International Law and the Rights of Minorities

"Developments in Eastern Europe have focused our attention on ethnic and nationalist issues. Around the world the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, conflict between ethnic groups and between groups and States, colours international relations and politics. However, minorities' rights are difficult to accommodate within the individualistic and universalist framework of human rights. Through detailed analysis of treaty and customary law, including regional treaties, Dr. Thornberry explores the response of international law, assesses its achievements, and discusses the possibilities for future progress. Areas covered include the prohibition of genocide, Article 27 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the principle of non-discrimination, and the related but separable issue of indigenous peoples"--Unedited summary from book cover.