Rohan Madhok, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, GGSIPU
ABSTRACT
The right to self-determination basically says that all people have the right of self-determination and by virtue of this right they can freely determine their political status and can freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Through this paper the author first traces the evolution of this right from its first practical application during the French revolution, its misuse during the First World War and its proper establishment after the Second World War. Thereafter the author analyses all the different legal documents that have given this right a structural framework. The author analyses the United Nations charter, two International covenants namely the ICCPR (the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights) and ICESCR (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) and few General Assembly resolutions. Finally the author analyses whether this right has achieved the status of a legal right or not.
