Michael Kirby Public Lecture: Russia, Ukraine and the Peoples' Right of Self Determination

On  the 5th of May 2022,  The Honourable Michael Kirby hosted a public lecture at Newcastle Law School titled, 'Russia, Ukraine and the Peoples' Right of Self Determination.' The thought provoking speech had three central thematic areas.

First, we were encouraged to think about the core principles that have driven self-determination approaches in the modern world. By considering past wars, the establishment of human rights approaches and more recent conflicts. Second, we were urged to consider the practical arrangements that exist in respect of modern warfare, the importance of human struggle and the disastrous consequences (including nuclear threats) of not acting as a cohesive international community. Finally, the Honorable Michael Kirby reminded us that to look forwards, we must look backwards. Learning from past conflicts and the arrangements that follow, can inform a response where self-determination by one nation and its people is in conflict with a view of self-determination by a neighbour.

Read the full speech here.