N 2420312

A/79/23
United Nations
Report of the Special

Committee on the Situation
with regard to the
Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples for 2024
General Assembly
Official Records
Seventy-ninth Session
Supplement No. 23
A/79/23
General Assembly A/79/23
Official Records
Seventy-ninth Session
Supplement No. 23
Report of the Special Committee on the

Situation with regard to the Implementation
of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and
Peoples for 2024
United Nations • New York, 2024

Note
Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of letters combined with

figures. Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United Nations document.
ISSN 0255-1217
[10 July 2024]
Contents
Chapter Page
Letter of transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
I. Establishment, organization and activities of the Special Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
A. Establishment of the Special Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
B. Opening of the meetings of the Special Committee in 2024 and election of officers . . . . 9
C. Organization of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
D. Meetings of the Special Committee and its subsidiary bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
E. Question of the list of Territories to which the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is applicable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
F. Consideration of other matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
G. Relations with United Nations bodies and intergovernmental, regional and
non-governmental organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
H. Review of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
I. Future programme of work and activities envisaged for 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
J. Conclusion of the 2024 session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
II. Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
III. Dissemination of information on decolonization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
IV. Question of sending visiting and special missions to Territories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
V. Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the
Charter of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
VI. Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-
Governing Territories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
VII. Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries
and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the
United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
VIII. Gibraltar and Western Sahara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
A. Gibraltar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
B. Western Sahara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
IX. New Caledonia and French Polynesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
A. New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
B. French Polynesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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X. American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam,
Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States
Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
A. American Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
B. Anguilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
C. Bermuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
D. British Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
E. Cayman Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
F. Guam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
G. Montserrat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
H. Pitcairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
I. Saint Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
J. Turks and Caicos Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
K. United States Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
XI. Tokelau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
XII. Falkland Islands (Malvinas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
XIII. Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Draft resolution I. Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under
Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Draft resolution II. Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of
the Non-Self-Governing Territories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Draft resolution III. Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions
associated with the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Draft resolution IV. Question of American Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Draft resolution V. Question of Anguilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Draft resolution VI. Question of Bermuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Draft resolution VII. Question of the British Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Draft resolution VIII. Question of the Cayman Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Draft resolution IX. Question of French Polynesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Draft resolution X. Question of Guam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Draft resolution XI. Question of Montserrat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Draft resolution XII. Question of New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Draft resolution XIII. Question of Pitcairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Draft resolution XIV. Question of Saint Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Draft resolution XV. Question of Tokelau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Draft resolution XVI. Question of the Turks and Caicos Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Draft resolution XVII. Question of the United States Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
4/156 24-12640
Draft resolution XVIII. Dissemination of information on decolonization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Draft resolution XIX. Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Draft resolution XX. Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples: eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations . . 126
Annexes
I. List of documents of the Special Committee in 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
II. Caribbean regional seminar on the implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the
Eradication of Colonialism: pursuing goals and addressing needs of the Non-Self-Governing
Territories, held in Caracas from 14 to 16 May 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
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Letter of transmittal
Letter dated 10 July 2024 from the Chair of the Special Committee
on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples addressed to the Secretary-General
I have the honour to transmit herewith to the General Assembly the report of the
Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, in
accordance with resolution 78/101. The report covers the work of the Special
Committee during 2024.
(Signed) Menissa Rambally

Chair of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard
to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
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Chapter I
Establishment, organization and activities of the
Special Committee
A. Establishment of the Special Committee
1. The establishment and history of the Special Committee on the Situation with
regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples are covered in detail in section II of the note by the
Secretary-General on the organization of work of the Committee (A/AC.109/2024/L.1).
2. At its seventy-eighth session, after considering the report of the Special
Committee (A/78/23), the General Assembly adopted resolution 78/101, in which it
approved the report of the Committee covering its work during 2023 and requested
the Committee to continue to seek suitable means for the immediate and full
implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples (General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV)) and to carry out the
actions approved by the Assembly regarding the International Decades for the
Eradication of Colonialism in all Territories that had not yet exercised their right to
self-determination, including independence. In addition, the Assembly reaffirmed that
the United Nations visiting missions to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, where
applicable, were an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the Territories, in
accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions on specific Ter ritories, and
therefore requested the Committee to undertake at least one visiting mission a year.
It also called upon the administering Powers to continue to cooperate with the
Committee in the discharge of its mandate and to facilitate visiting missions of the
Committee to the Territories on a case-by-case basis. The Assembly also called upon
all the administering Powers to cooperate fully in the work of the Committee and to
participate formally in the Committee’s future sessions.
3. In addition to resolution 78/101, the General Assembly adopted 21 other
resolutions and one decision relating to specific items considered by the Special
Committee in 2023, which are listed below.
1. Resolutions and decision concerning specific Territories

Resolutions
Territory Resolution number Date of adoption
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 58/316 a 1 July 2004

Western Sahara 78/85 7 December 2023
American Samoa 78/86 7 December 2023
Anguilla 78/87 7 December 2023

Bermuda 78/88 7 December 2023
British Virgin Islands 78/89 7 December 2023
Cayman Islands 78/90 7 December 2023
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Territory Resolution number Date of adoption
French Polynesia 78/91 7 December 2023

Guam 78/92 7 December 2023
Montserrat 78/93 7 December 2023
New Caledonia 78/94 7 December 2023

Pitcairn 78/95 7 December 2023
Saint Helena 78/96 7 December 2023
Tokelau 78/97 7 December 2023

Turks and Caicos Islands 78/98 7 December 2023
United States Virgin Islands 78/99 7 December 2023
a
In accordance with paragraph 4 (b) of the annex to resolution 58/316, the item should remain
on the agenda for consideration upon notification by a Member State.
Decision
Territory Decision number Date of adoption
Gibraltar 78/513 7 December 2023
2. Resolutions concerning other items
Title Resolution number Date of adoption
Information from Non-Self-Governing 78/81 7 December 2023

Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of
the Charter of the United Nations
Economic and other activities which affect 78/82 7 December 2023

the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-
Governing Territories
Implementation of the Declaration on the 78/83 7 December 2023

Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples by the specialized
agencies and the international institutions
associated with the United Nations
Offers by Member States of study and 78/84 7 December 2023

training facilities for inhabitants of
Non-Self-Governing Territories
Dissemination of information on 78/100 7 December 2023

decolonization
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A/79/23
3. Other resolutions and decisions relevant to the work of the Special Committee
4. Other resolutions and decisions adopted by the General Assembly at seventy -
eighth session that were relevant to the work of the Special Committee and which it
took into account were listed in the note by the Secretary-General on the organization
of work of the Committee (A/AC.109/2024/L.1).
4. Membership of the Special Committee

