The application of the right to self-determination in contemporary international law
Between late decolonisation and international crimes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.2815Keywords:
Self-determination of peoples, international law, remedial secessionAbstract
The right of self-determination of peoples has evolved over the years, nevertheless, there are still different approaches to its application into specific cases. Although it originated as a principle in the Charter of the United Nations and later in the Resolution 1514 (XV) of the General Assembly, there remains a conflict between the preservation of the territorial integrity of the States and the right of peoples to self-determination – a fact evidenced by various judgements and advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice. Through deductive method combined with a qualitative analysis of primary sources – such as treaties and court decisions – this article examines how social phenomena influence the transformation of international legal norms and its impact on societies. As a result, four distinct forms of the manifestation of self-determination can be identified: non self-governing territories; territories disputed by different sovereignties; denied secessions and cases of remedial secession.
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