Agenda: The Issue of Sovereignty and Statehood in the Kurdish Region

Kurdistan, home to over 30 million Kurds spread across Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, remains one of the largest stateless regions in the world. The Kurds possess a distinct language, culture, and history, and many consider themselves a nation without a state. Despite this, they have long faced political marginalization, suppression of cultural expression, and violent crackdowns on uprisings. In Iraq, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) gained formal autonomy under the 2005 Constitution, establishing its own parliament, security forces, and economic ties. However, attempts to move toward independence, most notably through the 2017 referendum, were met with opposition not only from Baghdad but also from neighboring states and the wider international community. In Syria, Kurdish groups have played a major role in the fight against ISIS, gaining de facto control of certain areas, but their future status remains uncertain. In Turkey and Iran, Kurdish political movements have been restricted, often linked with separatist or militant activity.

In SPECPOL, delegates are tasked with addressing the tension between Kurdish aspirations for self-determination and the principle of state sovereignty enshrined in the UN Charter. They must weigh historical grievances, regional security concerns, and international legal frameworks while being mindful of the fragile balance of power in the Middle East. Delegates are expected to explore possible frameworks for autonomy, mechanisms for minority rights protection, and avenues for dialogue that can prevent further conflict while respecting the interests of all stakeholders.