5. As at 1 January 2024, the Special Committee was composed of the following 29
members: Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Chile, China,
Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Grenada, India,
Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Mali, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea,
Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, United
Republic of Tanzania and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
B. Opening of the meetings of the Special Committee in 2024 and

election of officers
6. The Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas
opened the 2024 session of the Special Committee on 15 February and made a
statement (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.1).
7. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February 2024, the Special Committee elected, by
acclamation, the Chair, three Vice-Chairs and the Rapporteur. At its 3rd meeting, on
10 June, the Committee elected Ernesto Soberón Guzmán (Cuba) to fill the position
that had become vacant upon the departure of Gerardo Peñalver Portal (Cuba) (see
A/AC.109/2024/SR.3), after which the Bureau consisted of the following officers:
Chair:
Menissa Rambally (Saint Lucia)
Vice-Chairs:
Ernesto Soberón Guzmán (Cuba)
Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir (Indonesia)
Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone)
Rapporteur:
Koussay Aldahhak (Syrian Arab Republic)
C. Organization of work
8. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February, the Special Committee had before it

suggestions relating to the organization of its work and outlined in document
A/AC.109/2024/L.2. The Special Committee approved its tentative programme of
work and timetable for 2024 contained in that document with the understanding that
it may be further revised, as necessary, closer to or during its resumed substantive
session in June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.1).
9. At the same meeting, the Chair made a statement relating to the organization of
work of the Special Committee and on the status of the decolonization agenda of the
Organization (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.1).
10. Also at the same meeting, the Special Committee acceded to the requests of
Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Morocco, Peru,
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A/79/23
Spain, Togo and Zimbabwe to participate as observers in its 2024 session (see
A/AC.109/2024/SR.1). Subsequently, at its 2nd to 8th meetings, on 18 March and on
10, 11, 18 and 20 June, the Committee acceded to the requests of Angola, Bahrain,
Brazil, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia,
Comoros, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, the Dominican
Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Gambia, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea -
Bissau, Haiti, Lesotho, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay,
Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Suriname, Uganda, the United Arab
Emirates and Uruguay to participate as observers (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.2–8).
11. Also at the 1st meeting, the Special Committee considered preparations for the
Caribbean regional seminar and approved the offer made by the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela to host the seminar in Caracas, as well as the dates of the seminar.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,
Indonesia, Cuba, Sierra Leone, the Syrian Arab Republic, Papua New Guinea and
Nicaragua.
12. At its 2nd meeting, on 18 March, the Special Committee further considered
preparations for the Caribbean regional seminar and approved the guidelines and rules
of procedure for the Caribbean regional seminar, including the theme and agenda of
the seminar, as outlined in document A/AC.109/2024/19. The Committee decided to
extend invitations to attend the seminar to the Non -Self-Governing Territories,
administering Powers, other Member States, specialized agencies within the United
Nations, and select experts and representatives of non -governmental organizations
(see A/AC.109/2024/SR.2).
13. At the same meeting, the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
made a statement.
Requests for hearing

14. At the 3rd meeting, held on 10 June, the Chair drew attention to communications
containing requests for hearing, circulated in aides-memoires 01/24, 02/24, 03/24,
04/24, 05/24, 06/24, 07/24, 08/24, 09/24 and 10/24 regarding the Special Committee
decision of 22 June 2023 concerning Puerto Rico and the questions of the British
Virgin Islands, the Falkland Island (Malvinas), 1 French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Guam,
New Caledonia, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States Virgin Islands and
Western Sahara) (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.3).
15. The requests for hearings contained in the above-mentioned aides-memoires
were approved by the Special Committee at the same meeting.
D. Meetings of the Special Committee and its subsidiary bodies
16. In keeping with its resolve to continue to take all possible measures to
rationalize the organization of its work, and with the full and close cooperation of its
entire membership, the Special Committee and its Bureau were again able to keep to
a minimum the number of their formal meetings, as indicated below, by holding,
whenever possible, informal meetings and extensive electronic consultations among
the officers of the Committee by email. During the reporting period, the Committee
held five informal consultations.
__________________
1
A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
10/156 24-12640
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1. Special Committee
17. Up to the end of its resumed session, on 21 June, the Special Committee held
11 plenary meetings, as follows:
(a) First part of the session (organizational meetings): 1st meeting,
15 February; 2nd meeting, 18 March;
(b) Second part of the session: 3rd and 4th meetings, 10 June; 5th and
6th meetings, 11 June; 7th meeting, 18 June; 8th and 9th meetings, 20 June; 10th and
11th meetings, 21 June.
18. During the session, the Special Committee considered in plenary meetings the
questions set out below and adopted resolutions or decisions thereon. The texts of the
resolutions or decisions may be found in the present report, as follows:
Question Meeting Resolution/decision
Information from Non-Self-Governing 3rd Chap. XIII,

Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of draft resolution I
the Charter of the United Nations
Economic and other activities which affect 10th Chap. XIII,

the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self- draft resolution II
Governing Territories
Implementation of the Declaration on the 10th Chap. XIII,

Granting of Independence to Colonial draft resolution III
Countries and Peoples by the specialized
agencies and the international institutions
American Samoa 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution IV
Anguilla 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution V
Bermuda 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution VI
British Virgin Islands 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution VII
Cayman Islands 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution VIII
French Polynesia 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution IX
Guam 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution X
Montserrat 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XI
New Caledonia 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XII
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Question Meeting Resolution/decision
Pitcairn 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XIII
Saint Helena 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XIV
Tokelau 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XV
Turks and Caicos Islands 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XVI
United States Virgin Islands 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

draft resolution XVII
Dissemination of information on 3rd Chap. XIII,

decolonization draft resolution XVIII
Implementation of the Declaration on the 10th Chap. XIII,

Granting of Independence to Colonial draft resolution XIX
Countries and Peoples
Implementation of the Declaration on the 10th and 11th Chap. XIII,

Granting of Independence to Colonial draft resolution XX
Countries and Peoples: eradicating
colonialism in all its forms and manifestations
Gibraltar 3rd Chap. VIII,

para. 108
Western Sahara 5th and 6th Chap. VIII, para. 113

Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 7th Chap. XII, para. 189
Sending visiting and special missions to 3rd Chap. IV, para. 86

Territories
Decision of the Special Committee of 8th and 9th Chap. I, para. 29

22 June 2023 concerning Puerto Rico
2. Subsidiary bodies
19. The Special Committee did not establish subsidiary bodies during its 2024
session. However, in keeping with the practice adopted in recent years, the Committee
continued to keep the number of its formal meetings to a minimum through increased
reliance on informal consultations, including by the Bureau, for the consideration of
some of the issues before it. During the 2024 session, the Bureau held four meetings.
E. Question of the list of Territories to which the Declaration on

the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
is applicable
20. The Special Committee maintained the practice of addressing the situation of
Puerto Rico, as it had done in previous sessions.
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Consideration of Puerto Rico

