Auditorium A1B
Maison de la paix, Geneva

The recent rise of a movement for political independence in Catalonia has thrown Spain into a grave constitutional and social crisis. It was precipitated by Catalans being summoned by their government to vote in a referendum that was declared illegal by the Spanish constitutional court. The Spanish government’s refusal to negotiate with Catalan leaders makes it likely that Spain’s domestic turmoil will escalate, which will force international players to intervene.

What is the historical, political and legal background of the current crisis? What has fuelled Catalan discontent and strengthened pro-independence forces? Are there relevant similarities with other secessionist movements in democratic settings, such as the cases of Quebec and Scotland? What is the meaning of self-determination in a context of fractured nationhood and contested sovereignty? How should the Spain-Catalonia crisis be resolved?

Neus Torbisco Casals is Visiting Professor at the Graduate Institute and Professor of Law at Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona) where she teaches courses relating to legal and political theory and human rights.  She is interested in legal and political philosophy generally, as well as in constitutional theory, human rights and gender and migration studies. Her research focuses mainly on issues relating to cultural diversity and minority rights, gender equality, immigration and democratic theory, as well as on the foundations of human rights.

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