Forum:
United Nations Security Council
Issue:
Question of Right to Self Determination with Special
Emphasis on Kashmir, Palestine and other Non-Self
governing territories
Student Officer: Nitya Sudarshan
Position:
Deputy President of the Security Council
______________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Self-Determination
Self-determination was established in International Law (or the Jus-Cogens), defined as:
“on the basis of respect for the principle of equal rights and fair equality of opportunity,
people have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and political status without any
external influence or compulsion.”
Post World War II there was massive decolonisation for two decades in Asian nations
such as Ceylon, India and Indonesia as well as African nations gaining independence
from nations like Britain and France. The General Assembly passed Resolution 1514 on
14th December 1960, which was the “Declaration of Granting Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples”. This also established a ‘Special Commission on
Decolonisation’, showing a legal linkage between decolonisation and self-determination.
Impulsively drawn up borders are arguably the causes for crises such as the Kashmir
crisis today.
Kashmir
The root of the Kashmir conflict is Pakistan and India both supposedly having legitimate
claims on the same area. The region has massive Indian military presence and local
militant groups (allegedly Pakistan supported) add to the overall instability of the region.
However, Kashmir is not one homogenous territory. The state in question is actually
Jammu & Kashmir, which includes, Jammu (predominantly Hindu), Kashmir
(predominantly Muslim though there was once a sizeable minority of Kashmiri Pandits)
and Ladakh (Buddhist). The issue is further complicated by the annexation of Aksai Chin
by the Chinese, the ceding of territory by Pakistan to China in the Karakoram, the loose
definition of the Line of Control including the Siachen Glacier and the presence of
terrorist groups operating out of Pakistan controlled Kashmir. Delegates will have to
consider the different ethnicities, the cultural and religious differences, and the current
ground situation with different nations administering parts of the state and the ability of
any government to hold a free and fair “self-determination” exercise in the light of
terrorist activities.
Palestine
The Palestine conflict has its roots in two sides claiming the same land, with the Jewish
state of Israel claiming a biblical birthright to a land in which the Palestine people have
lived for ages.
There have been multiple attempts to resolve the problem, with limited success. None of
the parties- Israel or Palestine fulfilled the 2003 roadmap agreement which was a
timetable developed by the quartet of US, UN, EU and Russia, aimed at creating a
viable Palestine state. Under the agreement, the Palestine Authority was to stop its
militant attacks. However, with continued support for Hamas (whose main aim is to
destroy Israel) resulting in their victory in elections, Israel refuses to accept or recognize
the Palestine administration and continues to build settlements in the West Bank and
Gaza. Hamas continues to adopt a militant stance and the stalemate continues, with
sporadic incidents, sometimes serious, of violence and killings. The people of Palestine
continue to be stateless and the crisis is still unresolved.
Non-Self Governing Territories
Today in the world there are sixteen non-self governing territories and these are:
Western Sahara, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland
Islands (Malvinas), Montserrat, St. Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States
Virgin Islands, Gibralter, American Samoa, Guam, New Caledonia, Pitcairn Islands and
Tokelau.
Definition of Key Terms
Self-Determination 1
It is defined as “the process by which a country determines its own statehood and forms
its own allegiances and government.” (refer to the definition by international law). At the
grass root level, the right to self-determination is an individual and collective right of a
people to “freely determine their political status and [to] freely pursue economic, social
and cultural development.” Self-determination is referred to in Chapter I, Article 2 of the
United Nations Charter.
Zionism2
Founded by Theodor Herzl, it is a form of nationalism in which the Jewish people believe
in the unity of all Jewish people in the ‘Land of Israel’.
Intifada3
An Arabic word meaning ‘shaking off’ but in context to the Palestinian self-determination
crisis in this committee, it refers to an uprising or a revolt as by the people of Palestine
against Israeli interference.
Green Line4
A ceasefire or armistice line; in this case specifically the one drawn in the Palestinian
region.
Non Self-Governing Territories5
These are territories that according to the UN are colonised. (Colonisation is the act of
sending a group of settlers to an area or nation and establishing political control over it.)