21. At the 3rd and 8th meetings, on 10 and 20 June, the Chair drew attention to a
number of communications received from organizations expressing a wish to be heard
on Puerto Rico by the Special Committee. The Committee acceded to the requests for
hearing on this item.
22. At its 8th meeting, the Special Committee heard from the following speakers:
Rafael Olivera-Cintrón, Boricuas Unidos en la Diaspora; Nepher Rodríguez, Frente
Independentista Boricua; José Caraballo-Cueto, Puerto Rico Association of
Economists; Ángel Rodríguez León, Movimiento Independentista Nacional
Hostosiano de Puerto Rico; Jaime Esteban Inclán, Friends of Puerto Rico Initiative;
Iván Elías Rodríguez, Instituto Hostosiano del Norte; Ángel Comas, Puerto Rico
Psychological Association; Venecia Butler, Amigxs de M.A.R.; Ramón Nenadich,
Estado Nacional Soberano de Borinken; Adrián González Costa, Partido
Independentista Puertorriqueño; Garvin Sierra, Taller Gráfico PR; Kevin Miguel
Rivera-Medina, Comité Pro-Derechos Humanos De Puerto Rico; Rachele Fruit,
Socialist Workers Party; Akmicar Torres, Partido Nacionalista de Puerto Rico;
Manuel Rivera,Puertorriqueños Unidos En Acción; Jocelyn Velázquez, Jornada Se
Acabaron Las Promesas; Iris Beth Rodríguez Quiñones, Comités de la Resistencia
Boricua; Manuel A. Quilichini García, Puerto Rico Bar Association; Vanessa Ramos,
American Association of Jurists (Asociación Americana de Juristas); Ana Irma Rivera
Lassén, Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana; María de Lourdes Guzmán, Movimiento
Unión Soberanista; Nelson Torres-Ríos, Hostos Community College; Steven Lausell
Recurt, Faculty of Law of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico; Annette
Marie Martínez-Orabona, Caribbean Institute of Human Rights; Michael Viera,
El Grito; Yadira O’Farrill, Pro Puerto Rico Decolonization, Georgia Chapter; Sara
Torres, Pennsylvania Parents Pro Puerto Rican Heritage; Ángel Javier Serrano,
Intellectus Operative Advisors LLC – Puerto Rico Affairs; Ignacio Ros, Atlanta Union
President Chapter and Georgia Statehood Puerto Rico; Ramón Vázquez-Escudero,
Coalition for Statehood for Puerto Rico, New Jersey Chapter; Ramonita Echevarría
Roman, Delegación Extendida; Ricardo Rosselló, Elected Congressional Delegation
(Puerto Rico); Beatriz Areizaga, Extended Delegate (Washington, D.C.); Edwin Ortiz,
Call to Action on The Independence of Puerto Rico; Shariana Ferrer-Núñez, Colectiva
Feminista en Construcción; Roberto Lefranc-Fortuño, Government of Puerto Rico;
Julián Soto, City of San Juan; Ricardo Santiago, Statehood Front; Estelí Capote,
Puertorican Institute of International Relations; Ángel Diaz, Puertorriqueños en
Daytona; Hilsia Fernández, Pantera Technical Services; Mario Solano, ECDPR
Estadista; Carmen Hernández, The NYC LGBTQS Chamber of Commerce Inc;
Vivian Rivera Moreno, Rhode Island Extended Delegation of Puerto Rico; Gustavo
Meza Buelvas, Inmigrantes Estadistas en PR; Rosalinda Rivera, Miami, Florida
Chapter Extended Congressional Delegates; Kathy Blount, Extended Delegation;
Jason Cruz, Victory In Puerto Rico; James Seale, Mesa de Diálogo Ma rtin Luther
King, Jr.; Mari María, Kilómetro Cero; and Manuel Francisco O’Neill, Vermont-
Puerto Rico Solidarity Committee (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.8).
23. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba took the floor for a point of
order.
24. At its 9th meeting, on 20 June, the Special Committee heard from the following
speakers: Francisco Javier González Parés, College of Professional Social Workers in
Puerto Rico; Oscar José Ocasio Colón, Roberto Clemente Center; Luis Toro-Goyco,
Movimiento Diálogo Soberanista; Dinelia Rosa, Teachers College, Columbia
University; Arturo Massol, Casa Pueblo de Adjuntas; Carlos Rafael Alicea Negrón,
Frente Socialista de Puerto Rico; Michael Urayoán Connelly Reyes, Vidas Viequenses
Valen; Daniel Vila, Asamblea Nacional de Borinken; Christina Mojica, El Otro Puerto
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Rico; Walter Alomar, Organization for Culture of Hispanic Origins; Hector Bermúdez
Zenón, Grupo por la Igualdad y la Justicia de Puerto Rico; Annette Falcón, Adelante
Reunificacionistas; José Rosselló, United States Extended Congressional
Delegation – Puerto Rico, Young Democrats of America Hispanic Latino Caucus;
José Miguel Velázquez Cruz, Asociación Cultural en Acción Puerto Rico -España;
Alfonso Ventura, Frente Amplio; María A. Lama, La Voz Latina NYC; and Alejandra
Castrodad Rodríguez, Fundación Juan Mari Brás (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.9).
25. At the same meeting, the Chair drew attention to a report on the item prepared
by the Rapporteur (A/AC.109/2024/L.13) and to a draft resolution on the item
(A/AC.109/2024/L.7) (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.9).
26. Also at the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines (on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the
Charter of the United Nations), the Syrian Arab Republic, the Plurinational State of
Bolivia, Cuba, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicaragua and the Islamic
Republic of Iran. Statements were also made by the observers for Honduras (on behalf
of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and Uganda (on behalf
of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries).
27. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.7, also on behalf of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Nicaragua,
the Russian Federation, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela.
28. The Special Committee adopted draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.7 without a
vote. The representative of Cuba made a statement.
29. The text of draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.7, adopted at the 9th meeting
without a vote, reads as follows:
Decision of the Special Committee of 22 June 2023 concerning

