Jul 30, 2002

News on the Lessons Learned Project (LLP)


The UNPO Secretariat is fortunate to have Mr. Arjan Visscher, a student at the Hogeschool Utrecht, working full-time on the so-called Lessons Learned Project. Arjan studies Management, Economics and Law at the HEAO (Higher Economic Administrative Education) Department of the Hogeschool. He is currently doing an internship at the UNPO.

In essence, the LLP aims to investigate the main causes that led to a successful struggle for independence by certain UNPO members. Learning from their experience, the objective is to inform and advise those members that are still struggling to obtain various levels of autonomy or full independence.

Apart from examining the how’s and why’s pertaining to reaching the ultimate objective of self- determination, Arjan hopes to find out what the organization and its members can learn from these cases, enabling them to follow a similar strategy if possible. In his final report a distinction will be made between the deeper underlying causes and the immediate situation that led to independence.
The deeper causes will be divided into different elements and variables, such as the role of the international system/community, relations with neighbouring and other countries, as well as international organizations and NGOs, the nation-state/government, church and society. Reference is also made to the role of individuals where applicable. Different levels of analysis will be used for different elements or variables. Another crucial part is to test the legitimacy of variables in respect to international law. International law and the principle of self-determination will be an integral part of the whole report. Arjan also plans to attend the World Civil Society Forum on self-determination and the prevention of conflicts to be held in Geneva from 14-19 July 2002.

Further information on the Forum can be obtained at:

www.worldcivilsociety.org