Frequently Asked Questions - Membership of International Organisations and International Obligations

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Would an independent Scotland become a member of NATO, the United Nations and other international organisations?

Following a vote for independence the Scottish Government will formally declare Scotland’s intention to become a member of NATO following normal procedures. Similarly we will also signal our intention to be a member of the United Nations at that time.

Given that Scotland, as part of the UK, already meets membership requirements, we do not expect any barriers to Scotland’s timely membership of international organisations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

How much would an independent Scotland contribute to the budgets of international organisations such as the United Nations?

Scotland’s contribution to the budgets of the United Nations and other international organisations would be agreed as part of the membership process for each organisation. It is important to remember that Scotland already contributes to the budgets of these organisations, through our taxes, as part of the UK’s contribution.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

How would Scotland afford international organisation memberships?

Scotland already pays a share of the UK’s membership fees for international organisations. Other states of a similar size to – and smaller than – Scotland are members of international organisations. Our membership costs would be appropriate to our size and would be determined by the funding protocol for each organisation.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Would Scotland have a seat on the UN Security Council?

An independent Scotland would not expect to have a permanent seat on the Security Council. Like other nations, Scotland would from time to time be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council according to the existing system of election for non-permanent members by the General Assembly.

The current Scottish Government would intend to support the rest of the UK remaining a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Will independence make Scotland’s voice weaker or stronger internationally?

Stronger. Today, Scotland’s Government and Parliament do not have an automatic right to speak directly on the international stage. The fundamental advantage of independence in foreign affairs is the ability always to put Scotland’s interests first. Our overseas network of embassies and consulates will be working to promote Scotland’s interests, in particular to develop opportunities for trade and investment.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

What principles would an independent Scotland follow in regard to foreign policy?

The current Scottish Government’s foreign, security and defence policies would be grounded in a clear framework of promoting sustainable economic growth, participating in rulesbased international co-operation to secure shared interests and protecting Scotland’s people and resources.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

What international legal obligations that currently apply to the UK would an independent Scotland have to adhere to?

As an independent nation Scotland will continue to meet all legal obligations that flow from our membership of international organisations and treaties.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

What will the status of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) be in an independent Scotland?

An independent Scotland will continue as a party to the UNCRC and would reflect the Convention’s principles in domestic legislation and policy.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.