Puerto Rico
The Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of

the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples ,
Bearing in mind the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of
14 December 1960,
Considering that the period 2021–2030 was proclaimed by the General
Assembly, in its resolution 75/123 of 10 December 2020, as the Fourth International
Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism,
Bearing in mind the 41 resolutions and decisions adopted since 1972 by the
Special Committee on the question of Puerto Rico contained in the reports of the
Special Committee to the General Assembly, in particular those adopted without a
vote in recent years,
Recalling that 25 July 2024 will mark the 126th anniversary of the intervention
in Puerto Rico by the United States of America,
Noting with concern that, despite the rejection expressed by the majority of the
Puerto Rican people on 6 November 2012 of their current status of political
subordination, the political representatives of Puerto Rico and the United States have
failed to set in motion a decolonization process that begins in Puerto Rico, in
compliance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and the resolutions and
decisions of the Special Committee on Puerto Rico,
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Noting with concern also that the present political subordination of the Puerto
Rican people impedes sovereign decision-making regarding the humanitarian crisis
caused by the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which have aggravated the
already serious economic and social problems, resulting in increased levels of poverty
in Puerto Rico from 45 per cent to around 60 per cent of the population, which has
caused mass migration and seriously affected efforts to achieve sustainable economic
development,
Noting with concern further that the United States Congress, invoking thereby
its doctrine on plenary powers under the Territorial Clause of the United States
Constitution, imposed in June 2016 a Financial Oversight and Management Board for
Puerto Rico (Fiscal Supervisory Board), appointed by the President of the United
States to exercise plenary control powers over the elected executive and legislative
officials of the Government of Puerto Rico in all issues relating to fiscal, economic
and budgetary matters, as well as all that concerns the restructuring of the public debt
of Puerto Rico, all of which aggravates the colonial situation in the country,
Noting with concern that the Fiscal Supervisory Board pursues the collection of
the accumulated public debt of more than 70 billion dollars, which has resulted in the
adoption of austerity measures that have further aggravated the already frail social
and economic conditions of the people of Puerto Rico,
Noting that the Supreme Court of the United States, in conformity with the
request made by the Department of Justice, decided in June 2016 in the case of Puerto
Rico v. Sánchez Valle that the original and ultimate source of governmental power in
Puerto Rico lies in the United States Congress, and that any limited concession of
self-government to Puerto Rico may be unilaterally revoked by the United States
Congress,
Stressing again the urgent need for the United States to lay the groundwork for
the full implementation of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and the
resolutions and decisions of the Special Committee concerning Puerto Rico,
Noting the declarations by the Heads of State and Government of the
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Bolivarian Alliance for the
Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty, the Permanent Conference of
Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Movement of Non -Aligned
Countries and the Council of the Socialist International, which reiterate the
inalienable rights of the people of Puerto Rico in ac cordance with General Assembly
resolution 1514 (XV), and which also reiterate the Latin American and Caribbean
character of Puerto Rico and their support for the resolutions on Puerto Rico adopted
by the Special Committee,
Noting also the debate in Puerto Rico on the search for a procedure that would
enable the process of decolonization of Puerto Rico to begin, and aware of the
principle that any initiative seeking a solution to the political status of Puerto Rico
should originate from the people of Puerto Rico, and of the fact that, to date, several
sectors have expressed that they are in favour of convening a constitutional assembly
on status in Puerto Rico,
Noting further the concern of the people of Puerto Rico regarding violent
actions, including repression and intimidation, against supporters of Puerto Rican
independence, that have come to light through documents declassified by federal
agencies of the United States,
Aware that Vieques Island (Puerto Rico) was used for over 60 years by the
United States Marine Corps and naval forces to carry out military exercises, with
negative consequences for the health of the population, the environment and the
economic and social development of that Puerto Rican municipality,
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Noting the consensus among the people and the Government of Puerto Rico on
the need to clean up, decontaminate and return to the people of Puerto Rico all the
lands previously used for military exercises and installations, and use them for the
social and economic development of Puerto Rico, as well as on the slowness of the
process thus far,
Noting also the constant complaints made by the inhabitants of Vieques Island
regarding the continued bombing and the use of open burning as a clean -up method,
thereby exacerbating the existing health and pollution problems and endangering
civilian lives,
Noting further that in the Final Document of the Eighteenth Summit Conference
of Heads of State and Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Baku on 25 and
26 October 2019, 1 and other meetings of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries,
the right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence is
reaffirmed under General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), the Government of the
United States is urged to assume its responsibility to expedite a process that will allow
the Puerto Rican people to fully exercise their inalienable right to self -determination
and independence and to return the territory and occup ied installations on Vieques
Island and at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station to the Puerto Rican people, who
constitute a Latin American and Caribbean nation, and the General Assembly is urged
to actively consider the question of Puerto Rico in all its asp ects,
Having heard statements and accounts representative of various viewpoints
among the people of Puerto Rico and their social institutions,
Having considered the report of the Rapporteur of the Special Committee on the
implementation of the resolutions concerning Puerto Rico, 2
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-
determination and independence in conformity with General Assembly resolution
1514 (XV) and the applicability of the fundamental principles of that resolution to
the question of Puerto Rico, and that the people of Puerto Rico constitute a Latin
American and Caribbean nation that has its own distinct national identity;
2. Calls again upon the Government of the United States of America to
assume its responsibility to promote a process that will enable the Puerto Rican people
to fully exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence, in
accordance and in full compliance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and
the resolutions and decisions of the Special Committee concerning Puerto Rico, and
to take decisions, in a sovereign manner, to address their urgent economic and social
needs, including unemployment, marginalization, insolvency and poverty, and the
problems related to education and health, which have been aggravated by the ravages
of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the earthquakes affecting the south -western part of
Puerto Rico and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic;
3. Notes with concern that, by virtue of the decision of the United States
Congress, under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act
(PROMESA) which creates the Financial Oversight and Management Board, the
already weakened area in which the prevailing regime of political and economic
subordination in Puerto Rico operates is reduced any further, and the impact of the
austerity measures that are causing the social and economic conditions of the people
of Puerto Rico to seriously deteriorate and essential services, such as the electric
power, to be privatized, which has caused the rise of the cost of living in an already
precarious economy;
__________________
1
A/74/548, annex.
2
A/AC.109/2024/L.13.
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4. Notes the broad support of eminent persons, governments and political

forces in Latin America and the Caribbean for the independence of Puerto Rico;
5. Notes once again the debate in Puerto Rico on the implementation of a
mechanism that would ensure the full participation of representatives of all sectors of
Puerto Rican public opinion, including a constitutional assembly on status with a
basis in the decolonization alternatives recognized in international law, and aware of
the principle that any initiative seeking a solution to the political status of Puerto Rico
should originate from the people of Puerto Rico;
6. Expresses serious concern over the actions carried out against supporters
of Puerto Rican independence, and encourages the investigation of those actions with
the necessary rigour and with the cooperation of the relevant authorities;
7. Requests the General Assembly to consider the question of Puerto Rico
comprehensively and in all its aspects, and to decide on this issue as soon as possible;
8. Urges the Government of the United States, in line with the need to
guarantee the legitimate right of the Puerto Rican people to self -determination and
the protection of their human rights, to complete the return of all lands occupied by
its military forces in Puerto Rico territory, in particular installations on Vieques Island
and in Ceiba, to the people of Puerto Rico, respect fundamental human rights, such
as the right to health and economic development, and expedite and cover the costs of
the process of cleaning up and decontaminating the areas previously used in military
exercises through means that do not continue to worsen the serious consequences of
its military activity in order to protect the health of the inhabitants of Vieques Island
and the environment;
9. Takes note with satisfaction of the report prepared by the Rapporteur of
the Special Committee, in compliance with its resolution of 22 June 2023;
10. Requests the Rapporteur to report in 2025 on the implementation of the
present resolution, including new developments relevant to a process of
decolonization of Puerto Rico, in accordance with resolution 1514 (XV);
11. Decides to keep the question of Puerto Rico under continuous review.
F. Consideration of other matters
30. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February, the Special Committee adopted suggestions
relating to the organization of its work and decided to include on its programme of
work and timetable for 2024 items relating to the compliance of Member States with
the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
and other resolutions on decolonization (see A/AC.109/2024/L.2).
1. Question of holding a series of meetings away from Headquarters

31. Having regard to its programme of work for 2024, the Special Committee
remained committed to its mandate to hold meetings away from Headquarters, taking
into account the provisions of paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 1654
(XVI) and paragraph 3 (9) of resolution 2621 (XXV), by which the Assembly
authorized the Committee to meet elsewhere than at Headquarters whenever and
wherever such meetings might be required for the effective discharge of its functions.
2. Pattern of conferences
32. In accordance with measures that it had taken previously, the Special Committee
continued to ensure the effective utilization of the conference-servicing resources
allocated to it, and the further reduction of its documentation requirements by
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circulating communications and information material by, as much as possible,

electronic means. A list of the documents of the Committee in 2024 is contained in
annex I to the present report.
33. In the conduct of all its meetings during 2024, the Special Committee closely
followed the guidelines set forth in the resolutions of the General Assembly on the
pattern of conferences, in particular resolution 67/237. By effectively organizing its
programme of work and holding extensive informal consultations, the Committee was
able to keep the number of its formal meetings to a minimum.
3. Cooperation and participation of the administering Powers in the work of the

