International Relations Researches

International Relations Researches

The positions of the international society of states regarding the 2017 referendum of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Authors
Shaxavan Sorani 1
ibad ruhi 2
javanmir abdolahi 3
1 PhD Student in Department of Law, Research Sciences Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor in Department of Law, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor in Department of Law, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
10.22034/irr.2022.190784
Abstract
The Kurdish region of Iraq's referendum in 2017 on independence has been a matter of contention for a long time, significantly impacting the political landscape of the Middle East. On September 25, 2017, the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq held a referendum to decide on its independence. The results of this referendum were rejected by the international community, particularly neighboring countries of Iraq, primarily due to concerns about its potential ramifications on the population and its impact on the Middle East region. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of governments regarding the 2017 referendum in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The main question posed in this study is how the governmental performance regarding the Kurdish region of Iraq's independence referendum is evaluated legally. The research methodology employed is analytical-descriptive, and the data collection method is library-based. Despite the fulfillment of all historical and practical conditions for independence, independence was not achieved due to the lack of recognition by governments. The results of the research indicate that Iraq and opposing governments have relied on the constitution and the necessity to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of the country. However, the full implementation of the new Iraqi constitution, which guarantees the country's unity, has not been realized. The Iraqi government has so far violated or disregarded the rights of the Kurdish people. Due to the violation of 55 articles of the constitution, the principle cannot be enforced as a result. Considering these reasons, it can be said that the governments' performance regarding the holding of the 2017 referendum in the Kurdistan region is political.
Keywords
2017 Kurdistan independence referendum
government responses
international law
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