Thesis (LLM) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Law Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 45-47)

ABSTRACT
This thesis investigated the legal standing of Western Sahara under international
law.This study examined and analysed various international law concepts of
sovereignty. In particular, Statehood, Self-Determination, and International Legal
Recognition. However, the primary focus of the thesis was on the legal status of
Western Sahara under international law. It began with a discourse of statehood and
self-determination under international law and then shifted on to international law
theories of recognition. Following a discussion of the international legal status of
Western Sahara, the paper concludes with a comparison of the international legal status
of Western Sahara and the Republic of Kosovo.
The findings concluded that Western Sahara is a Non-Self-Governing Region that is
being decolonized. In 1963, Western Sahara was added to the United Nations group of
Non-Self-Governing Regions, with primarily the same territorial boundaries as the
current, and Spain was designated as the region's administrating authority.
Notwithstanding the Madrid Accords, which purported to establish a provisional
multilateral government of the region among Spain, Mauritania, and Morocco, and
notwithstanding Morocco's invasion of parts of the region starting in 1975, Western
Sahara is still on the group of Non-Self-Governing Regions.
Keywords: Statehood, Recognition, Western Sahara, International Law