Special Committee
34. In accordance with the provisions of relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly, the delegations of the administering Powers, France and New Zealand,
participated in the work of the Special Committee in 2024, during its plenary meetings
at Headquarters.
35. In a related context, the Special Committee, at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June,
adopted a resolution on the question of sending visiting and special missions to
Territories in which it called upon the administering Powers to cooperate or continue
to cooperate with the United Nations by facilitating United Nations visiting missions
to the Territories under their administration, in accordance with the relevant
resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization (see chap. IV).
4. Participation of representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the work

of the Special Committee
36. During the year, the Special Committee continued to encourage the participation
of representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories in its work at Headquarters and
at its regional seminars.
5. Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories

37. The importance of the Special Committee’s observance of the Week of
Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, as mandated in
General Assembly resolution 78/101, was highlighted during the Caribbean regional
seminar held in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (see annex II).
6. Report of the Special Committee to the General Assembly

38. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February, the Special Committee agreed to the Chair ’s
recommendation, as outlined in the organization of work for 2024, that the Rapporteur
continue to follow the established format of the Committee ’s annual report to the
General Assembly (see A/AC.109/2024/L.2).
39. At its 11th meeting, on 21 June, and at the recommendation of the Chair, the
Special Committee authorized the Rapporteur to prepare, with the assistance of the
Secretariat, the report on the Committee’s work at its 2024 session, incorporating all
the resolutions and decisions adopted and the related proceedings of the Committee,
and, once completed and approved by the Bureau, to submit it directly to the General
Assembly at its seventy-ninth session, in accordance with established practice (see
A/AC.109/2024/SR.11).
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G. Relations with United Nations bodies and intergovernmental,

regional and non-governmental organizations
40. In connection with the Special Committee’s consideration of the implementation

of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
by specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United
Nations, and pursuant to paragraphs 14 and 21 of General Assembly resolution 78/83,
the President of the Economic and Social Council and the Chair of the Committee are
requested to deepen cooperation and maintain close contact with regard to appropriate
measures for the coordination of the policies and activities of specialized agencies in
implementing the relevant resolutions of the Assembly (see E/2024/6). An account of
the Committee’s consideration of the question is contained in chapter VII of the
present report.
41. During the year, the Special Committee adopted decisions relating to the
extension of assistance to the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, as reflected
in the recommendations of the Committee to the General Assembly (see chap. XIII).
42. Bearing in mind its previous decisions to maintain regular contact with the
Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, the African Union, the Caribbean Community
and the Pacific Islands Forum in order to assist it in the effective discharge of its
mandate, the Special Committee, as in previous years, closely followed their work.
43. The Special Committee also continued to monitor related developments in the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, having regard to relevant provisions of article 15 of
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination.
H. Review of work
44. In ongoing efforts to find creative and innovative ways to enable better
implementation of the mandate of the Special Committee, its Bureau maintained the
practice of holding during the intersessional period informal consultations with the
administering Powers and other stakeholders regarding the Non -Self-Governing
Territories on the Committee’s agenda. Meetings were held with four administering
Powers, namely France, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and the United States of America, during which the discussions in
that regard were centred on the situation in the Territories for which they were each
responsible and aimed at promoting cooperation and partnership with them in
addressing the decolonization prospects of those Territories, on a case -by-case basis.
45. On 24 June 2024, the Bureau met with the Secretary-General, in accordance
with General Assembly resolution 78/101, in which he was requested to meet with
the Bureau informally at least once a year to explore innovative ways of using his
good offices to help advance the decolonization agenda, on a case-by-case basis.
During the meeting, the Bureau shared with the Secr etary-General recent initiatives
and activities undertaken by the Special Committee, which were intended to galvanize
the implementation of its mandate. The Bureau also briefed him on the Committee ’s
dialogue with the administering Powers and other stakeholders on issues pertaining
to the Non-Self-Governing Territories and informed him of its plans to dispatch a
visiting mission to the British Virgin Islands in 2024 and to hold its annual seminar
in Dili in 2025. In response, the Secretary-General underlined his commitment to the
decolonization agenda and reaffirmed the full support of the Secretariat for the work
of the Committee.
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46. The Special Committee also considered each of the 17 Non-Self-Governing

Territories on its agenda (see chaps. VIII–XII). In addition, the Committee continued
its review of the list of Territories to which the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was applicable and, in that context,
heard from the representatives of many concerned organizations regarding the
situation of Puerto Rico (see paras. 22 and 24).
47. Furthermore, the Special Committee considered and adopted recommendations
on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e
of the Charter; the question of sending visiting and special missions to Territories; the
Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions
associated with the United Nations; and economic and other activities which affect
the interests of the peoples of the Territories (see chaps. IV–VII).
48. As noted in chapter II and in annex II to the present report, the Special
Committee held a Caribbean regional seminar in the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela from 14 to 16 May, at which participants, while focusing on the Fourth
International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, reflected on pursuing goals
and addressing needs of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.
49. On the question of the publicity to be given to the work of the United Nations
in the field of decolonization, the Special Committee adopted a resolution on the
dissemination of information on decolonization, which it recommended to the
General Assembly for action at its seventy-ninth session (see chap. XIII, draft
resolution XVIII).
2
I. Future programme of work and activities envisaged for 2025
50. In accordance with the mandate entrusted to it by the General Assembly since
1961, as reaffirmed in resolution 78/101, and taking into account its draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.25, adopted at its 10th meeting, on 21 June, and contained in the
present report (see chap. XIII, draft resolution XIX), the Special Committee intends
to continue in 2025 to seek suitable means for the immediate, full and speedy
Countries and Peoples.
51. The Special Committee will continue to carry out the actions approved by the
General Assembly regarding the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of
Colonialism in all Territories that have not yet exercised their right to self -
determination, including independence. In particular, the Committee intends to
formulate specific proposals, on a case-by-case basis, to bring about an end to
colonialism, in accordance with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples.
52. The Special Committee will maintain its efforts to examine the implementation
by Member States of resolution 1514 (XV) and other relevant resolutions on
decolonization.
53. The Special Committee will continue to examine the political, economic and
social situation in the Non-Self-Governing Territories and recommend, as
appropriate, to the General Assembly the most suitable steps to be taken to enable the
populations of those Territories to exercise their right to self-determination, including
__________________
2
The activities mentioned in paragraphs 50 to 60 are also outlined in draft resolution XIX,
contained in chapter XIII.
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independence, in accordance with the relevant resolutions on decolonization,