1 "Self Determination (international Law)." LII. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. 2 "Zionism:
A Definition of Zionism." A Definition of Zionism. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 apr. 2013. Intifada in Palestine ‫ﻑفﻝلﺱسﻁطﻱيﻥن ﺍاﻥنﺕتﻑفﺍاﺽضﺓة‬." The Intifada in Palestine. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2013 4 "Online Language Dictionaries." Green Line. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013 5 "Non-Self-Governing Territory Law & Legal Definition." Non-Self-Governing Territory Law & Legal
Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. 3 "The
Background Information
Kashmir
In 1947 after partition the Hindu ruler of Kashmir signed Kashmir over to India under
Indian pressure to prevent Pakistani tribes from taking it over. Thus the state of Jammu
and Kashmir was formed. The Pakistani tribesmen were pushed back to the ‘Line of
Control’ and this still remains the international border separating India and Pakistan
occupied Kashmir respectively. There have been several military skirmishes and wars
(in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999). Since 1947 the UN has attempted to intervene multiple
times but with no avail. Immediately after partition the first battle took place when Indian
troops were airlifted to the area to combat the tribesman supported by the newly formed
Pakistani Army. India went to the UN and this Resolution 39 was passed. In May 1948,
further war broke out because Pakistan sent troops to secure the borders and no
plebiscite was able to take place. For any plebiscite India has wanted the withdrawal of
Pakistani nationals who are not residents of the area while Pakistan wanted India to
reduce their military presence in the region. Citizens that were forced to leave due to
violence were expected to return to vote in the plebiscite.
The second Indo-Pak war occurred when Pakistan launched an attack beyond the
ceasefire line in Kashmir and India responded by invading Lahore. This inconclusive war
ended with the Tashkent Declaration arbitrated by the UN and another ceasefire was
declared. In 1971, India intervened in East Pakistan and Bangladesh was created,
separated from Pakistan, leading to another war in the Western Sector including
Kashmir and Resolution 307 in the UNSC during this conflict called for yet another
ceasefire. Throughout these many military incidents, the aspirations of the people of
Kashmir seem to have been forgotten. Delegates should ensure that both the majority
and most importantly minority faction’s aspirations are being adhered to and must keep
in mind that one solution may not apply uniformly to all parts of the region. The
economic, political and social implications of self-determination should also be
considered.
Palestine
World War II showed an increase in European anti-Semitism and strengthened the
feelings of political Zionism, which lead to the establishment of Israel in May 1948. In
1988 the PNA only unilaterally declared statehood however only in 1993 Israel
recognised the PNA as representative of the Palestinian people. In 2004 Israel agreed to
peacefully co-operate to form a final agreement. The IMF and the World Bank have
declared that the PA has the economic policies to function as a nation and the UNESCO
has also recognised Palestine as a separate nation.
In Palestine, the power struggle between the Fatah and the Hamas and the refusal of
Israel to co-operate with the Hamas cause great conflict. The refugee crisis and severe
human rights violations very outwardly portray that ‘aspirations’ of the people have not
been met. In many instances such as in 2008 the Israeli military has attacked the Gaza
and West Bank regions killing many civilians in response to suicide military attacks from
the Palestinian Hamas faction.
It was only in the 20th century that Jews started migrating to Palestine. There was a time
where all ethnicities lived together peacefully. Post World War I Palestine was a British
mandate when in 1937 the Peel Commission recommended a separate Palestinian state
with Jerusalem being jointly governed by both nations but this was never fulfilled.
In1967 was the six-day war of Israel against Jordan, Egypt and Syria in which Israel
captured the West Bank (East Jerusalem, Gaza strip and Sinai Peninsula and Golan
Heights.) After the 1993 Oslo Accords Israel agreed to limited Palestinian governance
where the West Bank and Gaza were separated into three zones: Zone A, with full
Palestinian control, Zone B, with joint Israeli and Palestinian control and Zone C with full
Israeli control though most territory was under Zone C.
In 2003, with the improving situation, Israel dismantled all Jewish settlements in Gaza
and some in West Bank..
