The requests
- Provide a formal response to the Hokorian Government’s lack of recognition for the State of Palestine
- Provide a formal response to the Hokorian Government’s recognition of the British Overseas Territories
- Provide a formal response to claims that the public are unable to voice support for the Irish Republican Army, Cumann na mBan and the Irish Republican Brotherhood
- Provide a formal response to claims that the Government and Hokorian politics in general has no clear ideology, agenda or theory
- Provide a formal explanation of the minimum age requirement for the Ministry of National Affairs’ fast citizenship scheme
The response
I’d like to thank Councillor nan Rūvas for his requests, as well as the non-citizen that these requests relate to. We’re committed to listening to everyone, not just Councillors and Hokorians.
Palestine
In regards to the matter of recognition of the State of Palestine, this was a strategic decision made due to there being instability in regards to the governance of that particular region. The lands of Palestine are contested by various parties.
It is unreasonable and would be logistically difficult for Palestinians or Israelis to be removed from those lands. We are keen for two states to exist, as outlined in UN General Assembly Resolution 181 (II).
In order for that to happen, various issues need addressing. These include the hostages that remain in Gaza, the ongoing genocide against Palestinians, radicalisation of Palestinians and Israelis and the protection of places of international interest.
Every person deserves a peaceful existence. We condemn the ongoing genocide against Palestinians, as well as Hamas’ attacks on civilians. Everyone must face accountability for their actions.
British Overseas Territories
In regards to the matter of recognition of the British Overseas Territories, the decisions to recognise these territories as British were made with careful consideration.
In regards to Gibraltar, we recognise the 1967 Gibraltar sovereignty referendum and the 2002 Gibraltar sovereignty referendum where the people of Gibraltar overwhelmingly chose to retain their status as a British Overseas Territory.
In regards to the Falkland Islands, we recognise the 2013 Falkland Islands sovereignty referendum and the Falkland people’s overwhelming decision to retain their status as a British Overseas Territory.
We believe in self-determination, and if the inhabitants of these British Overseas Territories vote to be their own sovereign entities or the sovereign entity of another nation then the Hokorian Government will recognise that.
Irish Republican organisations
The Hokorian Government is officially based within the United Kingdom. As a result, we may be subject to UK laws. It’s important that we remain compliant with all laws that we are subject to, which extends to UK terror law.
We do not wish to facilitate the violation of UK terror law in any of the services that we offer, extending to WeAreHokoria. The organisations proscribed under UK terror law are not controlled by the Hokorian Government and are controlled by the UK Government.
We cannot provide legal advice on what is and is not against foreign law, and urge people to be mindful of the laws that are applicable to them.
Hokorian politics
The Government does not control the entirety of Hokorian politics- the Hokorian people do. There are currently 20 Hokorians registered with the Ministry of National Affairs.
Because of these small numbers, it is hard for organisations to establish and for communities to come together and fight for what matters to them. It is only then that the state of Hokorian politics will become clearer. In the meantime, the Hokorian Government will fight for what we believe is right rather than to push any specific agenda.
Fast citizenship scheme age requirement
Under the Hokorian Nationality Act 2024, a person aged under 14 is not able to submit a registration for Hokorian nationality on their own behalf.
The fast citizenship scheme uses the Crown’s ability to submit a registration on someone else’s behalf. The Crown can only do this for a person under 14 if a parent or legal guardian submits the application on that child’s behalf.
We would not be opposed to a change in the law and will support Councillors in making decisions to lower or raise any age requirements.