Topic: The Question of Kurdistan
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Noah Alderton
School: Fishers High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Pakistan position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a strong believer in self-determination for the citizens of the world. Pakistan has exercised its right of self-determination in the form of our secession from the British Empire, and believes that the citizens of the world also reserve this right. The United Nations was founded upon the principle of equal rights and self-determination. Chapter I, Article 1, Section 2 of the Charter of the United Nations clearly states the purpose of the U.N.
<i> To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace </i>
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan strongly supports the self-determination of the Kurdish people. In order to maintain the safety and stability of the region, it is important that the Kurdish people are able to determine their own future. The Kurds have the right to decide if they wish to remain a part of their respected nation, or to create their own nation of Kurdistan. The creation of their own nation would only come if the current nations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, approve a measure to release Kurdish lands. Using any means to forcible obtain lands for Kurdistan would do more bad that good, resulting in conflict and instability. Forcibly obtaining a nations land would also violate the sovereignty of that nation. If the Kurds wish to remain a part of their respected nation, they should be able to determine if they wish to gain rights in that particular nation or remain in their current condition.
The self-determination of the Kurds would occur via democratic elections. A group of neutral United Nations diplomats would run the Kurdish election to ensure corruption does not occur on both sides of the debate. A particular period of time would be set aside for the elections with a number of questions on the ballot relating to the future government of the Kurdish people. However, due to the instability in the region caused by the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, the elections might have to be delayed by several years to ensure the safety of the voters and the U.N. diplomats there. The areas eligible for election will be determined via negotiations between the Kurds and the Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Turkish governments. The elections would be open to any resident of the predetermined Kurdish territory that is over the age of 18. In order to ensure that only applicable voter are able to vote, census records independently recorded by the United Nations will be used. The elections for the self-determination of the Kurdish people should be divided into four districts. The districts would be divided by which nation those Kurds currently reside in including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. By dividing up the election into four districts, the opinions of all Kurds are heard. For example, the Iraqi Kurds who live in a semi-autonomous region of Iraq could decide that they enjoy their current system, and vote to remain a part of Iraq. However, the Turkish Kurds could decide to become their own nation. By allowing the Kurds to determine their own future via elections, the right of self-determination of the Kurdish people is being respected.
Works Cited
"Charter, United Nations, Chapter I, Purposes and Principles." United Nations. United Nations, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.
"Pakistan." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.
"Pakistan Country Profile." BBC News. BBC, 24 Oct. 2014. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.
