Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Non-State Actors and Non-Binding Instruments

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Minorities, Minority Rights and Internal Self-Determination

Abstract

This chapter provides a basis for the following analysis. It paints a picture of relevant actors and instruments. Recognizing that states and the instruments originating from the sources of art. 38 (1) ICJ-S do not lead to a comprehensive picture, there is a need for the view to be broadened. An overview over the actors will show the complexity of the framework that stakes out the analysis. It is necessary to know which role and position the different non-state actors have and what they have contributed to the discussion so far. The part on non-binding instruments is of similar character. Knowing which instruments exist and what their content is provides a common basis and the starting point for further discussions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    The terms ‘non-state actors’ and ‘NGO’ are not clearly defined. See Alston (2005), pp. 14–19.

  2. 2.

    Gardeniers et al. (1982), p. 368; Kamminga (2005), p. 101; Preamble CSCE (1991) Moscow Document http://www.osce.org/de/odihr/elections/14310. Accessed 06 May 2014. The OSCE has explicitly stated that is welcomes NGO involvement. See para. (43) Moscow Document.

  3. 3.

    Kamminga (2005), p. 94.

  4. 4.

    In this chapter the term ‘international governmental organizations’ is used to stress the close relationship to states. In the other chapters, the term ‘international organizations’ is used covering the same type of international organizations, namely international governmental organizations.

  5. 5.

    Abbott and Snidal (1998), pp. 4–5.

  6. 6.

    See Abbott and Snidal (1998), pp. 12–16.

  7. 7.

    I recognize that monitoring mechanisms can be influenced by individual states. However, the framework of an international body as opposed to bilateral critique lends the monitoring more credibility. For more on independence of international organizations see Abbott and Snidal (1998), pp. 16–23.

  8. 8.

    See Reinisch (2005), pp. 37–89; especially p. 75 for non-state actors as human rights guarantors. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action explicitly recognizes the importance of non-governmental organizations in the promotion of human rights. See para. 38 VDPA.

  9. 9.

    Alston (2005), p. 3.

  10. 10.

    Reinisch (2005), p. 69.

  11. 11.

    International Court of Justice (1962) Certain Expenses of the United Nations Advisory Opinion of 20 July 1962: I.C.J. Reports 1962, p. 151, p. 168.

  12. 12.

    For voting procedures see United Nations (2007) Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly UN Doc. A/520/Rev.17 or alternatively rules 83 and 85 of the GA Rules of Procedure.

  13. 13.

    United Nations (2007) Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly UN Doc. A/520/Rev.17.

  14. 14.

    Bloed (1993a), p. 48.

  15. 15.

    II. (A) 2. and annex 1 respectively OSCE (2006) Rules of Procedure of the Organization For Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE Doc. MC.DOC/1/06.

  16. 16.

    II. (A) OSCE (2006) Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE Doc. MC.DOC/1/06.

  17. 17.

    Bloed (1993b), p. 19.

  18. 18.

    Art. 2 (b) Council of the European Union (2008) Council Decision Implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as Regards the Adoption of the Multi-Annual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007–2012 EU Doc. 2008/203/EC as published in OJ L 63, p. 14.

  19. 19.

    Art. 2 Council of the European Union (2008) Council Decision Implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as Regards the Adoption of the Multi-Annual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007–2012 EU Doc. 2008/203/EC as published in OJ L 63, p. 14.

  20. 20.

    Chapter II Council of the European Union (2008) Council Decision Implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as Regards the Adoption of the Multi-Annual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007–2012 EU Doc. 2008/203/EC as published in OJ L 63, p. 14.

  21. 21.

    The Committee on Culture continued to work on soft law regarding minorities in the field of culture and language. Several resolutions were passed over the years. They do not constitute legally binding EU law. See Toggenburg, G N (2008): The EU’s Evolving Policies vis-á-vis Minorities: A Play in Four Parts and an Open End, EUR.AC Research, Bozen-Bolzano, pp. 3–5.

  22. 22.

    Art. 167 (4) TFEU speaks of the respect and promotion of cultural diversity. Art. 19 TFEU, the core norm on minorities in primary law, takes up non-discrimination and includes racial or ethnic origin and religion or belief which can be characteristics of national minorities.

