Law Commons^™

Self-Determination And Cultural Rights, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Self-determination has broadly two components: one relates to participation and the other concerns identity. Until recently, contemporary discourse on self-determination has largely centred on the former. Yet, from its earliest conceptions, self-determination has been inextricably tied to notions of identity of peoples - and cultural rights. This paper examines the evolving link between self-determination and cultural rights in modern international law. By detailing this often tandem, sometimes overlapping, development, it is argued that the reformulation and reinforcement of self-determination in recent decades has had an accompanying impact upon cultural rights.

Access To Justice For Minority Groups, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

From the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia to the present-day efforts to resolve the fate of Kosovo, the community of states have continually been preoccupied with minorities. The demarcation of state territorial boundaries often means that there are groups distinguishable from the governing elites or majority. This situation may result in discrimination or persecution of minorities and their members; or conversely, agitation by the minority or its representatives for special treatment or secession.

The threat that this potentially volatile situation poses for regional and international peace and security explains the international community's recurring efforts in the field. It is not surprising …

Minorities, Cultural Rights And The Protection Of Intangible Heritage, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

The protection of intangible cultural heritage has often been regarded as the long neglected area of international cultural heritage law. Indeed, while international conventions for the protection of movable and immovable, tangible heritage have been operational for several decade, a specialist multilateral instrument covering intangible heritage was only finalised in 2003. Yet, the safeguarding of intangible heritage has preoccupied international law for well over a century. I argue that the question of intangible cultural heritage in international law has influenced, and is influenced by, the protection of minorities and the articulation of cultural rights. Treaties covering these various areas contain …