Die Ladiner/-innen: Minderheit in der Minderheit?

For the Ladins, the second autonomy statute means a clear improvement in their rights, especially in South Tyrol, but also a continuation and deepening of the division of the traditional settlement areas in the three provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno. Subsequent developments were all positive for the Ladins in South Tyrol following their emancipation as the third language group. However, they also led to further differentiation and consolidated the tripartite division. This article examines the situation under international law as well as the constitutional implementation in the various phases. Which rights do the Ladins have - in South Tyrol and in the other two provinces? Which rights have been added, expanded and consolidated? The focus is on the legal guarantees in South Tyrol; however, the article also considers the ­situation in the neighbouring autonomous province of Trento and in the province of Belluno, as well as possibilities for closer cooperation between the different parts of Ladinia.