including resolutions on specific Territories.
54. In 2025, the Special Committee will aim at developing and finalizing, in
cooperation with the administering Power and the Non -Self-Governing Territory in
question, a constructive programme of work, on a case -by-case basis, for the
Territories, to facilitate the implementation of the mandate of the Committee and
relevant resolutions on decolonization, including resolutions on specific Territories.
55. In addition, the Special Committee will continue to dispatch visiting and special
missions to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, where applicable and in accordance
with the relevant resolutions on decolonization, including resolutions on specific
Territories.
56. The Special Committee will also continue to conduct seminars, as appropriate,
for the purpose of receiving and disseminating information on its work, and will
endeavour to facilitate the participation of the peoples of the Non -Self-Governing
Territories in those seminars.
57. In that regard, the Chair noted the offer of Timor-Leste to host the regional
seminar in Dili in May 2025 and in keeping with past practice would finalize the
details of the 2025 seminar following the organizational meeting in February 2025
(see A/AC.109/2024/SR.11).
58. The Special Committee will take all steps necessary to elicit worldwide support
from Governments and national and international organizations for the achievement
of the objectives of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples and the implementation of related resolutions.
59. The Special Committee will maintain efforts to continue consultations on how
best to observe annually the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non -Self-
Governing Territories, in accordance with resolution 78/101.
60. The Special Committee requests the Secretary-General to continue to review the
resources at its disposal, in order to ensure that it has the funding, facilities and
services commensurate with its activities envisaged for 2025, as outlined in
paragraphs 50 to 59 above.
J. Conclusion of the 2024 session
61. At the 11th meeting, on 21 June, the Chair made a statement on the occasion of
the closing of the 2024 session of the Special Committee (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.11).
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Chapter II
Fourth International Decade for the Eradication
of Colonialism
62. At its 1st, 2nd, 10th and 11th meetings, on 15 February, 18 March and 21 June,
the Special Committee considered issues relating to the Fourth International Decade
for the Eradication of Colonialism and the Caribbean regional seminar held in the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from 14 to 16 May to assess the goals and expected
accomplishments of the Fourth Decade.
63. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February, the Special Committee had before it its
organization of work for 2024, submitted by the Chair, annexed to which was a list
of pending matters for its consideration during the year, which included the Fourth
International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (A/AC.109/2024/L.2).
64. At its 2nd meeting, on 18 March, the Special Committee adopted the guidelines
and rules of procedure for the Caribbean regional seminar contained in document
A/AC.109/2024/19, which incorporated the agenda and theme of the seminar. It also
approved the composition of its official delegation and the categories of participants
to be invited to the seminar, especially those from the Non-Self-Governing Territories
(see A/AC.109/2024/SR.2).
65. At its 10th meeting, on 21 June, the Special Committee adopted, without a vote,
draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.25, submitted by the Chair and entitled
“Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples”, in which there was extensive reflection on the
implementation of the Fourth Decade (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
66. The text of the draft resolution appears in the present report in the form of a
recommendation of the Special Committee to the General Assembly (see chap. XIII,
draft resolution XIX).
67. Also at the 10th meeting, the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela, also on behalf of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, China, Cuba, the
Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines and the Syrian Arab Republic, introduced draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.26, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: eradicating colonialism in all its
forms and manifestations”.
68. Also at the same meeting, statements in explanation of vote before the vote were
made by the representatives of India, Cuba, the Russian Federation, Fiji, Côte
d’Ivoire, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Indonesia.
69. At the 11th meeting, on 21 June, the representative of Indonesia moved for the
adjournment of debate on the agenda item “Implementation of the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples ” under rule 116 of the
rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Statements in favour of the motion were
made by the representatives of India and Côte d’Ivoire; statements against the motion
were made by the representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and
Nicaragua.
70. The motion was rejected, by a recorded vote of 11 to 11, with 2 abstentions. The
voting was as follows:
In favour:
Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Papua New
Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste.
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Against:
Bolivia (Plurinational State of), China, Cuba, Dominica, Ethiopia, Iran (Islamic
Republic of), Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
Abstaining:
Ecuador, Iraq.
71. At the same meeting, the representative of India made a statement. The
Secretariat also made a statement. Further statements were made by the
representatives of Cuba, Nicaragua, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and
Indonesia.
72. Also at the same meeting, on 21 June, the Special Committee adopted draft
resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.26, by a recorded vote of 15 to 5, with 8 abstentions.
In favour:
Bolivia (Plurinational State of), China, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Ethiopia, Iran
(Islamic Republic of), Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United
Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
Against:
Antigua and Barbuda, Côte d’Ivoire, Fiji, Indonesia, Saint Lucia.
Abstaining:
Chile, Ecuador, India, Iraq, Mali, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Timor-
Leste.
73. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the
representatives of India, the Russian Federation, Ecuador and Saint Lucia.
74. Also at the 11th meeting, the Chair drew attention to the draft report of the
Caribbean regional seminar, containing the conclusions and recommendations of the
seminar, which had been negotiated in advance of the meeting by members of the
Special Committee present at the seminar, as well as the procedural part of the report
of the seminar, which had been adopted at the final meeting of the seminar.
75. At the same meeting, the Special Committee adopted the conclusions and
recommendations of the seminar, which are set out in annex II to the present report.
In keeping with the established practice of the Committee, annex II also includes the
procedural report of the seminar also adopted by the Committee at its 11th meeting
(see A/AC.109/2024/SR.11).
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Chapter III
Dissemination of information on decolonization
76. The Special Committee considered the question of the dissemination of
information on decolonization at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June (see
A/AC.109/2024/SR.3).
77. In its consideration of the item, the Special Committee took into account the
provisions of relevant General Assembly resolutions, including in particular
resolution 78/100 on the dissemination of information on decolonization and
resolution 78/101 on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
78. At its 3rd meeting, the Special Committee heard statements from representatives
of the Department of Global Communications and the Department of Political and
Peacebuilding Affairs of the Secretariat.
79. Statements were made by the representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela (on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United
Nations), the Syrian Arab Republic, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Cuba, Iraq and
Nicaragua.
80. At the same meeting, the Chair drew attention to the report of the Secretary -
General on the dissemination of information on decolonization during the period from
April 2023 to March 2024 (A/AC.109/2024/18) and to a draft resolution on the item
submitted by the Chair (A/AC.109/2024/L.4).
81. Also at the same meeting, the Special Committee adopted draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.4 without a vote.
draft resolution XVIII).
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Chapter IV
Question of sending visiting and special missions
to Territories
83. The Special Committee considered the question of sending visiting and special
missions to Territories at its 1st and 3rd meetings, on 15 February and 10 June (see
A/AC.109/2024/SR.1 and 3).
resolution 78/101 on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and resolutions 78/85 to 78/99
relating to specific Territories, in addition to previous decisions of the Committee
relating to the question.
85. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February, the Special Committee approved a visiting
mission to the British Virgin Islands, to take place on dates to be identified in
consultation with the administering Power and the Territory. At its 3rd meeting, on
10 June, the Chair provided an update on the preparations for the visiting mission to
the British Virgin Islands
86. At the 3rd meeting, the Chair drew the attention of the Special Committee to
draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.5, submitted under the item, which was adopted by
the Committee without a vote. The text of the draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.5
reads as follows:
Question of sending visiting and special missions to Territories

