CYIL vol. 16 (2025)

ABDISHAKUR HASSAN-KAYD also relevant to the notion of the importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination in which the United Nations safeguarding the effective assurance and compliance of human rights has been stressed in resolution VIII of the International Conference on Human Rights held at Teheran in 1968, and in resolutions 2588 B (XXIV), 73 2649 (XXV), 74 2787 (XXVI), 75 2955 (XXVII), 76 3070 (XXVIII), 77 3246 (XXIX), 78 and 3382 (XXX) 79 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations between 1969 and 1975. The right of peoples to self-determination, alongside other fundamental human rights, is rooted in the recognition of human dignity. Advocating for these rights aligns with the objectives of the United Nations, including the maintenance of global peace and security, as well as fostering cooperative international relations. These rights are interconnected within the UN’s conventional law, as established by the Charter and the International Covenants on Human Rights, which guide all UN activities. The principles of equal rights and self determination are integral to human rights and fundamental freedoms. Recognizing these principles is a crucial aspect of acknowledging human rights. The Somaliland case of Self-determination rights does not contradict the definition of self-determination rights adopted in the United Nations’ 1993 World Conference on Human Rights 80 “This [definition of self-determination] shall not be construed as authorizing or encouraging any action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent States conducting themselves in compliance with the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples and thus possessed of a Government representing the whole people belonging to the territory without distinction of any kind”. Somaliland and Somalia each possess distinct claims to sovereignty. Their unratified union to form the Somali Republic, which aimed to unite all Somali-speaking countries and territories under a single flag. The international community’s failure to recognize the shortcomings of this union could rekindle regional conflicts over borders, potentially affecting Kenya and Ethiopia. Djibouti may also face the risk of losing 70% of its territory as its 30% Afar population advocates for self-determination. This push could extend to territories in Ethiopia and Eritrea as well. The situation in Somaliland underscores a missed opportunity for international stakeholders, whose interests may be impacted by the evolving political and economic dynamics within the Horn of Africa. A select few countries with their own agendas and interests have constructed a narrative centered on concerns for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principle of non-intervention when the case of Somaliland is discussed. Somaliland itself fully respects Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as we are not claiming any territory defined by international treaties. According to international law, the non-intervention principle should not be used as a pretext to overlook violations of self-determination. The right 73 Resolution 2588 B (XXIV), on 15 December 1969 – https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/2588(XXIV). 74 Resolution 2649 (XXV) on 30 November 1970 – https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/2649(XXV). 75 Resolution 2787 (XXVI) on 6 December 1971 – https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/2787(XXVI). 76 Resolution 2955 (XXVII) on 12 December 1972 https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/2955(XXVII). 77 Resolution 3070 (XXVIII) on 30 November 1973. https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/3070(XX VIII)&Lang=E&Area=RESOLUTION. 78 Resolution 3246 (XXIX) on 29 November 1974 https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/3246(XXIX). 79 Resolution 3382 (XXX) on 10 November 1975 https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/3382(XXX). 80 World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, 25 June.

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