In June 2007, Fatah and Hamas fought and Hamas got control of Gaza. Israel increased
border security after the Hamas victory and there seemed to be a step back in the
resolution of the issues of Palestine. But President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the result
and created an emergency Fatah Government. Today the situation is such that although
the Hamas has the majority amongst the Palestinian people, the Hamas’ main aim is to
destroy Israel hence Israel would never co-operate with a Hamas headed government. It
is up to the delegates to simultaneously protect the views of the people and a peaceful
existence with Israel.
Non-self governing territories
Article 73 e of the UN Charter calls for nations to report the development of their
colonies annually to the UN. Broadly, non-self governing territories can be classified on
the basis of three broad types. The first type has voluntarily chosen (via a referendum) to
remain externally governed eg the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam or has shown no
opposition to being so. The second type is where the population is too minute to have a
plebiscite or have a strong view eg the Pitcairn Islands have a population of merely 48
people. The third type is the regions that are unhappy and wish to be self-governed but
have been inhibited and thus still remain non-self governed. A comparatively niche
fraction like Bermuda believe that the external administration only controls ‘minor’ parts
of the nation such as defence and economy and hence one could say they are in denial
of being non-self governed.
Role of the UN
Since the formation of the UN, the population of non-self governing territories has
reduced from 750 million to 2 million. Chapter XI of the UN Charter (Article 73 and 74)
recognise the right to self-determination. The UN Charter calls for the administering
states of the 16 non self-governing territories today to (in accordance with preparing
them for eventual self-determination) recognise their interests and promote social,
political, educational and economic progress. In 1960 the General Assembly passed the
‘Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples’ that is
also known as the Declaration on Decolonisation. This stated that all people have a right
to self-determination and aimed to fully abolish colonialism. In 1962 the General
Assembly created a ‘Special Committee on Decolonisation’ (of 24 representatives),
which was to recommend and formulate a plan for the effective implementation and
application of self-determination in non-self governing territories. In 1990 the General
Assembly called 1990-2000 the first International Decade for the Eradication of
Colonialism. It also created a plan of action to achieve this objective. The third decade
for the same was declared in 2011 and is currently ongoing.
Major countries and organizations involved
In the case of Kashmir
The People of Kashmir (Hindus, Muslims, Kashmiri Pandits)
If one were to consider the demographics of the state, (approximately) 78-80% are
Muslims, 18-20% are Hindus, with a small but active number of Buddhist. However,
when one looks at each region, the Kashmir valley has 95% Muslims and 5% Hindus,
the Jammu region has over 65% Hindus and the remaining largely Muslim, while the
Ladakh region has 55% Buddhist with the remaining Muslim.
Therefore if one were to consider religion as a basis for undertaking a self-determination
exercise, each region and within it, each religious community would have to be
adequately represented and their aspirations addressed.
India
India obviously believes that a plebiscite is no longer necessary, given the long history of
elections and overwhelming voting percentages and the accession of the region signed
to them. It is further believed that coercion from militants will negate any free and fair
expression of the rights of the people. Hence, India would want militancy to end, a period
of stability to prevail without external interference, before any further discussions are
held with any party, whether the representatives of various pro-independence or proPakistan elements of the political landscape of Kashmir.
Further, any special agreements for Kashmir could have implications for the rest of the
country and hence, the very existence of secular India could be threatened.
Pakistan
Pakistan would want a plebiscite to encompass the entire region with the belief that a
Muslim majority would vote overwhelmingly to join Pakistan. It would also provide the
government with a major political victory, given that all other means, including military,
have not provided any favourable solution to the issue. The main argument for the
Pakistan view is the UN Resolutions supporting the plebiscite. However, the major
opposing argument is the ability to conduct this in a free and fair manner.
China
China believes that Aksai Chin is part of the geographical landmass of the Tibetan
plateau. They have forcibly occupied the region during the 1962 war with India and
control this largely uninhabited region. They don’t necessarily find a plebiscite relevant.
Also, the Pakistan-China Karakoram highway links the two countries and they would be
loathe agreeing to any solution that would break this link. In fact, Pakistan has ceded
some territory to China (considered not legitimate by other countries) in return for this
strategic road link. China appears to support Pakistan in most international forums.
