Week 4 - International Legal Personality, Statehood and Recognition

In this topic we are focusing on the international legal personality, statehood and

recognition. There is no better time or place to be studying this topic here in the South

Pacific due to the current developments relating to West Papua's independence

movement.

On 15 July 2016, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), a regional international

organisation, were scheduled to decide on an application made by the United Liberation

Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) for full membership to the MSG.

The MSG have then deferred their sitting until September

(see: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/308691/msg-leaders-defer-

west-papua-membership-decision).

On 14 September 2016, the MSG have rejected the application for full membership

status by the ULMP (see http://jakartaglobe.id/news/msg-turns-papua-separatist-

groups-request-full-membership/). The ULMP continues to seek MSG membership. On

29 June 2019, the ULMP submitted once again an application for full MSG

membership.

The tutorial/discussion forum activity for this week is based on the ULMWP's

application. Students are required to prepare a on behalf of one of the MSG members in support or

opposing this application.

The MSG members and their current positions in relation to the application are as

follows:

Fiji (opposing)

PNG (opposing)

Solomon Islands (supporting)

Vanuatu (supporting)

FLNKS (non-state member of MSG and supporting)

The statement should state the international legal significance of the ULMWP's

application being accepted, particularly with regard to West Papua's international

legal personality and any influencing g factors the decision will have on West

Papua's independence movement towards, and recognition of, statehood.

You may refer to the principles and rules detailed in your readings for this topic in your

statement. It is also recommended that you undertake further research specific to West

Papua's international legal history and status.

Remember that the MSG only makes decisions by consensus (technically) so try to make your statements persuasive.

It is required to defend their position during the tutorials.