Annexation

Annexation is when one country takes control of another country's land by force. This usually happens after a military occupation, where soldiers from one country move into another area. According to international law, this action is generally considered wrong and not allowed.

There are some situations where annexation might be accepted if many other countries and international groups agree to it. However, countries that do this often do not use the word "annexation" to describe what they are doing. For example, in cases where Israel, Morocco, and Russia have taken control of areas that are still disputed, they have not called it annexation. Instead, they use different terms to explain their actions.

Evolution of international law

See also: Right of conquest

Further information: Uti possidetis § Uti possidetis as a doctrine for the acquisition of territory in international law

Illegality

Rules about when countries can use force have changed a lot. Important agreements such as the 1907 Porter Convention, the 1920 Covenant of the League of Nations, and the 1928 Kellogg–Briand Pact helped create these rules. Today, Chapter I of the United Nations Charter states that countries must not use force against another country’s land.

These ideas were confirmed again in 1970. Because using force to take land is not allowed, people debate whether a country can truly own land taken in this way. Taking land by force is wrong under international law.

Occupation and annexation

When a country takes land by force, international law still sees that land as occupied. Special rules protect people living there. The Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 added more protection for civilians in such situations.

Annexations since the founding of the United Nations

Unresolved

Israeli annexations

East Jerusalem

Main articles: Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem and Jerusalem Law

In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel took control of East Jerusalem from Jordan. Israel then made East Jerusalem part of its capital city, Jerusalem, in 1980. The United Nations and many countries disagreed with this.

West Bank excluding East Jerusalem

See also: Proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank

There have been talks about Israel slowly taking more control of areas in the West Bank.

Golan Heights

Main article: Golan Heights Law

Israel took control of part of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. In 1981, Israel made the Golan Heights part of its country. The United Nations disagreed with this. Most Syrian people there kept their Syrian identity.

Moroccan annexation of Western Sahara

The annexation of Western Sahara happened in two steps in 1976 and 1979. After Spain left, Morocco and Mauritania took control. Later, Mauritania left, and Morocco took over the rest. The United Nations tried to help, but it is still not settled. Some people there want their own country.

Russian annexations

Main articles: 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts

In 2014, Russia took control of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Many countries still consider Crimea to be part of Ukraine.

In 2022, during a conflict, Russia claimed to take control of several areas in Ukraine after local votes. Ukraine and most countries still say these areas are part of Ukraine.

Subsequently withdrawn

Ethiopian annexation of Eritrea

In 1952, Ethiopia and Eritrea formed a union. In 1962, Ethiopia took full control of Eritrea, which led to a long fight for independence.

Mauritanian annexation of the southern third of Western Sahara

In 1979, Mauritania stopped its claim to part of Western Sahara.

Jordanian annexation of the West Bank

Main article: Jordanian annexation of the West Bank

In 1950, Jordan took control of the West Bank after a war. Only a few countries recognized this. Jordan kept control until 1967 when Israel took over. Jordan stopped claiming the area in 1988.

Indonesian annexation of East Timor

Main article: Indonesian invasion of East Timor

See also: Indonesian occupation of East Timor

In 1975, Indonesia took control of East Timor. The people of East Timor resisted. In 1999, they voted to become independent, and in 2002, East Timor became its own country again, called Timor-Leste.

Iraqi annexation of Kuwait

Main article: Invasion of Kuwait

In 1990, Iraq took control of Kuwait. The United Nations and other countries said this was wrong. A coalition of countries, led by the United States, helped free Kuwait, and Iraq’s control ended.

Subsequently legalized

Chinese annexation of Tibet

See also: Tibetan sovereignty debate

China took control of Tibet in 1950. Tibet became part of China following an agreement in 1951. Tibet is now recognized as part of China.

Indian annexations

Hyderabad

In 1948, India took control of Hyderabad. Hyderabad became part of India.

Goa, Daman and Diu

In 1961, India took control of Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portugal. These areas became part of India.

Sikkim

Main article: 1975 Sikkimese monarchy referendum

Sikkim was a small country near India. In 1975, Sikkim decided to join India and became its 22nd state.

Indonesian annexation of Western New Guinea

See also: West New Guinea dispute

In 1969, Western New Guinea became part of Indonesia after a vote supervised by the United Nations. Some people in the area still want to be independent.

North Vietnamese annexation of South Vietnam

See also: Reunification Day

In 1975, North Vietnam took control of South Vietnam after a war. The two countries became one Vietnam in 1976.

Other

Queen Maud Land

Main article: Queen Maud Land

In 2015, Norway claimed a part of Queen Maud Land.

British annexation of Rockall

Main article: Rockall

In 1955, the United Kingdom sent people to Rockall, a small rock in the ocean, and claimed it as their territory. However, this claim is not fully recognized by other countries.