In the case of Palestine
Israel
Israel believes that they have a biblical right to the land in Palestine. They are unlikely to
accept any solution that would threaten their well-established Israeli nation. In the meantime,
they are bound to react with excessive force to any act of aggression or terrorism. Israel is
worried about the potential capability of some states like Iran to produce an atomic bomb,
which could threaten the very existence of Israel.
Palestinian Authority
They clearly have only one objective- to create a fully independent state of Palestine
with complete authority to govern, like in any other country. The issue facing them is the
difference of opinion between the hardliners like Hamas and other groups, all of whom
enjoy some support amongst the people of Palestine. Despite appeals, the United
Nations has not recognised Palestine as an independent state and Palestine lives in fear
of the more sophisticated military and control imposed upon them by the state of Israel.
The United States of America
With a strong Jewish lobby with significant influence in the government, the United
States of America is a strong supporter of the state of Israel and has on many occasions
stepped in to provide support, military as well as political. In the recent past, they have
worked towards bringing about a solution and have been engaging both parties. It is
clear that the U.S.A, either on their own or in conjunction with the Security Council, will
have to guarantee the existence of Israel and Palestine as independent nations.
Arab States
The Arab states have fought Israel several times and many in these nations still
remember the humiliating defeat in the 6-Day War. Though the times have changed,
these states will also need to be party to any resolution of the Palestine issue by not
committing any act of aggression that could damage the peace process.
Timeline of Events
Kashmir
DATE
EVENT
August 1947
India-Pakistan partition
1947-1948
First Indo-Pak Kashmir war
May 1948
Pakistan sends troops to the border
17th January 1948
UNSC Resolution 38 passed
th
UNSC Resolution 39 passed
st
UNSC Resolution 47 passed
20 January 1948
21 April 1948
st
1 January 1949
Ceasefire
April-September 1965
Second Indo-Pak Kashmir war
10th January 1966
Tashkent Declaration
1971
India aided the separation of East Pakistan
from Pakistan
2
nd
July 1972
Simla Agreement signed
1971
Third Indo-Pak Kashmir war
1999
Fourth Indo-Pak Kashmir war
10th March 2008
Militant attacks at the border
17th November to 24th December 2008
Kashmir Elections
2009
Protests in Kashmir
Palestine
1948
Jewish settlers declare the state of Israel
2nd June 1964
Arab League of Arab states forms the PLO
5th-10th June 1967
6 day war, Israel occupies West Bank,
Gaza, East Jerusalem, Syrian Golan
Heights, Egyptian Sinai Peninsula
December 1987
First Intifada
28th September 2000
Second Intifada/ Al Aqsa Intifada
2003
The Quartet produce the Two Year Plan
6th June 2004
Israel decides on ‘unilateral
disengagement’ from Gaza
2005
Ceasefire and Israel remove their settlers
and withdraw military
2006-2008
Further aggression caused by extremist
gunmen, multiple failed negotiations
2009
Netanyahu accepts the prospect of
Palestine
2010
Indirect talks between Israel and Palestine
initiated by the United States which fail in
December
May 2011
Israel initiates gunfire and there are further
protests
March 2012
More violence in Gaza
September 2012
Violence in the West Bank Area
November 2012
Israel launch another attack on Palestine in
response to the militant attacks
Relevant UN Treaties and Events
The treaties mentioned in the background information are sufficient for the delegates’
knowledge on the topic however a full list of UN Resolutions pertaining to the Kashmir
crisis can be obtained at: http://www.kashmiri-cc.ca/un/ The Resolutions mentioned in the background information are:
•
United Nations Security Council Resolution 38- January 17th 1948
•
United Nations Security Council Resolution 39- 20th January 1948
•
United Nations Security Council Resolution 47- 21st April 1948
•
United Nations Security Council Resolution 307- 21st December 1971
•
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514- 14th December 1960
Previous Attempts to Resolve the Issue
Kashmir
The United Nations Security Council Resolutions 38 calls on India and Pakistan to take
all possible measures to resolve the issue (including public appeal) and not aggravate
the crisis situation further. The Security Council Resolution 39 forms a commission of
three representatives, one each chosen by India and Paksitan respectively and the third
mutual to solve the crisis. Resolution 47 calls on another plebiscite and increases the
size of the commission. The United Nations has made several attempts to mediate talks
between the two parties however none of these until now has been successful. The
Tashkent Declaration (1966) ended the second Indo-Pak war, which stated that:
•
Indian and Pakistani forces would pull back to their pre-conflict positions, pre-August
lines by the 25th of February 1966;
•
The nations would not interfere in each other's internal affairs;
•
Economic and diplomatic relations would be restored;
•
And the two leaders would work towards building good relations between the two
countries.