  23. 23.

    Art. I-2 European Union (2004) Constitutional Treaty EU Doc. CIG 87/2/94 rev. 2.

  24. 24.

    Contemporary development shows that the EU Commission has rejected the citizens’ initiative Minority Safepack on the basis of parts of the proposal being outside of the competences of the Commission. See European Commission, ‘Subject: Your request for registration of a proposed citizens’ initiative’, 13/09/2013, EU Doc. C (2013) 5969 final.

  25. 25.

    Henrard, K (2007): Minority Protection in Europe: What About Effective Participation?, Minority Rights Group International, London, p. 42. She also refers to the EU Network of Independent Experts on Fundamental Rights which was set up by the Commission to monitor the situation of fundamental rights. It has taken art. 22 CFR as the basis to look into issues of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. See: EU Network, ‘Report on the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union and its Member States in 2005: Conclusions and Recommendations’, CFR-CDF/Conclusions 2005.

  26. 26.

    For an introduction to minority protection in the European Union see Weber (2007), esp. pp. 374–382.

  27. 27.

    Commission on Human Rights (1947) First Session Summary Record of the Sixth Committee UN Doc. E/CN.4/SR.6, p. 3.

  28. 28.

    Human Rights Council (2007) Institution-Building of the United Nations Human Rights Council UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/5/1.

  29. 29.

    See Commission on Human Rights (1947) First Session Summary Record of the Sixth Committee UN Doc. E/CN.4/SR.6, p. 5. The Advisory Committee works at the request of the Human Rights Council; mainly through studies and research-based advice. See paragraphs 75–78 of Human Rights Council (2007) Institution-Building of the United Nations Human Rights Council UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/5/1.

  30. 30.

    Gardeniers et al. (1982), p. 356.

  31. 31.

    Advisory Committee (2009) Report of the Advisory Committee on its Third Session UN Doc. A/HRC/AC/3/2.

  32. 32.

    Established in 1946: Economic and Social Council (1946) Commission on Human Rights UN Doc. ECOSOC Res. E/56/Rev.2.

  33. 33.

    Para. 182 Kofi Annan (2005) In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All UN Doc. A/59/2005. See also Nanda (2007), p. 358.

  34. 34.

    Nanda (2007), p. 359.

  35. 35.

    For expectations and sober evaluations on the Human Rights Council see among others Nanda (2007), pp. 359–364.

  36. 36.

    Nos. 2–3 General Assembly (2006) Human Rights Council UN Doc. A/Res/60/251.

  37. 37.

    Human Rights Council (2007) Forum on Minority Issues UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/6/15.

  38. 38.

    No. 1 Human Rights Council (2007) Forum on Minority Issues UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/6/15.

  39. 39.

    No. 2 Human Rights Council (2007) Forum on Minority Issues UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/6/15.

  40. 40.

    Economic and Social Council (1995) Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities UN Doc. ECOSOC Res. E/1995/31.

  41. 41.

    Economic and Social Council (2005) Res. 2005/79: Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/2005/L.11/Add.8, pp. 3–7.

  42. 42.

    See paras. 19–21 Independent Expert on Minority Issues (2006) Specific Groups and Individuals: Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/2006/74.

  43. 43.

    Para. 26 Independent Expert on Minority Issues (2006) Specific Groups and Individuals: Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/2006/74.

  44. 44.

    Not all articles can be complained about. See below.

  45. 45.

    Human Rights Committee (1993) Report of the Human Rights Committee UN Doc. A/48/40 Annex X, 222–225, p. 222.

  46. 46.

    Para. 26 United Nations Educational, S. a. C. O. (1990) International Meeting of Experts on Further Study of the Concept of the Rights of Peoples UNESDOC SHS-89/CONF.602/7.

  47. 47.

    UNESCO has summarized its efforts up until the mid 1990s in a report on cultural rights of persons belonging to minorities that fall under the scope of UNESCO United Nations Educational, S. a. C. O. E. B. (1994) Protection and Promotion of the Cultural Rights of Persons Belonging to Minorities, Within UNESCO’s Fields of Competence UNESDOC 144 EX/15. See also Girona Conference 05-08/02/1992 (1991) Cultural Rights of Peoples in Europe Centre UNESCO de Catalunya.

