Today, during ongoing sessions of the UN General Assembly in New York and the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the world focuses on the integral link between our security climate and questions of human rights, self-determination, and intra-state stability.
From 29 September until 1 October 2006 the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), in collaboration with the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation, and the Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights, will hold a Symposium, entitled "The Right to Self-Determination and International Law," in The Hague, the Netherlands.
UN Special Rapporteur Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen has made this Symposium his first port of call after the closing session of the UN Human Rights Council, and he will be joined by Judge Abdul G. Koroma of the International Court of Justice; Mr. Johan Mikkel Sara, Vice-President of the Norwegian Sami Parliament; Mr. Aqqaluk Lynge, President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council and Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; as well as other leading figures in the field, to discuss the key issue of Self-Determination in International Law. Leading Khmer Krom representatives will provide a compelling illustration of effects felt by those whose fundamental right to self-determination is denied.
The Symposium promises to be a highly stimulating event, bringing together experts and participants from around the world, all aiming to apply their knowledge and expertise to conceptualising the notion of self determination; charting its relationship to the pursuit and realisation of human rights and conflict resolution; and detailing the legal instruments available to those in peaceful pursuit of their right to self-determination.
The opening Session starts Friday 29 September 2006 at 2 pm, Het Spaansche Hof, and continues Saturday 30 September in The Hague City Hall, from 10 am until 6 pm, followed by a March and Flag Procession from City Hall to the Peace Palace, where a candle light vigil will take place. Sunday 1 October, 10 am, will feature the Premier Screening of the Film titled "Eliminated Without Bleeding" - a film on the Khmer Krom from the Mekong River Delta of Southern Vietnam, with Director Ms. Rebecca Sommer present.
For more information, queries, or registration, please contact the UNPO Secretariat, Mr. Michael Gibb, by telephone: +31(0)70 3646504 or email: unpo@unpo.org
