Constitution

Name

The Forum is officially called the Kurdistan Solidarity Forum. In Kurdish it is Forûma Pişgirtia Kurdistan (فۆڕومی پشتیوانی کوردستان). Its abbreviated name, KSF, may be used for all official purposes.

Legal status

The Kurdistan Solidarity Forum is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan civil society organisation established under the laws of the United Kingdom.

The Forum pursues its objectives through advocacy, cultural activities, community engagement, conferences, seminars, humanitarian initiatives and other lawful means consistent with this Constitution.

Vision

To promote the rights of the Kurdish people through peace, justice and the principle of self-determination, while fostering coexistence, democracy and international solidarity.

Mission

• Support the political, cultural, humanitarian and social aspirations of the Kurdish people.
• Promote democracy, human rights, peace, justice and the rule of law.
• Foster peaceful dialogue, academic research and public awareness of Kurdish issues.
• Strengthen Kurdish identity by promoting Kurdish language, history, culture and heritage.
• Build partnerships between Kurdish communities, civil society, academic institutions, public bodies and the wider international community.
• Encourage civic participation, community development and international solidarity.

Objectives

5.1 Advocacy and international engagement

• Organise events, conferences and seminars.
• Publish studies, reports and recommendations related to the Kurdish issue.
• Defend the rights of the Kurdish people in international and local forums.
• Cooperate with academic institutions, civil society organisations and decision-makers to support Kurdish rights.
• Promote Kurdish culture, folklore and political issues through participation in international forums, parliaments and governmental institutions.
• Celebrate Kurdish national and cultural events and honour those who support the Kurdish people and their legitimate rights.

5.2 Culture, language and heritage

• Promote Kurdish culture, language and heritage.
• Support the teaching and dissemination of the Kurdish language.
• Revive Kurdish history and highlight its cultural heritage.
• Organise cultural and artistic events to strengthen Kurdish identity.
• Encourage academic research on Kurdish affairs.

5.3 Humanitarian and community development

• Support humanitarian work that serves the Kurdish people.
• Promote cohesion and belonging within the Kurdish community.
• Raise awareness of health, social and psychological issues.
• Empower youth and women through leadership and skills development.
• Support children through educational and developmental programmes.
• Encourage volunteer work and community participation.
• Promote social integration and diversity within UK society.

5.4 Safeguarding

The Forum shall adopt and maintain an appropriate Safeguarding Policy.

Principles

The Forum is guided by the principles of non-violence, democracy, the rule of law, equality, diversity, freedom of expression, respect for human dignity, and the protection and promotion of human rights. These principles underpin all of the Forum's activities, decisions and conduct.

Administrative structure and committees

7.1 Administrative Committee

• Four General Directors: overall management of the Forum and supervision of programmes.
• Four Deputy Directors: assist the General Directors and act in their absence.
• Secretary: organises meetings and records minutes and official correspondence.
• Finance Officer: prepares the annual budget and financial reports and monitors expenditure.
• Treasurer: manages bank accounts, authorises and records payments, and keeps financial records.

7.2 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of all core members and may appoint additional members. It supervises the implementation of General Assembly decisions, oversees the specialised committees, may establish committees or task forces, and may adopt Internal Regulations consistent with this Constitution.

7.3 Specialised committees

• Cultural, Language, Heritage, Folklore and Music Committee
• General Events Committee
• Media and Communications Committee
• Organisational Committee
• Public and International Relations Committee
• Humanitarian and Charity Activities Committee

Membership

• Membership is open to individuals and institutions that support the Forum's objectives.
• Individual members must be 18 years of age or older.
• Institutional members must be lawfully constituted organisations, represented by one authorised individual.
• Members may participate in the Forum's activities, vote and stand for elected positions.
• Members may be required to pay an annual membership fee.
• All members shall uphold this Constitution and comply with the Internal Regulations.

Meetings

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body and meets annually on a date set in advance. Emergency meetings may be called by the General Directors or one-third of members.

Quorum is one-third of voting members for the General Assembly and a simple majority for committees. If quorum is not met, the meeting is reconvened within 14 days. Decisions are by simple majority of those present and voting, one vote per member, with a casting vote for the Chair. Minutes are recorded and circulated.

Elections

Elections are held annually by secret ballot or approved electronic voting. The term of office is one year and may be renewed. Ties are resolved by a further ballot, and results are announced to the General Assembly.

Financial affairs

The Forum is funded by donations, grants, projects, membership fees and the sale of goods and services consistent with its objectives. All spending serves the Forum's objectives, the annual budget is reviewed by the Executive Committee, and no income or property is distributed among members except reimbursement of authorised expenses.

Discipline, conduct and termination of membership

Breaches of the Constitution or Internal Regulations may lead to an official warning, temporary suspension or, after review, termination of membership. A member may appeal in writing to the General Assembly within 14 days. Anyone with a personal or financial interest in a matter must declare it and withdraw from the decision.

Amendments

The Constitution may be amended by two-thirds of General Assembly members, on proposal by the Executive Committee or one-third of members. No amendment may alter the principles in Article 6.

Dissolution

The Forum may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at a quorate General Assembly. Remaining assets pass to a registered non-profit or charitable organisation with similar objectives; no member receives any personal benefit.

Neutrality and legal compliance

• The Forum operates in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, this Constitution and its Internal Regulations.
• The Forum remains an independent civil organisation, rejects violence and upholds its founding principles.
• The Forum remains politically independent and does not endorse or campaign for any political party.