  48. 48.

    See Sect. 8.2.2 on the group characteristics approach.

  49. 49.

    For a thorough examination about the legal status of the Final Act see van Dijk (1980).

  50. 50.

    The HCNM’s objectives include advising, mediating and facilitating. His toolbox includes country recommendations, thematic recommendations, statements, projects and cooperation with third parties, states and NGOs. See Kemp (2001), p. 24.

  51. 51.

    Original italics. Henrard, K (2007): Minority Protection in Europe: What About Effective Participation?, Minority Rights Group International, London, p. 40.

  52. 52.

    Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (1999) On the Council Europe Commissioner for Human Rights CoE Doc. CM Res. (99) 50.

  53. 53.

    Art. 1 (1) Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (1999) On the Council Europe Commissioner for Human Rights CoE Doc. CM Res. (99) 50.

  54. 54.

    Official title: The European Commission for Democracy Through Law.

  55. 55.

    Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (1997) Setting up of an Assembly Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) CoE Doc. PACE Res. 1115 (1997).

  56. 56.

    Economic and Social Council (1985) Review of the Composition, Organization and Administrative Arrangements of the Sessional Working Group of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights UN Doc. ECOSOC Res. 1985/17. The committee is the successor of the Working Group on the ICESCR.

  57. 57.

    Art. 2 General Assembly (2008) Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights UN Doc. A/RES/63/117.

  58. 58.

    Commission on Human Rights (2005) The Use of Mercenaries as a Means of Violating Human Rights and Impeding the Exercise of the Right of Peoples to Self-Determination UN Doc. Human Rights Res. 2005/2.

  59. 59.

    Suggestions have included a permanent UN commission on self-determination, an expert group on self-determination and a high commissioner on self-determination. See Frankovits (2001), pp. 31–34.

  60. 60.

    On the terminology and categorization of non-state actors and nonbinding instruments see Sect. 1.3 and Chap. 4.

  61. 61.

    Goldsmith and Posner (2005), p. 91.

  62. 62.

    Goldsmith and Posner (2005), p. 99.

  63. 63.

    See Schachter (1981).

  64. 64.

    Menon (1989), p. 134.

  65. 65.

    See art. 18 UNC on the voting of the General Assembly and respectively articles 17, 4 (2), 5, 6 UNC, art. 8 ICJ-S, art. 23 UNC.

  66. 66.

    Roberts (2001), p. 769.

  67. 67.

    Pomerance (1982), p. 65. Regarding the FRD, already at the time of adoption, its legal status was controversial. See Rosenstock (1971), pp. 714–715.

  68. 68.

    Ida (1996), p. 34.

  69. 69.

    Hersch Lauterpacht (1955) South-West Africa – Voting Procedure – Separate Opinion Advisory Opinion of 07-06-1955: I.C.J. Reports 1955, p. 90, pp. 118–120.

  70. 70.

    International Court of Justice (1986) Case Concerning Military and Para-Military Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America), Judgment on the Merits, 27-06-1986, ICJ Reports 1986, p. 14, para. 188.

  71. 71.

    Ibid.

  72. 72.

    See Harris (1998), pp. 61–64 including the views of various states and scholars.

  73. 73.

    International Court of Justice (1996) Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons, Advisory Opinion, 08-07-1996, ICJ Reports 1996, p. 226, paras. 70–73.

  74. 74.

    See Bleicher (1969), pp. 448–452. See also Harris (1998), p. 60.

  75. 75.

    Bleicher (1969), p. 453.

  76. 76.

    The form and language used can influence how a declaration is perceived: ‘A form of pseudo-treaty imports some legal value to the text.’ Ida uses these words in relation to Final Act of Helsinki (1975) http://www.osce.org/documents/mcs/1975/08/4044_en.pdf. Accessed 29 May 2010, but they are true in other circumstances as well. Ida (1996), p. 35. See Bleicher (1969), pp. 471–472 and 477–478.

  77. 77.

    Abbott and Snidal (2000), p. 421.

