Advocating for the Rights
of Vulnerable People

Self-Determination: The Peak of all Human Rights

The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and Article 1 of the United Nations’ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) mandates that “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” These requirements have been ratified by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and are binding upon Nigeria as an international treaty.

Thus, in accordance with international law, everyone has the right to self-determination. That means distinct people have the right to separate sovereignties to pursue their economic, cultural and social interests. Indigenous peoples have a right to self-defense against persecution by governments who categorically exclude them from freedom and representation.

When governments violate the right to self determination and self-preservation, international law provides a remedy – the self-determination referendum to shield themselves from oppression and authoritarianism.