The 1972 Simla Agreement signed between India and Pakistan decided the matter
would be solved bilaterally.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, (1993) is an alliance of 26 political, social and
religious organizations in Kashmir. It was formed for achieving the right of selfdetermination according to Security Council Resolution 47. However the Hurriyat itself
has split with each section having a different view on self-determination. On 10th June
2002 India and Pakistan resumed negotiations by withdrawing troops from their shared
border. On November 26th 2003 India and Pakistan decided to maintain the Line of
Control even along the Siachen Glacier. Pakistan made a genuine effort from February
2004 till recently, by adhering to a ceasefire.
Despite the various efforts to solve the issue, the region undergoes constant conflict,
with frequent exchange of small arms fire and sometimes artillery exchanges across the
border and militant attacks, but a permanent resolution of the issue still seems elusive.
Palestine
Since the 1967 war there have been several attempts to bring peace to the region. The
first was secret talks conducted by the Norwegians in the early 1990s. Of these talks
came the ‘Oslo Peace Accords’ in which the PLO recognised Israel’s right to exist in
peace and security. Israel was called to withdraw (in stages) troops from Gaza and the
West Bank. A temporary self-governing Palestine Authority was set up for 5 years until a
final settlement could be reached but this final settlement was never agreed upon.
Palestine feared the restrictions placed on it by the Israeli military and Israel resented
the Palestinian militant group attacks. In 2003 the so called ‘quartet’ (consisting of the
United States of America, Russia, the UN and the European Union (EU)) shaped a
‘roadmap’ or a 2 year timetable for a final settlement to be reached. However this plan
disregarded the refugees, the boundary issues and the other pressing conflicts of the
region. In Phase 1 of this roadmap Palestine was to reduce and restrict its militants and
Israel was to restrain its military in Palestinian territory. However this plan too failed to
effectively achieve peaceful self-determination for the Palestinians. In 2003 Israel agreed
to withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza strip regions. However some said that over
the years of Israeli interference in Palestine their presence is so firmly rooted via the
infrastructure that Palestine could never function as an independent nation devoid of
Israeli influence. In November 2007 the United States of America hosted a conference in
Annapolis, Maryland. In this conference the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the
Palestinian leader Abbas promised to reach a settlement but no such settlement was
ever reached post the conference. In 2009 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in
a speech ‘accepted the prospect of a Palestinian state.’ During this period the Israelis
wanted a natural growth of their population but the United States wanted them to curb
the rapidly increasing population. In September 2010 there were further United States
initiated talks that failed. In 2011 Palestine appealed to the UN to recognise it as a state
but this was tuned down.
Possible Solutions
Kashmir
A “period of stability” timeline should be agreed upon and then a free and fair
referendum should take place in the region. The key words are free and fair. If there was
a period of relative stability, starting with a complete end to terrorism followed by the
withdrawal of the overwhelming presence of Indian troops, then the various parties
involved in the issue; India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, could be brought to the
negotiating table to sign up to this approach. During the plebiscite China, Pakistan and
India should have to withdraw all troops from the region and UN peacekeeping forces
should be deployed there to ensure a safe and fair plebiscite. The UN should conduct
the plebiscite. All residents of Kashmir forced to leave due to the violence should return
for the same.
Alternatively, the Security Council could consider a separate solution for each region –
with the plebiscite restricted to the Kashmir region. This would be a variation of the first
point, but would develop a unique and tailored solution to each region, with the
possibility that the Hindu dominated Jammu region and the Buddhist dominated Ladakh
province may not even need a plebiscite to determine their future.