Having considered the question of sending visiting and special missions to
Territories,
Recalling the relevant resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly and
the Special Committee requesting the administering Powers to cooperate fully with
the United Nations by receiving visiting missions in the Territories under their
administration,
Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide an effective means of
assessing the situation in those Territories and of ascertaining the wishes and
aspirations of the peoples thereof regarding their future status,
Conscious that United Nations visiting missions enhance the capacity of the
United Nations to assist the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories in attaining
the objectives set forth in the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of
14 December 1960, in other relevant resolutions of the Assembly and in the plan of
action for the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, 1
Recalling paragraph 10 of General Assembly resolution 78/101 of 7 December
2023, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that visiting missions to the Non -Self-
Governing Territories, where applicable, were an effective means of ascertaining the
situation of the peoples of the Territories, and requested the Special Committ ee to
undertake at least one visiting mission a year,
__________________
1
See General Assembly resolution 75/123.
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Recalling with satisfaction the work of the Special Committee visiting mission
to Montserrat that took place from 17 to 20 December 2019, 2
Recalling with satisfaction also the work of the Special Committee visiting
missions to New Caledonia that took place from 10 to 15 March 2014 and from 12 to
16 and on 19 March 2018, 3
Recalling the two successful missions that were conducted to observe the
referendums in Tokelau, in February 2006 and October 2007, at the invitation of New
Zealand as the administering Power, 4
Recalling also the cooperation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, as the administering Power, in having facilitated the United Nations
special mission to the Turks and Caicos Islands in April 2006 at the request of the
territorial Government, 5
Recalling further the importance of the previously expressed desire of the
territorial Governments of American Samoa, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands,
French Polynesia and Guam for a visiting mission by the Special Committee,
1. Stresses the need to dispatch periodic visiting missions to Non -Self-
Governing Territories in order to facilitate the full, speedy and effective
Countries and Peoples 6 with respect to those Territories, in accordance with the
relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization and the plan of action
for the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, and the need
for adequate allocation of resources in that regard;
2. Requests the Chair of the Special Committee, in collaboration with
members of the Bureau, to develop, in a timely manner, for consideration and
adoption by the Special Committee, a plan on a case-by-case basis for conducting
visiting missions to the Non-Self-Governing Territories; 7
3. Calls upon the administering Powers to cooperate with the United Nations,
if they have not yet done so, or to continue to cooperate by facilitating United Nations
visiting missions to the Territories under their administration, in accordance with the
relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization;
4. Requests the administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special
Committee in exploring the possibility of undertaking visiting or special missions in
furtherance of the decolonization mandate of the General Assembly;
5. Requests the Chair to continue consultations with the administering
Powers concerned and to report to the Special Committee on the results of those
consultations.
__________________
2
See A/AC.109/2020/20.
3
See A/AC.109/2014/20/Rev.1 and A/AC.109/2018/20.
4
See A/AC.109/2006/20 and A/AC.109/2007/19.
5
See A/AC.109/2007/5.
6
General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV).
7
and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas); a dispute also
exists between the Governments of Spain and the United Kingdom concerning sovereignty over
Gibraltar.
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Chapter V
Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories
transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the
United Nations
87. The Special Committee considered the question of information from Non -Self-
Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter at its 3rd meeting,
on 10 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.3).
88. During its consideration of the item, the Special Committee took into account
the resolutions of the General Assembly concerning information from Non -Self-
Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter and related
questions, in particular resolution 1970 (XVIII), by which the Assembly decided to
dissolve the Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories and to
transfer aspects of its functions to the Special Committee, and resolution 78/81, in
paragraph 5 of which the Assembly requested the Special Committee to continue to
discharge the functions entrusted to it under resolution 1970 (XVIII), in accordance
with established procedures. The Committee also took into account the relevant
provisions of Assembly resolutions 78/101 on the implementation of the Declaration
on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and 75/123 on
the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.
89. At the 3rd meeting, the Chair drew attention to the report of the Secretary -
General on the item (A/79/63), which contained the dates of transmission of
information under Article 73 e of the Charter by the administering Powers with regard
to Territories under their respective administration, and to a draft resolution on the
item (A/AC.109/2024/L.3).
90. At the same meeting, a statement was made by the representative of Cuba and
the Special Committee adopted draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.3 without a vote.
draft resolution I).
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Chapter VI
Economic and other activities which affect the interests of
the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories
92. The Special Committee considered the question of economic and other activities
which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories at its
10th meeting, on 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
resolution 78/82 on economic and other activities which affect the interests of the
peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and resolution 78/101 on the
Countries and Peoples. In addition, the Committee took into consideration relevant
documents of other intergovernmental bodies, to which reference was made in the
final preambular paragraph of draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.6.
94. At the 10th meeting, the Chair drew attention to the agreed text of draft
resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.6, which the Special Committee adopted without a vote.
draft resolution II).
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Chapter VII
Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the
specialized agencies and the international institutions
96. The Special Committee considered the question of the implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by
the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United
Nations at its 10th meeting, on 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
97. During its consideration of the item, the Special Committee took into account
the provisions of General Assembly resolution 78/83 on the question, in paragraph 24
of which the Assembly requested the Committee to continue to examine the question
and to report thereon to the Assembly at its seventy-ninth session. The Committee
also took into account all other resolutions adopted by the Assembly on the subject,
including resolution 75/123, by which the Assembly declared the period 2021–2030
the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.
98. The Special Committee also took into account relevant documents of other
intergovernmental bodies, to which reference was made in the fifth preambular
paragraph of draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.9.
99. At the 10th meeting, the Chair drew attention to the report of the Secretary-
General on the item (A/79/66) and to the information submitted by the specialized
agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system on their activities with
regard to the implementation of the Declaration (see E/2024/6), as well as to the draft
resolution on the item (A/AC.109/2024/L.9).
100. At the same meeting, the Special Committee adopted draft resolution
draft resolution III).
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Chapter VIII
Gibraltar and Western Sahara
102. In its consideration of the questions of Gibraltar and Western Sahara, the Special
Committee took into account General Assembly decision 78/513 and resolution
78/85, as well as other relevant resolutions and decisions.
A. Gibraltar
103. The Special Committee considered the question of Gibraltar at its 3rd meeting,
on 10 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.3).
104. In its consideration of the item, the Special Committee had before it a working
paper prepared by the Secretariat containing information on developments concerning
the Territory (A/AC.109/2024/8).
105. At the 3rd meeting, the Minister for Health, Care and Business of Gibraltar,
Gemma Arias-Vasquez, made a statement.
106. At the same meeting, the observer for Spain made a statement. At the 5th
meeting, on 11 June, the observer for Spain made a further statement on this agenda
item (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.5).
107. Also at the same meeting, in accordance with a request for hearing granted by
the Special Committee at the outset of the meeting, a statement was made by Richard
