Right to self-determination 1996, para. 6

Paragraph
Paragraph text
The Committee emphasizes that, in accordance with the Declaration on Friendly Relations, none of the Committee's actions shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging any action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent States conducting themselves in compliance with the principle of equal rights and self determination of peoples and possessing a Government representing the whole people belonging to the territory, without distinction as to race, creed or colour. In the view of the Committee, international law has not recognized a general right of peoples unilaterally to declare secession from a State. In this respect, the Committee follows the views expressed in An Agenda for Peace (paragraphs 17 and following), namely, that a fragmentation of States may be detrimental to the protection of human rights, as well as to the preservation of peace and security. This does not, however, exclude the possibility of arrangements reached by free agreements of all parties concerned.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Document type
General Comment / Recommendation
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Civil & Political Rights
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
1996
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
CERD General Recommendation No. 21, Right to self-determination (1996), para. 6.
Paragraph number
6