ICJ

International Court of Justice

UPDATE PAPER

SPC

Specialized

Agencies

Prepared by the International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA)

Regional High School Model United Nations (RHSMUN)

© IMUNA, 2015. All Rights Reserved

RHSM UN

CONTENTIOUS CASE:

AZERBAIJAN V.

ARMENIA

ADVISORY OPINION:

ACCORDANCE WITH

INTERNATIONAL LAW OF

SOMALILAND AS A

SOVEREIGN STATE

IM UN A

International Model United Nations Association

David Monroe

Secretary-General

Duke University

Christine Ciganovich

Director-General

University of California, Davis

Justin Zhang

Conference Director

University of Southern California

Aubrey Driscoll

Chief of Staff

Gonzaga University

Hannah Sieben

Under-Secretary General

University of Texas, Austin

Juhee Shah

Under-Secretary-General

University of Southern California

Annie Ma

Under-Secretary-General

Dartmouth College

Stanislaw Banach

Under-Secretary-General

University of California, Berkeley

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9 – 1 2 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5

September 2015

Dear Delegates,

Hello and welcome to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) committee for RHSMUN 2015! My name is Liana Maehara and I am your Assistant Director for the ICJ committee this year. This is my fifth year participating in MUN and my first as a member of RHSMUN staff.

!

I am born and raised as a California girl, and I am now attending San Francisco State University. I occupy the majority of my time practicing my calligraphy even though I am a relative beginner. I am also trying new ways to stay in shape. So far I have tried everything from yoga to weightlifting, and, most recently, bouldering. I am currently in my junior year majoring in philosophy with an emphasis in law. I began my MUN career in high school and immediately fell in love with the MUN program.

Although I am not majoring in International Relations, I am still fascinated by the intricacies of international law. Throughout high school my favorite committees were by far 6 th Legal and ICJ

The ICJ committee runs akin to the normal RHSMUN procedures; however, there are some different, albeit more fun rules governing committee. Ana, your director, has crafted two amazingly intricate cases that I hope you will all enjoy.

With that being said, please contact me if you have any questions regarding committee or the ICJ in general. I look forward to seeing all of you in December!

Sincerely,

Liana Maehara

Assistant Director ICJ

RHSMUN is a project of the

International Model United Nations

Association, Incorporated (IMUNA).

IMUNA, a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization, is dedicated to furthering global issues education at the secondary school level.

RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

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Despite continued attempts at finding a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Minsk Group (OSCE), the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan remain stagnant.

1 That is not to say, however, that the exchange of fire on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border has abated. In one week Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire agreement of 1994 over 1,000 times.

2 Over 16,000 shots were fired at Armenian positions over that period from small arms of various calibers.

3 Armenia has also consistently violated the ceasefire agreement: 130 times on 29 August 2015, 112 times on 30 August 2015, and

110 times on 1 September 2015.

4 The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mammadyarov addressed the importance of removing Armenian military forces from Azerbaijani territory during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly.

5 Mr. Mammadyarov stated that the removal of Armenian forces would greatly help with the attempted peace talks about the NK region.

6 The escalations of hostilities in the NK region often stem from soldiers from both the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides, who taunt one another to the point of violence.

7 When questioned about the soldiers’ actions, leaders from both sides cast blame on one another. Both leaders often cite the other’s occupation on the opposing side’s territory.

8 The President of Armenia, Zerzh Sargsyan, addressed the United

Nations General Assembly on 29 September 2015 and emphasized the need for de-escalation in the

NK region on the part of the Azerbaijani military.

9 He did, however, articulate that if Azerbaijan continued to attack Armenian forces, Armenia would have no choice but to take precautions to defend its territory and its people.

10 This escalation of violence highlights the need to formulate a

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1 "Powers Intervene in Recently Escalated Armenian-Azerbaijan Conflict," DailySabah , 2 October 2015, accessed 3

October 2015, http://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2015/10/03/powers-intervene-in-recently-escalated-armenianazerbaijan-conflict.

