Self Determination – Update Paper for WorldMUN 2013 UNESCAP

Self determination is a fundamental principle in international relations and national sovereignty. It is the right for a nation to decide for itself how it is to be governed without external forces deciding for the people (UN Charter, Chapter 1, Article 2). Whilst a fundamental principle in international relations; from the human rights agenda, the right to self-determination as explored in this paper relates to policies of self-government and a greater level of economic and political independence for indigenous and ethnic minorities. The right to self-determination is recognised by human rights theorists as a “group right” (Kymlicka 1996). They are rights afforded to groups of people which aim to protect them from external factors. Several questions arise however during discussions regarding the applicability, effectiveness and moral/political issues regarding the right to self-determination. This paper will explore instances of where self-determination has been implemented, the criticisms of the right from a human rights/feminist perspective and finally the criteria to who may be afforded the right to self-determination.