Unrepresented Nations and People Workshop

Applying international law and human rights law to real world problems

Offered for several years in association with the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (www.unpo.org), this innovative workshop examined the practical international law and human rights aspects of an unrecognized State or indigenous group participating in UNPO’s work.

Over the course of thirteen 1-hour class meetings, members of the workshop would select an unrecognized State or indigenous group suggested by UNPO as ripe for legal investigation, familiarize themselves with the State or group, and identify the legal issues involved. Students would then research discreet aspects of the principal legal issues and produce a final report, which was sent to UNPO, the State or group concerned, and to other interested parties.

The workshop is no longer offered following the retirement of Professor John Grant, who led the workshop, but the reports produced by the students are available here: 

Abkhazia in International Law

The Mapuche Struggle for Land and Recognition: A legal Analysis

A Roadmap to Where? The Haratin and the Mauritanian Roadmap to Combat Slavery 

Seeking Self-Determination: The Practical Implications for Ogaden

A Shadow on Tomorrow’s Dreams: Somaliland’s Struggle for Statehood