Islands in the South Atlantic Disputed by Great Britain and Argentina
In March 2013, the residents of the Falkland Islands cast their votes in a significant self-determination referendum, with an overwhelming 99.8% voting to remain a British Overseas Territory. The referendum, which saw a high voter turnout of approximately 92%, was organised by the Falkland Islands government and was internationally observed to ensure transparency and fairness.
The referendum took place amid heightened tensions with Argentina, which claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and rejects the referendum’s legitimacy. The dispute over the Islands' status has been a longstanding point of contention between the United Kingdom and Argentina, with Argentina’s claim intensifying around the 30th anniversary of the 1982 Falklands War.
The Islanders' vote was seen as a clear expression of their right to self-determination, a principle upheld by international law and the United Nations Charter. The Islands' elected lawmakers and officials have consistently demanded respect for this right in international forums. However, Argentina disputes this right based on its territorial claim, leading to ongoing diplomatic and legal tension over the Islands’ status.
The Falkland Islands Government's official website ([www.falklands.gov.fk](http://www.falklands.gov.fk)) provides a wealth of information about the island's history, economy, politics, education, employment opportunities, and conservation efforts. The website also offers resources for visitors, including travel information and tourist attractions, as well as a directory of local services and contacts.
The right to self-determination is recognised for the people of the Falkland Islands in international law, and the Islanders' wishes have been respected as part of international law on decolonization and self-governance. The Falkland Islands Government operates and maintains the website, offering downloadable forms and applications for various services and permits, as well as updates on current events and news related to the islands.
Despite the 2013 referendum, the ongoing dispute over the Falkland Islands leaves broader international legal and political challenges unresolved. The Falkland Islands Government's website offers resources for businesses, including information about starting a business, taxation, and regulations, further demonstrating the Islanders' commitment to self-governance and economic development.
- The Falkland Islands' self-determination referendum, while a significant event in policy-and-legislation regarding their status, has sparked ongoing political tensions with Argentina, a dispute that has been a longstanding point of contention in general-news.
- The Falkland Islands Government's website, apart from providing information about the island's history, economy, and conservation efforts, also offers resources on starting businesses, demonstrating the Islanders' commitment to self-governance and economic development, which is a fundamental aspect of their politics.