  78. 78.

    Abbott and Snidal (2000), p. 422.

  79. 79.

    van Hoof (1983), pp. 187–188.

  80. 80.

    Permanent Court of International Justice (1933) Legal Status of Eastern Greenland Judgement Legal Status of Eastern Greenland of 05-04-1933, p. 71.

  81. 81.

    Permanent Court of International Justice (1933) Legal Status of Eastern Greenland Judgement Legal Status of Eastern Greenland of 05-04-1933, p. 71.

  82. 82.

    International Court of Justice (1974) Nuclear Tests Case Judgement Nuclear Tests Case (Australia v. France), 20 December 1974: I.C.J. Reports 1974, p. 253, para. 43.

  83. 83.

    International Court of Justice (1974) Nuclear Tests Case Judgement Nuclear Tests Case (Australia v. France), 20 December 1974: I.C.J. Reports 1974, p. 253, paras. 46–49.

  84. 84.

    Paras. 173–177 International Law Commission (2006) Guiding Principles Applicable to Unilateral Declarations of States Capable of Creating Legal Obligations, With Commentaries Thereto UN Doc. A/61/10.

  85. 85.

    Hathaway (2002). For similar results on the effect of the ICCPR see Keith (1999).

  86. 86.

    Hathaway (2002), p. 1940.

  87. 87.

    Goldsmith and Posner (2005), pp. 119–126.

  88. 88.

    Goldsmith and Posner (2005), pp. 3–10 and 100.

  89. 89.

    Ida (1996), p. 35.

  90. 90.

    An informal conversation with an OSCE employee confirmed this to be the case at the OSCE.

  91. 91.

    Bleicher (1969), p. 470.

  92. 92.

    The Friendly Relations Declaration refers only to the Principle of Equal Rights and Self-Determination of Peoples. Aspects such as adoption and bindingness refer to the whole document.

  93. 93.

    See below for the exception in principle VIII on equal rights and self-determination of peoples in the Helsinki Final Act.

  94. 94.

    Schechtmann (1951), p. 4.

  95. 95.

    Thornberry (1994), p. 20.

  96. 96.

    Lerner (2003), p. 19.

  97. 97.

    Paras. 6–8 Working Group on Minorities (2005) Commentary of the Working Group on Minorities to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/Sub.2/AC.5/2005/2.

  98. 98.

    Hannum (1996), pp. 62–63.

  99. 99.

    Art. 1 General Assembly (93 A.D.) UN Minority Declaration UN Doc. A/Res/47/135.

  100. 100.

    Thornberry (1994), p. 17.

  101. 101.

    Para. 19, Part I World Conference on Human Rights (1993) Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action UN Doc. A/CONF.157/23.

  102. 102.

    Para. 24, Part I World Conference on Human Rights (1993) Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action UN Doc. A/CONF.157/23.

  103. 103.

    Paras. 25–28, Part II World Conference on Human Rights (1993) Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action UN Doc. A/CONF.157/23.

  104. 104.

    Human Rights Committee (1994) General Comment No. 23: The Rights of Minorities (Art. 27) UN Doc. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.5.

  105. 105.

    Paras. 2 & 3.1 Human Rights Committee (1994) General Comment No. 23: The Rights of Minorities (Art. 27) UN Doc. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.5.

  106. 106.

    Para. 9 Human Rights Committee (1994) General Comment No. 23: The Rights of Minorities (Art. 27) UN Doc. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.5.

  107. 107.

    Cass (1992), p. 37.

  108. 108.

    See Sect. 8.1.

  109. 109.

    Preamble Phillips, A (2002): The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities: A Policy Analysis, Minority Rights Group International, London.

  110. 110.

    No. 43 CSCE (1991) Moscow Document http://www.osce.org/de/odihr/elections/14310. Accessed 06 May 2014.

  111. 111.

    No. 37 CSCE (1991) Moscow Document http://www.osce.org/de/odhir/elections/1410. Accessed 06 May 2014.

  112. 112.

    High Commissioner on National Minorities (1999) Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/30325. Accessed 06 May 2014.

  113. 113.

    High Commissioner on National Minorities (1996) Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/32180. Accessed 06 May 2014.

