A Concept with Multiple Meanings

The following are examples of the different layers of meaning of self-determination in a legal sense. 

However, for a long time this right was reduced to an underlying political doctrine that was not actionable. It is only now, albeit somewhat hesitantly, that it is surfacing as a firm legal entitlement. 

Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. 

However, Article 4 focuses on the right to autonomy as the prineipal means of implementing self-determination in this eontext. Moreover, Article 46 emphasises that nothing eontained in the deelaration should be taken to authorise or eneourage aetion against the territorial unity of states. 

Manifestly, the doctrine of self-determination has different legal consequences in these various contexts. Within the confines of this discussion, the principal focus must lie on self-determination as an entitlement of peoples freely to determine the international legal status of a territory. Traditionally, there are three options independence, association or integration with another state.  

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