model is less well suited to deal with border disputes and conflicts relating to sovereignty over territory. Both countries are furthermore required to be democratic and cooperative.
Today the declarations are by themselves considered inadequate and superseded by other legal instruments, such as the more comprehensive Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by the Council of Europe.[3]