  114. 114.

    High Commissioner on National Minorities (1996) Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/32180. Accessed 06 May 2014 speaks of the UN Minority Declaration, the Framework Convention and the ICCPR. High Commissioner on National Minorities (1998) Oslo Recommendations Regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/67531. Accessed 29 May 2010 speaks of the ICCPR, ECHR and OSCE documents.

  115. 115.

    Castellino (2000), p. 22.

  116. 116.

    No. 1, General Assembly (1960) Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples UN Doc. A/RES/1514 (XV).

  117. 117.

    Preamble General Assembly (1960) Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples UN Doc. A/RES/1514 (XV).

  118. 118.

    Preamble General Assembly (1960) Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples UN Doc. A/RES/1514 (XV).

  119. 119.

    Preamble General Assembly (1960) Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples UN Doc. A/RES/1514 (XV).

  120. 120.

    Portugal maintained its overseas territories were an integral part of Portugal. It was therefore not required to report on its colonies according to art. 73 e UNC. The full title of the resolution is ‘Principles Which Should Guide Members in Determining Whether or not an Obligation Exists to Transmit Information Called for under Article 73 e of the Charter’. The resolution is only referred to as General Assembly (1960) Principles Which Should Guide Members in Determining Whether or not an Obligation Exists to Transmit Information Called for under Article 73 e of the Charter UN Doc. A/RES/1541 (XV).

  121. 121.

    The General Assembly had long before this been concerned with the issue of self-government. A list of factors indicative of the attainment of the different forms of self-government was adopted in ‘Factors which should be taken into Account’, General Assembly (1953) Factors Which Should be Taken Into Account in Deciding Whether a Territory is or is not a Territory Whose People have not yet Attained a Full Measure of Self-Government UN Doc. A/RES/742 (VIII).

  122. 122.

    Castellino (2000), pp. 34–35.

  123. 123.

    The FRD is not constant in its labelling. It sometimes refers to the principle of self-determination and at other times to the right to self-determination.

  124. 124.

    Principle 5 FRD.

  125. 125.

    See e.g. Kirgis (1994), p. 306.

  126. 126.

    See Summers (2005), pp. 335–336.

  127. 127.

    Thornberry (1989), pp. 876–877.

  128. 128.

    Higgins presents the viewpoints against and in favour of ongoing applicability. See Higgins (1994), pp. 116–117; Hannum (1993), p. 16.

  129. 129.

    Kirgis (1994), p. 305.

  130. 130.

    Castellino (2000), p. 38.

  131. 131.

    Rosenstock (1971), pp. 730 and 732. Rosenstock argues convincingly for an extra-colonial application of the right to self-determination.

  132. 132.

    No. 7 Human Rights Committee (1984) General Comment No. 12: The Right to Self-Determination (Art. 1) UN Doc. CCPR General Comment No. 12.

  133. 133.

    Para. 3 Human Rights Committee (1984) General Comment No. 12: The Right to Self-Determination (Art. 1) UN Doc. CCPR General Comment No. 12.

  134. 134.

    Para. 6 Human Rights Committee (1984) General Comment No. 12: The Right to Self-Determination (Art. 1) UN Doc. CCPR General Comment No. 12.

  135. 135.

    Para. 8 Human Rights Committee (1984) General Comment No. 12: The Right to Self-Determination (Art. 1) UN Doc. CCPR General Comment No. 12.

  136. 136.

    Para. 2 World Conference on Human Rights (1993) Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action UN Doc. A/CONF.157/23.

  137. 137.

    Para. 4 Human Rights Committee (1984) General Comment No. 12: The Right to Self-Determination (Art. 1) UN Doc. CCPR General Comment No. 12.

  138. 138.

    My italics. Principle VIII Heintze (2004), pp. 289–299.

  139. 139.

    CSCE (1990) Charter of Paris for a New Europe http://www.osce.org/de/mc/39518. Accessed 06 May 2014, p. 5.

  140. 140.

    CSCE (1990) Charter of Paris for a New Europe http://www.osce.org/de/mc/39518. Accessed 06 May 2014, p. 5.

  141. 141.

    Pentikäinen and M S (1993), p. 96.

