Now it is in writing: Greenlanders are a people with the right to self-determination
The agreement between Greenland, Denmark and the United States has been signed in New York. Uagut and Support Greenland highlight that Greenlanders are recognised for the first time as a people under international law and that their future remains theirs to decide.
The agreement between Greenland, Denmark and the United States was signed today at the United Nations headquarters in New York. It expands US defence cooperation in Greenland and must be considered by Inatsisartut and the Danish Parliament before it enters into force.
For Uagut, the National Organization of Greenlanders in Denmark, and Support Greenland, the decisive element lies in a few words in the text itself.
“For the first time, a binding agreement co-signed by a US president states that the Greenlandic people are ‘a people under international law with the right to self-determination’. This is not a polite phrase; it is precisely what we have been fighting for all year. And while some spoke of permanent control, the agreement instead keeps the door open: if Greenland one day becomes independent, the agreement will remain in place. The future is still for Greenlanders to decide. This is a greater victory than many dared hope for.”
Uagut also stresses that the organisation will not rush its assessment and will monitor reactions, while calling for calm and urging people to trust their elected leaders.
“The agreement has 12 points, and they must be read carefully. We are pleased that security is being strengthened and that a more stable situation can be established, although there will be reactions in the aftermath of the United States’ threats to annex Greenland. We are closely monitoring how the agreement will affect Greenlanders, and we will speak out if self-determination comes under pressure again,” says Julie Rademacher.
For Support Greenland, today is also a reminder that grassroots pressure works.
“Six months ago, thousands of people – Greenlanders and Danes side by side – took to the streets when there was talk of taking Greenland by force. Today, there is an agreement that affirms sovereignty and self-determination rather than annexation. That pressure was part of the reason. Speaking out made a difference.”
“Those of us who are Greenlanders living in Denmark live at the heart of the relationship between the two peoples, and many of us feel both Danish and Greenlandic. The past year has been hard on that relationship. Now that we no longer have to fear the worst, we can put our energy into rebuilding our sense of community, with trust and respect on both sides,” she adds.
Uagut and Support Greenland will carefully read the agreement’s 12 points and help members find answers to their questions along the way. The organisations urge everyone who has stood by Greenland over the past year to continue following developments. Do not forget Greenland!
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