Peace, Decolonization & Self-Determination

The Peace, Decolonization & Self-Determination Initiative of the Global Monitoring Center (GMC) examines unresolved territorial disputes, occupation-related governance structures, and the legal frameworks governing self-determination under international law.

Grounded in the principles of the United Nations Charter and relevant General Assembly and International Court of Justice precedents, the initiative evaluates the legal, political, and institutional dimensions of decolonization processes and conflict resolution.

GMC approaches these issues through independent research, documentation, and policy analysis rooted in established international legal standards.

Overview

Legal Framework & International Standards

The right of peoples to self-determination is recognized under:

• The United Nations Charter

• UN General Assembly resolutions on decolonization

• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

• Advisory opinions and jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice

The initiative analyzes compliance with these standards, assessing whether governance arrangements align with internationally recognized legal obligations.

Core Areas of Focus

Decolonization Processes

• Examination of non-self-governing territories and incomplete decolonization cases through legal and institutional analysis.

Self-Determination Mechanisms

• Assessment of referendum frameworks, autonomy proposals, negotiated settlements, and other mechanisms within international legal parameters.

Occupation & Territorial Disputes

• Monitoring governance structures in disputed territories and evaluating compliance with humanitarian and international law.

Resource Governance in Non-Self-Governing Territories

• Analysis of natural resource exploitation in territories subject to unresolved sovereignty claims, including consistency with international legal norms.

Conflict Resolution & Peace Frameworks

• Evaluation of diplomatic efforts, UN missions, and institutional mechanisms aimed at achieving lawful and durable political settlements.

Rights Based Perspective

The initiative recognizes that peace and stability are inseparable from lawful processes that respect the rights of peoples under international law.

GMC evaluates how governance systems, negotiated agreements, and international interventions affect civil, political, and collective rights, particularly in territories subject to unresolved sovereignty or colonial legacy frameworks.

Institutional Engagement

GMC contributes research and analysis to multilateral discussions, academic forums, and policy dialogues concerning:

• Decolonization frameworks

• UN-mandated processes

• Advisory opinions and legal interpretations

• Accountability mechanisms

The initiative’s work is designed to inform decision-makers while maintaining independence and analytical rigor.

Long-Term Objectives

The Peace, Decolonization & Self-Determination Initiative seeks to:

• Promote adherence to international legal standards

• Strengthen transparency in decolonization processes

• Encourage lawful and credible self-determination mechanisms

• Support durable and peaceful conflict resolution consistent with international norms

Peace must be grounded in legality, legitimacy, and institutional accountability. GMC’s work reflects that principle.