Preamble
We, the peoples of the nations of Southern Dovani,
INSPIRED by the common desire to promote peace, cooperation, community, stability, and shared prosperity among our peoples;
COMMITTED to the principles of equality, mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful dialogue;
DEDICATED to fostering a community of nations that upholds diversity, political freedom, and the welfare and dignity of our peoples;
RESOLVED to create a framework for deeper cooperation, mutual assistance, and collective advancement;
Do hereby establish the Southern Dovani Community (SODOC) and adopt this Charter to provide an institutional framework for the Community to promote regional cooperation among our States and peoples.
Chapter I. Purpose and Core Principles
Article 1. Purpose
1. The Purposes of SODOC (the "Community") are to:
a. Promote and uphold peace and mutual understanding across the region;
b. Foster cooperation among Member States ("Community Members") in areas such as economic development, social welfare, security, and social/cultural exchange;
c. Combat poverty and ensure that SODOC peoples live in peace and dignity;
d. Strengthen joint efforts to create a secure, crime-free region by addressing transnational crime through a comprehensive security approach;
e. Safeguard the region’s natural environment, ensure the sustainability of its resources, preserve its rich and diverse cultural heritage, and maintain a high quality of life for its peoples.
Article 2. Principles
1. In pursuing its purposes, SODOC and its Members commit to:
a. Respecting each Community Member's independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity;
b. Working together to enhance peace, security, and prosperity in the region;
c. Rejecting aggression and committing to peacefully settling any disputes;
d. Refraining from interfering in the domestic affairs of any Community Member, recognizing each state’s right to choose its own path;
e. Respecting the diverse religions, cultures, languages, and histories within SODOC, while encouraging unity through emphasizing our shared values.
Chapter II. Membership
Article 3. Community Members
1. The founding Members of SODOC are:
a. The Bianjie Khanate
b. The Republic of Dalibor
c. The State of Kimlien
d. Ntoto
e. The Republic of South Dovani
f. The Democratic Republic of Xsampa
g. The Republic of Yerrawa
h. The Exalted Celestial Empire of Yingdala
Article 4. Rights and Responsibilities
All Community Members possess equal rights and bear equal obligations under this Charter.
Article 5. Admission of New Members
1. The admission of new members shall be open to states that meet the following criteria:
a. Located within the recognized geographical region of Southern Dovani;
b. Recognized by all existing SODOC Members;
c. Aligned and committed to the principles and obligations of the SODOC Charter.
2. Admission decisions require consensus by the SODOC Summit.
Article 6. Observer Status
External parties may be granted observer status to SODOC through an agreement reached between that party and all Community Members at a Summit.
Chapter III. Institutions
Article 7. SODOC Summit
1. The SODOC Summit is the highest decision-making body of the Community.
2. The SODOC Summit is made up of the Heads of State or Government of Community Members.
3. The SODOC Summit shall:
a. Set policy direction and make decisions on key issues;
b. Address urgent regional matters;
c. Approve the establishment or dissolution of SODOC institutions;
d. Appoint the Secretary-General.
4. The Summit shall convene:
a. Whenever requested by a Community Member or the Secretary-General, or
b. At least once every ten (10) years.
5. The host of the Summit shall be:
a. the Community Member which requested the Summit, should they so volunteer;
b. the Community Member of which the Secretary-General is a national; or
c. rotate based on an alphabetical order of Community Members.
Article 8. SODOC Inter-Governmental Council
1. The SODOC Inter-Governmental Council shall be the standing advisory and coordinating body of the Community, which shall:
a. Discuss issues of regional and national concern for Community Members;
b. Prepare and discuss policy proposals to be decided by the Summit;
c. Advise the Secretary-General and other SODOC bodies and institutions on major matters, including their negotiation on behalf of SODOC with external parties.
d. Create Ministerial Councils to address policy issues of common concern.
2. Delegates to the Council must be appointed by national legislatures and hold the rank, privileges, and immunities of an Ambassador.
Article 9. Ministerial Councils
1. SODOC Ministerial Councils may be formed by the Inter-Governmental Council to:
a. Operate within their defined mandates;
b. Implement decisions made by the Summit;
c. Enhance cooperation in specific fields;
d. Offer policy recommendations to the Inter-Governmental Council, which may defer them to the Summit for decision.
2. Councils shall be composed of relevant Ministers or equivalent officials from each Community Member.
Article 10. Secretary-General
1. The Secretary-General is appointed by the Summit for a single, non-renewable ten (10) year term.
2. The Secretary-General shall be selected from among the nationals of Community Member States based on alphabetical rotation according to the nation’s Luthorian name.
3. The Secretary-General may be removed by unanimous agreement of all Community Members, excluding the Community Member State from which they hail.
4. The Secretary-General shall:
a. Administer and monitor SODOC and its associated bodies and institutions;
b. Ensure and monitor compliance with the Charter and associated agreements;
c. Represent SODOC externally in international forums and negotiations.
Article 11. Associated Bodies
SODOC may establish or affiliate with entities aligned with its Charter goals, to be managed under the authority of the Secretary-General.
Chapter IV. Decision-Making
Article 12. Consensus
1. By general principle, decisions shall be reached through consultation and consensus.
2. If consensus cannot be achieved, the Summit may determine how a specific decision can be made for that case.
3. In the case of a serious breach of the Charter or persistent non-compliance, the matter shall be referred to the SODOC Summit for decision.
Chapter V. Dispute Resolution
Article 13. General Provisions
Community Member States shall seek to resolve all disputes peacefully through dialogue, consultation, and negotiation to achieve mutual agreement and understanding.
Article 14. Mediation
1. Community Members which are party to a dispute may at any time request mediation to find a resolution within an agreed timeline.
2. Parties may request the Secretary-General of SODOC to directly provide mediation between the involved parties
3. If necessary, the Secretary-General can convene a Summit specifically intended to mediate unresolved disputes between Community Member States.
Chapter VI. Finance and Budget
Article 14. Financial Management
1. SODOC shall practice sound financial practices and strict budget discipline.
2. All Community Members shall make equal annual contributions to the SODOC operating budget unless the Summit agrees to adjustments due to special budgetary conditions or emergencies.
Chapter VII. Administration and General Provisions
Article 15. Working Language
The working language of SODOC will be Luthorian, with official documents translated into each Community Member State’s national language by the Secretary-General’s Office.
Article 16. Headquarters
The headquarters of SODOC and its affiliated bodies shall be in Udon Nakhon, South Dovani. Each Community Member State shall also make available facilities for a national-level SODOC headquarters.
Article 17. Ratification and Entry Into Force
The Charter must be signed by all Member States and ratified through each Member State’s internal process, taking effect thirty (30) days after the final ratification.
Article 18. Amending the Charter
1. Any Member State may propose amendments.
2. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the SODOC Summit and require consensus to be adopted.
