I am writing a position paper for a Model UN. The country I was assigned was Denmark and the topic is "the binding nature of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples". The UN committee I...
I am writing a position paper for a Model UN. The country I was assigned was Denmark and the topic is "the binding nature of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples". The UN committee I was assigned was the 3rd committee of the General Assembly - Social, Humanitarian and Cultural. I need to write an Internal Position, which is basically the bottom line of my negotiating position and a Public Position which differs in that it doesn't go into detail about my negotiating position or behind the scene issues, but rather is something a diplomat would say in a public speech on the topic.
Any ideas on where Denmark would stand on this issue? Allies? Goals and Intentions etc? I need help as to what Denmark would see as important in regards to this topic?
1 Answer
farouk23 | College Teacher | (Level 1) Associate Educator
Traditionally Denmark and the rest of the Scandinavian countries have been very supportive towards the rights of indigenous populations and other humanitarian and human rights issues. They take in a lot of political refuges fleeing prosecution their native countries and are generally supportive towards ethnic and individual rights. However it should be noted that Denmark's support towards indigenous rights may not necessarily translate into support for indigenous independence. Currently the Kingdom of Denmark controls the territory of Greenland which is primarily populated by indigenous Inuit people. Until recently they had little influence over their daily affairs and governance and their calls for independence had gone largely unheard. However as of late, Denmark has granted the territory self governance and autonomy and they can now direct their own internal affairs. The primary reason that Denmark chooses to keep hold of Greenland is economic. It is a massive territory with huge potential mineral reserves and access to prime fishing concessions.