Self-Determination and Minority Rights. Kosovo Case 1912-2008

Concept of right of peoples to self-determination is maybe the most contradicting theory in modern international law. Kosovo Albanians are among those who have tried to exercise the right to self-determination resulting perhaps in the most controversial dispute in contemporary international law, at least in post WW II Europe. Key-words for the discussion would be the right to self- determination of Kosovo Albanians, minority and human rights, and application of thereof. Particular focus is paid on appraisal whether and to what extent exercising of those rights has been available to the Albanians and other ethnic groups in Kosovo. Primarily the UN Human Rights Conventions, The Hague and Geneva Conventions and other relevant norms, including provisions of the domestic legislature, serve as a basis for legal subsuming. However, the examination cannot be limited to a pragmatic legal appraisal of this particular case and therefore an attempt is made to make assessment of moral rights, arising from alleged breaches of basic human and minority rights what may support or diminish the weigh of parties claims during the course.