  142. 142.

    Dalton (1994).

  143. 143.

    Symonides (2007), p. 156.

  144. 144.

    See van Dijk (1980), p. 110.

  145. 145.

    See para. 37 World Conference on Human Rights (1993) Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action UN Doc. A/CONF.157/23.

  146. 146.

    The Tribunal was proposed at high-profile NGO conferences on self-determination and the United Nations in 2000 and 2004. See Kly and Kly (2001, 2006).

References

Books and Articles

  • Abbott K, Snidal D (1998) Why states act through formal international organizations. J Confl Resolution 42:3–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Abbott K, Snidal D (2000) Hard and soft law in international governance. Int Organ 54:421–456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alston P (2005) The “Not-a-Cat” syndrome: can the international human rights regime accommodate non-state actors? In: Alston P (ed) Non-state actors and human rights. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 3–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Bleicher S (1969) The legal significance of re-citation of general assembly resolutions. Am J Int Law 63:444–478

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bloed A (1993) Monitoring the CSCE human dimension: search of its effectiveness. In: Bloed A et al (eds) Monitoring human rights in Europe – comparing international procedures and mechanisms. Martinus Nijhoff, Dordrecht, pp 45–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloed A (1993b) The CSCE process: it’s origin, development and basic features. In: Bloed A (ed) The conference on security and cooperation in Europe – analysis and basic documents, 1972–1993. Kluwer, Dordrecht, pp 8–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Cass DZ (1992) Re-thinking self-determination: a critical analysis of current international law theories. Syracuse J Int Law Commerce 18:21–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Castellino J (2000) International law and self-determination. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalton R (1994) The role of the OSCE. In: Miall H (ed) Minority rights in Europe: the scope for a transnational regime. Pinter, London, pp 99–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankovits A (2001) Towards a mechanism for the realization of the right to self-determination. In: Kly YN, Kly D (eds) In pursuit of the right to self-determination. Clarity Press, Atlanta, pp 19–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardeniers T, Hannum H, Kruger J (1982) The U.N. Sub-Commission on prevention of discrimination and protection of minorities: recent developments. Hum Rights Q 4:353–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldsmith JL, Posner EA (2005) The limits of international law. Oxford University Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hannum H (1993) Rethinking self-determination. V J Int Law 34:1–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Hannum H (1996) Autonomy, sovereignty, and self-determination (rev ed). University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris DJ (1998) Cases and materials on international law, 5th edn. Sweet & Maxwelll, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Hathaway O (2002) Do human rights treaties make a difference? Yale Law J 111:1935–2042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heintze H-J (2004) Contradictory principles in the Helsinki Final Act? In: OSCE yearbook 2004. Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, Baden-Baden, pp 289–299

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgins R (1994) Problems & process – international law and how we use it. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Ida R (1996) International lawmaking process in transition? A comparative and critical analysis of recent international norm-making process. In: Young MK, Iwasawa Y (eds) Trilateral perspectives on international legal issues. American Society of International Law, United States, pp 27–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Kamminga MT (2005) The evolving status of NGOs under international law: a threat to the inter-state system? In: Alston P (ed) Non-state actors and human rights. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 93–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Keith LC (1999) The United Nations international covenant on civil and political rights: does it make a difference in human rights behavior? J Peace Res 36:95–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kemp W (2001) The high commissioner’s approach to conflict prevention. In: Kemp W (ed) Quiet diplomacy in action: the OSCE high commissioner on national minorities. Kluwer Law International, The Hague, pp 21–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirgis FL (1994) The degrees of self-determination in the United Nations era. Am J Int Law 88:304–310

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kly YN, Kly D (eds) (2001) In pursuit of the right to self-determination. Clarity Press, Atlanta

    Google Scholar 

  • Kly YN, Kly D (eds) (2006) In pursuit of an international civil tribunal on the right to self-determination. Clarity Press, Atlanta

    Google Scholar 

  • Lerner N (2003) Group rights and discrimination in international law, 2nd edn. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  • Menon PK (1989) Primary, subsidiary and other possible sources of international law. Sri Lanka J Int Law 1:113–149

