The Northern Ireland Peace Agreement: Evolving the Principle of Self-Determination

Paul Williams, American University Washington College of Law
Sabrineh Ardalan

Abstract

Central to this article is the evolution of the nature of the principle of self-determination. The main focus will be on the examination of a recent instance of state practice — the Northern Ireland Peace Agreement. In particular, the way in which the Northern Ireland Peace Agreement has given effect to the primary elements of self-determination, including democratic self-government, the protection of human rights, and the protection of minority rights will be discussed.