The creation of an independently administered region with free movement of Kashmiri
people within this region could also be considered. This approach would need great
maturity and the building of trust between all concerned parties to the conflict. The
solution centres around the establishment of an autonomous territory, in which all the
people of Kashmir, whether currently residing in India or Pakistan administered territory,
would be free to travel and reside. The non-Kashmiri residents of each of the countries
would continue to have restrictions on travel across the line of control.
Palestine
Two Nation Theory
It is the establishment of two nations, Palestine and Israel, functioning fully as
independent countries, recognised by the UN and guaranteed by the Security Council.
Since both parties have claims on Jerusalem, it could be made into a common city open
to citizens of both Israel and Palestine.
Single Nation Theory
The Jews and Palestinians live as one nation, respecting each other’s religion and
practices. The concept of a secular nation would have to be established. Though
difficult, this may be debated and at least considered. However, it may require a long
time to stabilise and many extreme sets of people may easily be able to derail the
process.
In either case, the establishment of any state will have to go through a period of stable
governance and control of extreme elements.
Self-Governing Palestine Nation with no Military
An easier solution for Israel to accept would be the creation of a self-governing country
for Palestine (with the Hamas heading the government), but with no military. Therefore
there would be no threat to Israel. However, Palestine would forever be vulnerable to
Israeli military action and hence the Security Council should deploy peacekeeping forces
at the border for a decided period of approximately 10 years until the two nations start
existing peacefully after which Palestine should be allowed to rearm to a level monitored
by the Security Council. Alternately, the government of Palestine could be a coalition
between the Hamas and the Fatah, which should be recognised by Israel.
Other Non-Self Governing Territories
Firstly, the type of non-self governing territory in question needs to be indentified.
Special preference should be given to areas with known cases of human rights violations
and unfair treatment of citizens. For the regions which are content being governed by an
external power, the situation should be left as it is with the administering nations signing
a treaty promising not to oppress the people. A fresh UN monitored plebiscite to be held
every 10 years to indicate the current aspirations of the people. The region could
possibly also become a part of the nation if a referendum indicates so, however the
administering nation would have to withdraw all military which would be replaced by UN
peacekeeping forces to conduct the referendum. For those nations showing great
resistance and wishing to be independent, the UN should analyse the economic, political
and social viability of the region as a nation. If it is not viable then the UN should create a
special commission to formulate a structured plan to make the nation ready to be selfgoverned.
The nations with too small a population usually do not pose much resistance to not being
self-governed and are unlikely to be viable as a separate nation.
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KASHMIR
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Appendix
Important Organisations
Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)
Is the internationally recognised representative organisation of the Palestinian people. It
is a multi-party confederation of Palestine.
Fatah and Hamas
Are two factions of the PLO that compete for the control of the Palestinian region.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
East (UNRWA)
Works for the protection of the Palestinian refugees in the disputed Palestinian region.
Palestinian National Authority or Palestinian Authority (PNA or PA)
An interim self-governing body to control the region of the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip.
Useful Links
Kashmir
http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/kashmir/?gclid=CPq9sLOv_bcCFUhb3godmUc
A4w
http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/kashmir/?gclid=CPq9sLOv_bcCFUhb3godmUc
A4w
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4404738?uid=3738256&uid=2&uid=4&sid=211023
41515041
http://www.ndtv.com/topic/kashmir-situation http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/kashmir/?gclid=CPq9sLOv_bcCFUhb3godmUc
A4w
http://www.ndtv.com/topic/kashmir-situation http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/1C3E5A31FDF841FE85257B3600686148
http://www.humanlaw.org/kashmirself.html
http://www.kashmirlibrary.org/kashmir_timeline/kashmir_chapters/pre-1947.shtml
http://www.countercurrents.org/ahmad270808.htm
Israel-Palestine
http://www.refworld.org/docid/514086a62.html
http://www.unpo.org/article/4957
http://www.trust.org/spotlight/Israeli-Palestinian-conflict
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14630174
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_docum
ents/1681322.stm
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/intifada.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21850739 Non-Self Governing Territories
http://www.un.org/en/decolonization/nonselfgov.shtml
http://www.un.org/en/decolonization/specialcommittee.shtml
http://www.un.org/en/sc/repertoire/functions_and_powers.shtml
http://www.un.org/en/sc/members/