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Institutions of International Law and the Development of Regional Forum for Peaceful Dialogue in South Asia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2015

Javaid Rehman*
Affiliation:
Brunel University, United Kingdom

Abstract

Since 11 September 2001, international law and the community it governs are at a crossroads. While the world appears to be besieged by terrorist threats from non-state actors such as the Al-Qaeda, there is also a substantial risk of super-power unilateralism and arrogance. Amidst these crises, South-Asia occupies a sensitive and vulnerable position. The region is also beset with ethnic, religious, and domestic political conflicts which provide substantial threats to regional peace and security. Against the backdrop of the enormous complications faced by South Asia, the present article considers the role of international and regional institutions in developing forums for establishing peace and security for the region, as well greater promotion of human rights. A particular focus is upon the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) which, it is contended, is an organisation capable of providing a suitable platform for peaceful dialogue within South-Asia.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore 2006

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References

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74 Ibid.

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91 <http://www.saarc-sec.org/> (31 August 2003) Chapter 11 Promotion of People-to-People Linkage and SAARC Professional Associations.

92 For a consideration of these conflicts see Rehman and Roy, supra note 4.

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95 In this regard it is encouraging to note that in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake, Kashmiris (on both sides of the border) are being allowed limited opportunities to travel between Indian and Pakistani controlled territories. For further details see BBC, ‘Kashmir Deals Raises Hopes and Fear’ <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4390816.stm> (30 October 2005).