Secession and International Law

This publication has been prepared under the auspices of the Consortium on International Dispute Resolution (CIDIR) and based on the discussions of regional conferences held in Geneva, Moscow, Sydney, California and the Hague during the period 2000-01. It explores the principles and rules of international law regarding the fragmentation of states and growth of secessionist movements, with the aim of conflict prevention. It focuses on the issues of sovereignty, self defence, self determination and humanitarian law; and aspects considered include fundamental legal concepts and evolving principles, as well as case studies of self-determination and secessionist movements in Quebec, Canada; Puerto Rico; and Latin America.