For Immediate Release, April 27, 2011
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

The U.S. Institute of Peace was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Max van der Stoel on April 23, 2011. Van der Stoel was a distinguished Dutch politician and former minister of foreign affairs (1973-1977 and 1981-1982). He was one of the first USIP Jennings Randolph senior fellows. While in residence at the Institute (1987-1988), van der Stoel’s research focused on the future prospects of the alliance between the U.S. and Western Europe in promoting international peace.

Throughout his career, van der Stoel remained a fervent advocate of the transatlantic relationship. In December 1992, van der Stoel was appointed the first High Commissioner on National Minorities to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In this position, which he occupied till 2001, he became a champion of preventive diplomacy and successfully defused tensions in the Baltic nations over the status of Russian ethnic minorities, in Slovakia where he defended the rights of Hungarian minorities, and in Albania where he protected the rights of Greek minorities.

USIP Vice President Abiodun Williams knew van der Stoel as high commissioner and recalls that he “combined principle and pragmatism in defending the human rights of all people, especially the dispossessed. He had a unique ability to identify the common interest and to build upon it.” The Institute is proud to have had van der Stoel as one of its fellows and extends its condolences to his family.

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The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) provides the analysis, training and tools to help to prevent, manage and end violent international conflicts, promote stability and professionalize the field of peacebuilding. Learn more at www.usip.org.