Territorial integrity facts for kids

Territorial integrity is a really important idea in how countries get along with each other. It means that every country has the right to keep its borders and land exactly as they are. No other country should try to break it apart, take a piece of its land, or support groups trying to separate from it.

This idea helps keep peace and order in the world. It means that a country's land is its own, and other countries should respect that.

What Is Territorial Integrity?

Territorial integrity is a basic rule in international law. It says that a country's land, including its borders, should be respected by all other countries. Think of it like a personal space bubble for a country. No one should pop it or try to shrink it.

Why Is This Idea Important?

This rule is very important for several reasons:

• Keeping Peace: When countries respect each other's borders, it helps prevent wars and conflicts. If countries were always trying to grab land from their neighbors, the world would be a very chaotic place.
• Protecting Countries: It protects smaller or weaker countries from being taken over by larger, more powerful ones. Every country, big or small, has the right to exist within its own borders.
• Stability: It helps keep the world stable. When borders are clear and respected, countries can focus on their own people and development, rather than constantly worrying about their land.

When Did This Idea Start?

The idea of territorial integrity became very important after World War II. Countries around the world wanted to create rules to prevent such huge conflicts from happening again. The United Nations (UN), which was formed in 1945, made respecting territorial integrity one of its main principles.

The United Nations and Borders

The United Nations Charter, which is like the rulebook for the UN, clearly states that all member countries must respect the borders and independence of other countries. This means they should not use force against another country's land or political freedom.

Examples of Challenges to Territorial Integrity

Sometimes, a country's territorial integrity is challenged. This can happen when:

• One country tries to take land from another.
• A group within a country tries to break away and form its own independent state, and another country supports them.

These situations often lead to serious disagreements and sometimes even conflicts. The international community, including the UN, often tries to find peaceful solutions to these challenges.

Images for kids

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  Military situation of Nagorno-Karabakh in May 2016

See also

In Spanish: Integridad territorial para niños