    Google Scholar 

  • Nanda VP (2007) The protection of human rights under international law: will the U.N. Human Rights Council and the emerging new norm ‘responsibility to protect’ make a difference? Denver J Int Law Policy 35:353–378

    Google Scholar 

  • Pentikäinen M, M S (1993) A comparative study of the monitoring mechanisms and the important institutional frameworks for human rights protection within the Council of Europe, the CSCE and the European Community. In: Bloed A et al (eds) Monitoring human rights in Europe – comparing international procedures and mechanisms. Martinus Nijhoff, Dordrecht, pp 93–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Pomerance M (1982) Self-determination in law and practice. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinisch A (2005) The changing international legal framework for dealing with non-state actors. In: Alston P (ed) Non-state actors and human rights. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 37–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts AE (2001) Traditional and modern approaches to customary international law: a reconciliation. Am J Int Law 95:757–791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenstock R (1971) The declaration of principles of international law concerning friendly relations: a survey. Am J Int Law 65:713–735

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schachter O (1981) The crisis of legitimation in the United Nations. Nordisk Tidskrift Int Ret 50:4–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Schechtmann JB (1951) Decline of the international protection of minority rights. Western Polit Q 4:1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Summers JJ (2005) The right of self-determination and nationalism in international law. Int J Minor Group Rights 12:325–354

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Symonides J (2007) The OSCE normative regulations of the minorities protection. In: Parzymies S (ed) OSCE and minorities – assessment and prospects. Wydawnictwo Nankowe Scholar, Warsaw, pp 147–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Thornberry P (1989) Self-determination, minorities and human rights: a review of international instruments. Int Comp Law Q 38:867–889

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thornberry P (1994) International and European standards on minority rights. In: Miall H (ed) Minority rights in Europe: the scope for a transnational regime. Pinter, London, pp 14–21

    Google Scholar 

  • van Dijk P (1980) The final act of Helsinki – basis for a pan-European system? Netherlands Yearbook Int Law 11:97–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Hoof GJH (1983) Rethinking the sources of international law. Kluwer Law and Taxation Publishers, Deventer

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber RF (2007) Individual rights and group rights in the European Community’s approach to minority languages. Duke J Comp Int Law 17:361–413

    Google Scholar 

Official Materials

  • Henrard K (2007) Minority Protection in Europe: What About Effective Participation? Minority Rights Group International, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips A (2002) The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities: A Policy Analysis. Minority Rights Group International, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Toggenburg GN (2008) The EU’s Evolving Policies vis-á-vis Minorities: A Play in Four Parts and an Open End. EUR.AC Research, Bozen-Bolzano

    Google Scholar 

  • World Conference on Human Rights (1993) Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action UN Doc. A/CONF.157/23

    Google Scholar 

Primary Sources

  • Advisory Committee (2009) Report of the Advisory Committee on its Third Session UN Doc. A/HRC/AC/3/2

    Google Scholar 

  • Commission on Human Rights (1947) First Session Summary Record of the Sixth Committee UN Doc. E/CN.4/SR.6

    Google Scholar 

  • Commission on Human Rights (2005) The Use of Mercenaries as a Means of Violating Human Rights and Impeding the Exercise of the Right of Peoples to Self-Determination UN Doc. Human Rights Res. 2005/2

    Google Scholar 

  • Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (1999) On the Council Europe Commissioner for Human Rights CoE Doc. CM Res. (99) 50

    Google Scholar 

  • Council of the European Union (2008) Council Decision Implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as Regards the Adoption of the Multi-Annual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007–2012 EU Doc. 2008/203/EC as published in OJ L 63, p. 14

    Google Scholar 

  • CSCE (1990) Charter of Paris for a New Europe http://www.osce.org/de/mc/39518. Accessed 06 May 2014

  • CSCE (1991) Moscow http://www.osce.org/de/odihr/elections/14310. Accessed 06 May 2014

  • Economic and Social Council (1946) Commission on Human Rights UN Doc. ECOSOC Res. E/56/Rev.2

    Google Scholar 

  • Economic and Social Council (1995) Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities UN Doc. ECOSOC Res. E/1995/31

