Case Concerning Application of International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Abstract:     
In early August 2008, armed conflict broke out between the Russian Federation and its former province of Georgia in the region of Ossetia. This conflict caused Georgia to institute proceedings against the Russian Federation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on August 12, 2008, alleging that Russia violated its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). This introductory note analyzes the ICJ's order regarding Georgia's request for provisional measures. It also raises some interesting issues regarding the scope and application of CERD that the ICJ may have its first opportunity to address.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 13

Keywords: Georgia, Russia, Ossetia, armed conflict, International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, International Court of Justice, provisional measures

Accepted Paper Series