The question of minority protection in international law

The objective of this thesis is to deal with the question of the juridical status of minority groups and their legal protection under international law as bone fide subjects. After having discussed the historical evolution and formulation of the international legal regime on minority group protection, this thesis will focus on the issue of minority group definition. Furthermore, this thesis will critically discuss the question of minority protection against the crime of genocide as well as the issues of minority equality and nondiscrimination under existing rules of international law. In the context of this analysis, a legal discussion of the South African Apartheid will take place. Because of the international character and the implications posed by the issue of minority group protection, this thesis will suggest the strengthening and expansion of minority group rights and their effective protection.