    Google Scholar 

  • Economic and Social Council (2005) Res. 2005/79: Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/2005/L.11/Add.8

    Google Scholar 

  • Economic and Social Council (1985) Review of the Composition, Organization and Administrative Arrangements of the Sessional Working Group of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights UN Doc. ECOSOC Res. 1985/17

    Google Scholar 

  • EU Network (2006) Report on the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union and its Member States in 2005: Conclusions and Recommendations http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/cfr_cdf/doc/rapport_summary_2005_en.pdf. Accessed 29 May 2010

  • European Commission (2013) Subject: Your request for registration of a proposed citizens’ initiative’. 13/09/2013, EU Doc. C (2013) 5969 final

    Google Scholar 

  • European Union (2004) Constitutional Treaty EU Doc. CIG 87/2/94 rev. 2

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly (1960) Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples UN Doc. A/RES/1514 (XV)

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly (1953) Factors Which Should be Taken Into Account in Deciding Whether a Territory is or is not a Territory Whose People have not yet Attained a Full Measure of Self-Government UN Doc. A/RES/742 (VIII)

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly (2006) Human Rights Council UN Doc. A/Res/60/251

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly (2008) Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights UN Doc. A/RES/63/117

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly (1960) Principles Which Should Guide Members in Determining Whether or not an Obligation Exists to Transmit Information Called for under Article 73 e of the Charter UN Doc. A/RES/1541 (XV)

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly (93 A.D.) UN Minority Declaration UN Doc. A/Res/47/135

    Google Scholar 

  • Girona Conference 05-08/02/1992 (1991) Cultural Rights of Peoples in Europe Centre UNESCO de Catalunya

    Google Scholar 

  • High Commissioner on National Minorities (1996) Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/32180. Accessed 06 May 2014

  • High Commissioner on National Minorities (1999) Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/30325. Accessed 06 May 2014

  • High Commissioner on National Minorities (1998) Oslo Recommendations Regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities & Explanatory Note http://www.osce.org/hcnm/67531. Accessed 06 May 2014

  • Human Rights Committee (1984) General Comment No. 12: The Right to Self-Determination (Art. 1) UN Doc. CCPR General Comment No. 12

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Committee (1994) General Comment No. 23: The Rights of Minorities (Art. 27) UN Doc. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.5

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Committee (1993) Report of the Human Rights Committee UN Doc. A/48/40 Annex X, 222–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Council (2007) Forum on Minority Issues UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/6/15

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Council (2007) Institution-Building of the United Nations Human Rights Council UN Doc. A/HRC/Res/5/1

    Google Scholar 

  • Independent Expert on Minority Issues (2006) Specific Groups and Individuals: Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/2006/74

    Google Scholar 

  • International Court of Justice (1962) Certain Expenses of the United Nations Advisory Opinion of 20 July 1962: I.C.J. Reports 1962, p. 151

    Google Scholar 

  • International Court of Justice (1986) Case Concerning Military and Para-Military Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America), Judgment on the Merits, 27-06-1986, ICJ Reports 1986, p. 14

    Google Scholar 

  • International Court of Justice (1996) Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons, Advisory Opinion, 08-07-1996, ICJ Reports 1996, p. 226

    Google Scholar 

  • Kofi Annan (2005) In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All UN Doc. A/59/2005

    Google Scholar 

  • OSCE (2006) Rules of Procedure of the Organization For Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE Doc. MC.DOC/1/06

    Google Scholar 

  • Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (1997) Setting up of an Assembly Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) CoE Doc. PACE Res. 1115 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  • Working Group on Minorities (2005) Commentary of the Working Group on Minorities to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities UN Doc. E/CN.4/Sub.2/AC.5/2005/2

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Educational, S. a. C. O. (1990) International Meeting of Experts on Further Study of the Concept of the Rights of Peoples UNESDOC SHS-89/CONF.602/7

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations (2007) Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly UN Doc. A/520/Rev.17

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Law, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Ulrike Barten

Authors
  1. Ulrike Barten
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Barten, U. (2015). Non-State Actors and Non-Binding Instruments. In: Minorities, Minority Rights and Internal Self-Determination. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08876-1_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation