Legislation

Greenland Self-Government Act, 2009

The Act on Greenland Self-Government came into force, recognising Greenlanders as a people with the right of self-determination and setting out a route to independence.

What happened

The Act entered into force on 21 June 2009, replacing home rule.[1] Its preamble recognises the people of Greenland as a people under international law with the right of self-determination, and it makes Greenlandic the official language.[2][3]

Section 21 sets out how independence could come about: a decision by the people of Greenland, negotiations, and an agreement approved by Inatsisartut, a referendum in Greenland and the Folketing.[4]

Sources for this page

Each number marks a specific claim. Notes give the source, its locator and how it relates to the claim.

  1. 1.

    Claim: The Act on Greenland Self-Government entered into force on 21 June 2009 and replaced the 1979 home rule arrangement.

    • Statsministeriet (Prime Minister’s Office, Denmark), Act no. 473 of 12 June 2009 on Greenland Self-Government (Statsministeriet, 12 June 2009) link, ss. 22–23, PDF p. 6. Source record
    • Statsministeriet (Prime Minister’s Office, Denmark), Greenland (Statsministeriet) link, first paragraph. Government perspective or primary official source Source record
  2. 2.

    Claim: The Act’s preamble recognises the people of Greenland as a people under international law with the right of self-determination.

    • Statsministeriet (Prime Minister’s Office, Denmark), Act no. 473 of 12 June 2009 on Greenland Self-Government (Statsministeriet, 12 June 2009) link, preamble, PDF p. 1. Source record
  3. 3.

    Claim: Greenlandic is the official language in Greenland under the Act; Danish may still be used in official matters.

    • Statsministeriet (Prime Minister’s Office, Denmark), Act no. 473 of 12 June 2009 on Greenland Self-Government (Statsministeriet, 12 June 2009) link, s. 20, PDF p. 5. Source record
    • Statsministeriet (Prime Minister’s Office, Denmark), Greenland (Statsministeriet) link, language paragraph. Government perspective or primary official source Source record
  4. 4.

    Claim: Under section 21, a decision on independence is taken by the people of Greenland; negotiations then follow, and any agreement needs the consent of Inatsisartut, endorsement in a referendum in Greenland and the consent of the Folketing.

    • Statsministeriet (Prime Minister’s Office, Denmark), Act no. 473 of 12 June 2009 on Greenland Self-Government (Statsministeriet, 12 June 2009) link, s. 21(1)–(3), PDF p. 5. Source record

Source note

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