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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Self determination (international law)
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A quick definition of Self determination (international law):
Self-determination means that people have the right to decide their own future in the world. It is a very important rule in the law of the world, and it means that everyone should be able to choose what they want to do with their lives. This rule has changed a lot over time, and now there are two types of self-determination: one is when people want to have more rights in their own country, and the other is when they want to become their own country. Sometimes, this can be difficult because it might mean changing the way things are done, but it is still very important for people to have the right to choose.
A more thorough explanation:
Self-determination is a legal right that allows people to decide their own future in the international community. It is a fundamental principle of international law that is recognized in many international treaties and agreements. The United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights both protect self-determination as a right for all people.
The meaning of self-determination has changed over time. In the early 1900s, many countries supported the idea that all people should have the right to self-determination. This led to successful movements for independence and decolonization in the 20th century.
Today, self-determination can be divided into two types: internal and external. Internal self-determination refers to political and social rights, while external self-determination means that a group of people can legally become independent from a larger country. Examples of external self-determination include Kosovo's independence from Serbia and Abkhazia's independence from Georgia.
However, the principle of self-determination can conflict with the principle of uti possidetis juris, which requires maintaining traditional legal boundaries to preserve stability and order. This conflict is illustrated in the case of Burkina Faso and Mali, where the right to self-determination clashes with the need to maintain territorial status quo.