2 “Defense Ministry of NKR: Azerbaijan Violated Ceasefire 1000 Times in Past Week,” Panorama.am, 19 September

2015, accessed 19 September 2015, https://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2015/09/19/nkr-mil/.

3

4

Ibid.

Ilkin Izzet, “Armenia Violates Ceasefire With Azerbaijan 130 Times in One Day,” Trend News Agency, 29 August 2015, accessed 19 September 2015, http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/2428082.html; “Armenia Violates Ceasefire With

Azerbaijan 112 Times in One Day,” Trend News Agency, 30 August 2015, accessed 19 September 2015, http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/2428267.html.

5 Powers Intervene in Recently Escalated Armenian-Azerbaijan Conflict," DailySabah , 2 October 2015, accessed 3

October 2015, http://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2015/10/03/powers-intervene-in-recently-escalated-armenianazerbaijan-conflict.

6 Ibid.

7 "Azerbaijani Defense Ministry: Next Incident Occurred between Armenian Servicemen," News.Az

, 3 October 2015, accessed 4 October 2015, http://www.news.az/articles/karabakh/101624.

8 Ibid.

9 Alina Nikoghosyan, "Analyst: President's Speech at UN Has 'correct' Emphases - ArmeniaNow.com

," 30 September

2015, accessed 3 October 2015, http://www.armenianow.com/news/66623/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_speech_reaction_comment.

10 Ibid.

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision in this case in order to initiate a peaceful resolution to the Armenian-Azerbaijan war over the NK region.

Summary of Main Arguments

The State of Azerbaijan alleges that Armenia has broken or blatantly disregarded multiple international treaties and laws to acquire land that would otherwise be regarded as belonging to

Azerbaijan. Firstly, Azerbaijan brings forth the violation of the Charter of the United Nations

Chapter 1, Article 2, Subsection 4, which states that “all Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.” territorial integrity.

12

11 The

Helsinki Act of 1975 has a similar provision against the use of force in matters that would damage

Both states have called upon international third party entities such as the

Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe and individual states such as Russia to mediate the conflict. 13 Azerbaijan alleges that Armenia has coerced the citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the NK region, thereby using force to violate the territorial integrity and political independence of a state.

14

Secondly, Azerbaijan brings forth the violation of Article 2 of the 4 th Geneva Convention, which states that it applies “to all cases of declared war or any other armed conflict which may arise between two or more of the High Contracting Parties, even if the state of war is not recognized by one of them. The Convention shall apply to all cases of partial or total occupation of the territory of a High Contracting Party, even if said occupation meets with no armed resistance.” 15 even if the latter state does not recognize it as such.

Thus,

Azerbaijan believes that Armenia has undertaken an unlawful occupation of Azerbaijani territory,

Thirdly, Azerbaijan claims that Armenia is in violation of Article 42 of the Hague Relations, which states that “territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the hostile army. The occupation extends only to the territory where such authority has been established and can be exercised.” 16 Azerbaijan believes that Armenia has undertaken such an unlawful occupation of its territory, limiting the possibility of the vote of confidence that is needed to secure a real treaty between the two states.

17 Due to violations of both UN and multilateral

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11 “Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice,” United Nations General Assembly, last modified 26 June 1945, accessed 20 September 2015, http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter1.shtml.

12 “Helsinki Final Act 1975,” Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, last modified 1 August 1975, accessed 18 April 2015, https://www.osce.org/mc/39501?download=tru.

13 "Powers Intervene in Recently Escalated Armenian-Azerbaijan Conflict," DailySabah , 2 October 2015, accessed

3October 2015, http://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2015/10/03/powers-intervene-in-recently-escalated-armenianazerbaijan-conflict.

14 Ibid.

15 A/63/692 (S/2009/51), “Report on The International Legal Responsibilities of Armenia as The Belligerent Occupier of Azerbaijani Territory,” 27 January 2009, accessed 20 September 2015, http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/63/692.

16 Ibid.

17 Alina Nikoghosyan, "Analyst: President's Speech at UN Has 'correct' Emphases - ArmeniaNow.com

," 30 September

2015, accessed 3 October 2015, http://www.armenianow.com/news/66623/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_speech_reaction_comment.

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ) treaties and agreements, Azerbaijan believes that Armenia is obligated to evacuate the NK region and to halt any further military action.

The Armenian state, however, does not believe that it is in violation of any of the laws brought forth by Azerbaijan. Firstly, Armenia never agreed upon the aforementioned Helsinki Act of 1975. Thus, Armenia cannot be held accountable for any actions in direct violation of the act, as

Armenia was never party to the limitations of the agreement.

Secondly, Armenia recognizes the NK region as a nation independent from Azerbaijan and may therefore conduct business with the territory as Armenia pleases. Armenia’s belief that the NK region is independent due to the Charter of the United Nations is common among the majority population of Armenians in NK.

18 Thirdly, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations

Article 1 Subsection 2, Armenia believes in the right “to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.” 19 Armenia argues that the area of NK is independent due to the self-determination of its people and is thus being encroached upon by Azerbaijan. Armenian leaders cite multiple instigations from the

Azerbaijani military in and around the NK region. Armenia believes that the failed talks between the two nations are due to a lack of trust, as Azerbaijani forces will not budge from the NK zone.

Armenian leaders are willing to work with Azerbaijani leaders; however, they cite that a vote of confidence is needed in the form of withdrawing the Azerbaijani military.

multiple international treaties.

20 Due to the arguments laid out in the former statement, Armenia believes that it is in fact Azerbaijan that is in violation of

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18 "ANCC - Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR)," ANCC - Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR), accessed 4 October 2015, http://www.anccanada.org/en/home/page/139.

19 “Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice,” United Nations General Assembly, last modified 26 June 1945, accessed 20 September 2015, http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter1.shtml.

20 Alina Nikoghosyan, "Analyst: President's Speech at UN Has 'correct' Emphases - ArmeniaNow.com

," 30 September

2015, accessed 3 October 2015, http://www.armenianow.com/news/66623/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_speech_reaction_comment.

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

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WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW OF SOMALILAND

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The literal translation of de facto is “in fact”; the term usually acknowledges that something exists whether it is legally sanctioned or not.

21 In the context of international law, a de facto government is one that states acknowledge as existing even though it does not lawfully exist.

22 The term de facto can also mean “actual.” 23 Somaliland is considered a de facto state because it is recognized by the international community as existing in fact, since it has a government that exerts control over a defined territory. However, it cannot be recognized as a de jure state because it is not legally a state.

De jure, translated from its Latin origin, means “legitimate or rightful.” 24 A de jure state is one that is not only recognized as governing over a territory and its people, but is also legally and constitutionally a state. In the modern world, such recognition requires the state’s fulfillment of legal international standards set forth by the UN and the ICJ.

Secession is the separation of a territory of a country by the citizens who live there who have declared statehood for themselves.

25 Somaliland has seceded from Somalia, making it a de facto state. It will not, however, be recognized as a de jure state until it is legally recognized by the international community.

The task of the ICJ is to determine whether Somaliland should be able to legally declare statehood and secede from Somalia to become its own independent state, recognized not only as de facto but also as a legal entity. The first thing to consider is the Charter of the United Nations, specifically Article 1 Section 2, which states an intended purpose of the UN is “to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people.” 26 The people of Somaliland have declared themselves independent of Somalia. Therefore, according to the principle of self-determination stated in the Charter of the United Nations,

Somaliland should be granted legal statehood and independence. The second section of Somaliland’s

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21 De facto , “Oxforddictionary.com

,” accessed 26 September 2015, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de%20facto

22 “De facto,” (n.d.) West’s Encocylapedia of American Law, edition 2. (2008) ), accessed 26 September 2015, http://legaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/de+facto.

23

24

25

“De Facto,” Legal Dictionary,

“De Jure,” Legal Dictionary, accessed 26 September 2015, http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=472.

“Secession,” Merriam-Webster Dictionary, accessed 26 September 2015, http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/secession.

26 “Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice,” United Nations General Assembly, last modified 26 June 1945, accessed 26 September 2015, https://treaties.un.org/doc/publication/ctc/uncharter.pdf

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ) argument for de jure statehood recognition is that both treaties which established the state, one granted by British Somaliland, the Law of the Union, and the other by the Italian state of Somalia, the Act of the Union, were enacted without the sanction of the people of Somaliland.

27 These contracts were only binding to those that were privy to the signing of the unification treaties.

Therefore, the treaties do not bind the people of Somaliland, as they were not privy to the jurisdiction of the treaty due to the lack of representation in the treaty signing.

28 The third part of the argument that Somaliland presents is based on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,

Article 24 Section 2, which states that “failing any such provision or agreement, a treaty enters into force as soon as consent to be bound by the treaty has been established for all the negotiating

States.” 29 The Vienna Convention of the Law of Treaties thus nullifies the treaty signed by the

British and the Italians, as it lacked the consent of one of the parties, Somaliland.

Somaliland’s would be capital, Hargesia, is thriving and teeming with people. With a population close to 800,000 people, the capital of the small de facto state is a peaceful, bustling place.

30

If looked at with a passing glance, it may seem that Somaliland is flourishing. However, a 75 percent unemployment rate is not the archetype of a flourishing capital city.

31 The main problem is

Somaliland’s lack of interaction with the international community. Due to the lack of trade and access to the international marketplace, Somaliland cannot sufficiently sustain itself because it is so small. The transition from a de facto state to a de jure state would allow the national economy of

Somaliland to develop and would aid in raising both the poverty and employment rates.

32 Although

Somaliland does not have complete economic stability, it is working to fix that problem every day.

For instance, Somaliland is estimated to have near 110 billion barrels of oil in its vicinity; however,

Somaliland does not yet have the equipment to drill and export the oil.

33 Additionally, the political instability in the region has made many states and companies reluctant to partner with Somaliland.

34

The nation of Somaliland is seeking recognition from the international community. The international community, however, is following the lead of the African Union (AU). If Somaliland were to gain de jure statehood and recognition, its growth would no longer be stunted by the constraints that are currently placed upon it.

35

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27 Peter Roethke, "The Right to Secede Under International Law: The Case of Somaliland," Journal of International Service

(Fall 2011): 43, accessed 26 September 2015, https://www.american.edu/sis/jis/upload/3RoethkeF11.pdf.

28 Ibid.

29 “The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (with annex),” United Nations Treaties , 23 May 1969, accessed 26

September 2015, https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%201155/volume-1155-I-18232-English.pdf.

30 James Jeffery, "Hargeisa: Inside Somaliland's Would-be Capital City”, CNN.com

, CNN, 20 July 2015, accessed 27

September 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/16/travel/hargeisa-somaliland-somalia-africa/.

31 Ibid.

32 Ibid.

33 Alex Dick-Godfrey, "Somalia: The Next Oil Superpower?," The National Interest , 15 January 2015, accessed 27

September 2015, http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/somalia-the-next-oil-superpower-12041.

34 Ibid.

35 E. W. London, "Somaliland: Can't Get No Recognition," The Economist , 9 January 2014, accessed 27 September 2015, http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2014/01/somaliland.

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International Court of Justice (ICJ)

C

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LOSSARY

Advisory opinion: A legal opinion stated by a judge or a court upon the request of a legislative body or government agency.

36

Annexation: The action of claiming something, esp. territory, as one’s domain; adding territory to one’s own territory by appropriation.

37

Belligerent: A nation or person engaged in war or conflict, as recognized by international law.

38

Contentious case: A legal dispute between two separate parties that is resolved in favor of one of them.

39

Customary law: Traditional custom or convention that has become ingrained in the customs of a society and is treated as law.

40

De facto: Existing in fact, or in effect, whether by right or not.

41

De jure: According to rightful entitlement or claim; by right; legally.

42

Interim government: Government in or for the intervening period between two other administrations; provisional or temporary.

43

Instruments of international law: Any official, legally binding document enforceable by one or more parties.

44

Jurisprudence : The theory or philosophy of law.

45

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36 Gerald Hill and Kathleen Hill, “Advisory opinion,” The People’s Law Dictionary (Fine Communications, 2015), accessed

29 August 2015, http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=2358.

37 New Oxford English Dictionary , 3 rd edition , s.v. “annexation.”

38 New Oxford English Dictionary, 3 rd edition, s.v. “belligerent.”

39 “How the Court Works," International Court of Justice , accessed 7 September 2015, http://www.icjcij.org/court/index.php?p1=1&p2=6.

40 "Customary Law", B usinessDictionary.com

, accessed 7 September 2015, http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/customary-law.html.

41 New Oxford English Dictionary , 3 rd edition , s.v. “de facto.”

42 New Oxford English Dictionary , 3 rd edition , s.v. “de jure.”

43 New Oxford English Dictionary , 3 rd edition , s.v. “interim government.”

44 Black's Law Dictionary, Free 2nd edition, s.v. “instrument,” 2015, accessed 7 September 2015, http://thelawdictionary.org/instrument/.

45 New Oxford English Dictionary, 3 rd edition, s.v. “jurisprudence.”

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Secede : To withdraw formally from membership in a federal union, an alliance, or a political or religious organization.

46

!

Territorial claim: Claim made to a territory to either gain statehood or to have the territory recognized as an extended portion of an already sovereign state.

47

Uti possidetis : A phrase used to signify that the parties to a treaty are to retain possession of what they have acquired by force during the war.

48

!

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46 New Oxford English Dictionary , 3 rd edition , s.v. “secede.”

47 “Territorial Claims”, COW Territorial Claims Data, accessed 7 September 2015, http://www.paulhensel.org/icowterr.html.

48 Black’s Law Dictionary, Free 2 nd Edition , s.v. “uti possidetis,” 2015, accessed 29 August 2015, http://thelawdictionary.org/uti-possidetis/.

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International Court of Justice (ICJ)

B

IBLIOGRAPHY

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UN Sources

A/63/692 (S/2009/51). “Report on The International Legal Responsibilities of Armenia as The

Belligerent Occupier of Azerbaijani Territory.” 27 January 2009. Accessed 20 September

2015. http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/63/692.

This document includes serves as a basis for some of Azerbaijan’s arguments regarding the unlawfulness of Armenia’s occupation of NK.

“Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice.” United Nations

General Assembly. Last modified 26 June 1945. Accessed 20 September 2015. http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter1.shtml.

Both states rely on the Charter of the United Nations to put forth their legal arguments.

Other Sources

"ANCC - Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR)." ANCC - Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR). Accessed 4 October

2015. http://www.anccanada.org/en/home/page/139.

This page provides information on the perspectives of NK’s inhabitants.

"Azerbaijani Defense Ministry: Next Incident Occurred between Armenian Servicemen." News.Az

. 3

October 2015. Accessed 4 October 2015. http://www.news.az/articles/karabakh/101624.

This Azerbaijani source describes the state’s perspective on the violence occurring around the NK region.

“Defense Ministry of NKR: Azerbaijan Violated Ceasefire 1000 Times in Past Week.” Panorama.am.

19 September 2015. Accessed 19 September 2015. https://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2015/09/19/nkr-mil/.

This Armenian source provides information on the state’s perspective of Azerbaijani activity.

Nikoghosyan, Alina. "Analyst: President's Speech at UN Has 'correct' Emphases - ArmeniaNow.com

."

30 September 2015. Accessed 3 October 2015. http://www.armenianow.com/news/66623/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_speech_rea ction_comment.

This article analyzes recent statements by Armenian President Zerzh Sargsyan.

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

“Powers Intervene in Recently Escalated Armenian-Azerbaijan Conflict.” DailySabah . 2 October

2015. Accessed 3 October 2015. http://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2015/10/03/powersintervene-in-recently-escalated-armenian-azerbaijan-conflict.

The article describes Armenian and Azerbaijani appeals to the international bodies and other states for arbitration over the NK conflict.

T

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B

UN Sources

“Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice.” United Nations

General Assembly. Last modified 26 June 1945. Accessed 26 September 2015. https://treaties.un.org/doc/publication/ctc/uncharter.pdf.

The Charter of the UN is an important document upon which Somaliland bases its case for independence.

Other Sources

“The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (with annex).” United Nations Treaties . 23 May 1969.

Accessed 26 September 2015. https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%201155/volume-1155-I-18232-

English.pdf.

The Vienna Convention provides standards for when international treaties are acceptable.

Dick-Godfrey, Alex. "Somalia: The Next Oil Superpower?" The National Interest . 15 January 2015.

Accessed 27 September 2015. http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/somalia-the-nextoil-superpower-12041.

This article discusses the economic potential of Somalia as an oil exporter.

De facto . “Oxforddictionary.com

.” Accessed 26 September 2015. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de%20facto.

This is a general definition of the term.

“De facto.” (n.d.) West’s Encyclopedia of American Law. edition 2. (2008). Accessed 26 September

2015. http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/de+facto.

This page provides a more specific, legal definition.

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

“De Jure.” Legal Dictionary. Accessed 26 September 2015. http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=472.

This page defines de jure.

London, E. W. "Somaliland: Can't Get No Recognition." The Economist . 9 January 2014. Accessed 27

September 2015. http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2014/01/somaliland.

This article provides some recent context about Somalia’s potential for de jure international recognition.

Jeffery, James. "Hargeisa: Inside Somaliland's Would-be Capital City.” CNN.com

. CNN. 20 July

2015. Accessed 27 September 2015. http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/16/travel/hargeisasomaliland-somalia-africa/.

This article describes the situation in contemporary Hargeisa, the potential capital of an independent Somaliland.

Peter Roethke. "The Right to Secede Under International Law: The Case of Somaliland." Journal of

International Service (Fall 2011): 43. Accessed 26 September 2015. https://www.american.edu/sis/jis/upload/3RoethkeF11.pdf.

This journal contains arguments for a legally independent Somalia.

“Secession.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Accessed 26 September 2015. http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/secession.

This page defines the term secession.

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LOSSARY

UN Sources

“How the Court Works." International Court of Justice . Accessed 7 September 2015. http://www.icjcij.org/court/index.php?p1=1&p2=6.

This website contains information about the various disputes over which ICJ has jurisdiction.

Other Sources

Black's Law Dictionary.

Free 2nd edition. s.v. “Instrument.” 2015. Accessed 7 September 2015. http://thelawdictionary.org/instrument/.

This entry describes the meaning of instrument in the context of law.

Black’s Law Dictionary. Free 2 nd Edition . s.v. “Uti possidetis.” 2015. Accessed 29 August 2015. http://thelawdictionary.org/uti-possidetis/.

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RHSMUN 2015

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

This entry defines the Latin term uti possidestis.

"Customary Law." B usinessDictionary.com

. Accessed 7 September 2015. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/customary-law.html.

This webpage describes the meaning of customary law.

Hill, Gerald and Kathleen Hill. “Advisory opinion.” The People’s Law Dictionary.

Fine

Communications, 2015. Accessed 29 August 2015, http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=2358.

This page discusses the meaning of a court advisory opinion.

New Oxford English Dictionary .

3 rd edition , s.v. “Annexation.”

This entry clarifies the meaning of annexation.

New Oxford English Dictionary. 3 rd edition. s.v. “Belligerent.”

This entry describes the meaning of a belligerent.

New Oxford English Dictionary .

3 rd edition . s.v. “De facto.”

This entry defines the Latin term de facto.

New Oxford English Dictionary .

3 rd edition.

, s.v. “De jure.”

This entry defines the Latin term de jure.

New Oxford English Dictionary .

3 rd edition , s.v. “Interim government.”

This entry describes the characteristics of an interim government.

New Oxford English Dictionary. 3 rd edition. s.v. “Jurisprudence.”

This entry describes the term jurisprudence.

New Oxford English Dictionary .

3 rd edition.

, s.v. “Secede.”

This entry describes the act of secession.

“Territorial Claims.” COW Territorial Claims Data.

Accessed 7 September 2015. http://www.paulhensel.org/icowterr.html.

This page describes territorial claims.

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