Implementation and protection of minority rights in the Western Balkans is still a challenge, due to stereotypes, prejudices and other grounds for social exclusion. Despite the significant improvements over the past decades and the reforms in the area of rule of law and human rights, members of various minority communities throughout the region remain among the most vulnerable citizens of their countries, exposed to poverty, social exclusion, and various forms of discrimination. Traditional roles, prejudices and discrimination are deeply anchored in the society and influence the political discourse, as well as the socio-economic situation of the population. 

Minority rights are a part of the general human rights framework and, thus, protection of minority rights is an important task of the national governments and local self-governments. However, there are not many cases of its implementation in the Western Balkans' economies.