The Right to Return and its Practical Application

This study examines the right to return of refugees and displaced persons. After an historical overview, the author first interprets the right to return enshrined in the International Bill of Rights. It is argued that there is a growing support for a broad right to return applicable to cases where it is being claimed by mass groups of people, even when non-nationals are concerned. The second part of the article focuses on the right to return in practice. The application of the right to return in the Middle East and Kosovo will be assessed. Arguments will be proposed for the Palestinian right to return. This right should not be made subject to political negotiations. The example of Kosovo serves as an illustration of international practice Kosovo where the right to return has been clearly articulated and accepted. This book is concluded by the argument that the passage of time between the creation of the refugee problem and its resolution should not deny the existence of the right to return.