State Oppression, Violence against Minorities, and the Possibility for Remedial Secession and Independence: An International Conference at The George Washington University Law School
The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies are co-organizing a major symposium titled, “State Oppression, Violence against Minorities, and the Possibilities for Remedial Secession and Independence: An International Conference.”
The conference will explore issues surrounding the inherent conflict between two UN principles—the territorial integrity of states and the right of self-determination of peoples—through the prism of a third UN principle, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Attendance is free, however, due to space limitations, pre-registration is required.
Welcome Remarks by Associate Dean Susan L. Karamanian, Burnett Family Professorial Lecturer in International and Comparative Law and Policy
Introduction to Conference Theme Roger W. Smith, Chairman of International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Professor Emeritus of Government, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Lecture-Keynote - “Does International Law Allow the Use of Force in Support of SelfDetermination Movements" Professor Dapo Akande, Professor Public International Law; Yamani Fellow, University of Oxford
3 pm: Panel 1 | "Self-determination and Territorial Integrity"
Moderator Professor Ralph Steinhardt, GW Law
Panelists
Professor Hurst Hannum, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, "The International Law of Self-Determination and Territorial Integrity"
Philippe Kalfayan, Council of Europe; Former Secretary General of FDIH (International Federation for Human Rights League), "When Does the Right to Self-Determination Become a Struggle for Independence"
Professor Linda A. Malone, William and Mary Law School, "The Challenge of Self-determination in Democratic and Non-Democratic States"
4.30 pm: Panel 2 | "Case Studies of Self-Determination—Successful, Failed, and Contested”
Moderator Professor Francesca Bignami, GW Law
Panelists
Somaliland - Professor Chiara Giorgetti, University of Richmond School of Law Kosovo - Professor Sean Murphy, GW Law
South Sudan - Professor Jure Vidmar, University of Oxford, Maastricht University
5:45 pm: Reception - Kelly Lounge 3
Wednesday, April 8 9 am: Panel 1 | "Case Studies of Self-determination—Successful, Failed, and Contested"
Moderator Professor Edward Swaine, GW Law
Panelists
"The Russian 'Near Abroad': The Frozen Conflicts and Ukraine" - Professor Christopher Borgen, St. John’s University Law School
East Timor - T. Kumar, International Advocacy Director, Amnesty International
Biafra, Katanga - Professor Frédéric Mégret, McGill University Faculty of Law
The Impact of the Collapse of the Soviet Union on Republics on Self-Determination in the Caucuses, - Professor Paul Williams, American University Washington
College of Law
10:15 am: Coffee Break
10.30 am-Noon: Panel 2 | “Self-determination versus Territorial Integrity: Lessons for the Future”
Moderator Dinah Shelton, GW Law
Panelists
Professor Lea Brilmayer, Yale Law School, “What New International Legislation and What New International Bodies Are Needed to Resolve and Enforce the Right to Self-Determination of Oppressed Enclaves?”
Professor Paul Williams, American University Washington College of Law, “The Lessons of Failed Efforts at Independence”
Professor Harris Mylonas, The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, "International Competition, Border Fixity, and the Future of Secessionist Movements"
Commentator Professor Hurst Hannum, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
12:15 pm: Lunch
1 pm: Closing Discussion