Buttigieg, Self-Determination for Gibraltar Group.
108. Also at the 3rd meeting, upon the proposal of the Chair, the Special Committee
decided to continue its consideration of the question at its 2025 session, subject to
any directives that the General Assembly might give in that connection at its seventy -
ninth session, and to transmit the relevant documentation to the Assembly in order to
facilitate consideration of the question by the Special Political and Decolonization
Committee (Fourth Committee).
B. Western Sahara
109. The Special Committee considered the question of Western Sahara at its 5th and
6th meetings, on 11 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.5 and A/AC.109/2024/SR.6).
110. In its consideration of the item, the Special Committee had before it a working
paper prepared by the Secretariat containing information on developments concerning
the Territory (A/AC.109/2024/17).
111. At the 5th meeting, the Committee agreed to the Chair ’s proposal to hear first
from the petitioners who had requested the floor on the question of Western Sahara,
followed by the members of the Committee and the observers, given that the
petitioners had limited time access to the building. Accordingly, statem ents were made
by Sidi Mohamed Omar, Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguía el -Hamra y de
Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO); Ghalla Bahiya, Conseil Régional de Dakhla -Oued
Eddahab; M’Hamed Abba, Conseil Régional de Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra; Zine El
Aabidine El Ouali, African Forum for Research and Studies in Human Rights
(AFORES); Khadija Ezaoui, Association 9 mars; Ahmed Mohamed Fall, Codesa;
Chris Sassi, SKC; Fumiko Hakoyama, Friends of Western Sahara Japan; Christopher
Helali, Party of Communists USA; Taleb Ali Salem, Sahrawi activist – civil society;
Mohamed H. Radoui; Mohamed Ali Arkoukou, Sahrawi Association in USA; Ahmed
Fanan; Hassan Fanan; Saad Bennani; Touria Hmyene, Association pour la lib erté des
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femmes séquestrées dans les camps de Tindouf; El Moustapha Tate, The African
Centre for Peace Studies; Mouhidine Souvi, Western Sahara Student Union; Mula
Ahmed; Mark Drury, International Academic Observatory on Western Sahara; Boullah
Taleb Aomar; Abdellahi Mohamed Cheikh; Chejuna Taualumru; Khalid Bendriss,
Association de soutien à l’initiative marocaine d’autonomie; and Mohammed
Elaissaoui, Organisation pour la fin des violations des droits de l’homme dans les
camps de Tindouf. The observer for Morocco made statements.
112. Also at the 5th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the
Syrian Arab Republic, Dominica, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Saint Lucia, the
Plurinational State of Bolivia, Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Papua New Guinea,
Timor-Leste, Ecuador, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Nicaragua.
113. At the 6th meeting, on 11 June, statements were made by the representatives of
Ethiopia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Indonesia and Antigua and Barbuda.
Statements were also made by the observers for Qatar (on behalf of the Cooperation
Council for the Arab States of the Gulf), South Africa, Burkina Faso, the Dominican
Republic, Senegal, Guatemala, Mexico, Bahrain, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Suriname,
the Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Peru, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Burundi, the United Arab Emirates, Togo, the Gambia, Guinea, Angola,
Zimbabwe, Botswana, Benin, Lesotho, Colombia, Namibia, Belize, Algeria,
Mozambique and Morocco.
114. Statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the observers for
Algeria and Morocco.
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Chapter IX
New Caledonia and French Polynesia
115. In its consideration of the questions of New Caledonia and French Polynesia,
the Special Committee took into account General Assembly resolutions 78/94 and
78/91, as well as other relevant resolutions and decisions.
A. New Caledonia
116. The Special Committee considered the question of New Caledonia at its 4th and
10th meetings, on 10 and 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.4 and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10). In its consideration of the item, the Committee took into
account General Assembly resolution 78/94 and had before it a working paper
prepared by the Secretariat containing information on developments concerning the
Territory (A/AC.109/2024/11).
117. At the 4th meeting, statements were made by the observer for France and the
representative of Fiji (also speaking on behalf of Papua New Guinea).
118. At the same meeting, in accordance with requests for hearing granted by the
Special Committee at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June, statements were made by James
Bhagwan; Jean-Victor Castor; Naïa Wateou, Les Loyalistes – Congress of New
Caledonia, Républicains Calédoniens; Françoise Suve, Les Loyalistes – Congress of
New Caledonia, member of the South Province assembly; François Roux; Hector
Pindard; Jean-Pierre Xowie; and Samuel Hnepeune.
119. At the 10th meeting, the representative of Fiji, also on behalf of Papua New
Guinea, introduced draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.22.
draft resolution XII).
B. French Polynesia
122. The Special Committee considered the question of French Polynesia at its 3rd
and 10th meetings, on 10 and 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.3 and
123. At the 3rd meeting, the Delegate for International, European and Pacific Affairs
of French Polynesia, Mareva Lechat-Kitalong, made a statement. The observer for
France also made a statement.
Special Committee at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June, a statement was made by Carlyle
Corbin, the Dependency Studies Project.
resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.24 and the Special Committee adopted the draft
resolution without a vote.
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draft resolution IX).
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Chapter X
American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin
Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn,
Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United
States Virgin Islands
127. In its consideration of the questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda,
the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint
Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands, the Special
Committee took into account General Assembly resolutions 78/86 to 78/90, 78/92,
78/93, 78/95, 78/96, 78/98 and 78/99.
A. American Samoa
128. The Special Committee considered the question of American Samoa at its 3rd
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
129. At the 3rd meeting, the Chair drew attention to a working paper prepared by the
Secretariat containing information on developments concerning the Territory
(A/AC.109/2024/1).
130. At the 10th meeting, the Chair drew attention to the agreed text of draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.10, which the Special Committee adopted without a vote.
draft resolution IV).
B. Anguilla
132. The Special Committee considered the question of Anguilla at its 3rd and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/2).
resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.11, which the Special Committee adopted without a
vote.
draft resolution V).
C. Bermuda
136. The Special Committee considered the question of Bermuda at its 3rd and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
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(A/AC.109/2024/3).
vote.
draft resolution VI).
D. British Virgin Islands
140. The Special Committee considered the question of the British Virgin Islands at
its 3rd and 10th meetings, on 10 and 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.3 and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/4).
142. At the same meeting, the Premier and Minister of Finance of the British Virgin
Islands, Natalio Wheatley, made a statement. The representative of Saint Lucia also
made a statement.
143. Also at the same meeting, in accordance with requests for hearing granted by
the Special Committee at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June, a statement was made by Eliezer
Benito Wheatley, University of Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy.
resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.14 and the Special Committee adopted the draft
resolution without a vote.
draft resolution VII).
E. Cayman Islands
146. The Special Committee considered the question of the Cayman Islands at its 3rd
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/5).
vote.
draft resolution VIII).
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F. Guam
150. The Special Committee considered the question of Guam at its 4th and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
151. At the 4th meeting, the Chair drew attention to a working paper prepared by the
(A/AC.109/2024/9).
152. At the same meeting, the Executive Director of the Commission on
Decolonization of Guam, Melvin B. Won Pat-Borja, made a statement.
153. Also at the same meeting, in accordance with requests for hearing granted by
the Special Committee at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June, a statement was made by
Harmony C. Palaganas.
vote.
draft resolution X).
G. Montserrat
156. The Special Committee considered the question of Montserrat at its 4th and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/10).
vote.
draft resolution XI).
H. Pitcairn
160. The Special Committee considered the question of Pitcairn at its 4th and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/12).
vote.
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draft resolution XIII).
I. Saint Helena
164. The Special Committee considered the question of Saint Helena at its 4th and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/13).
vote.
draft resolution XIV).
J. Turks and Caicos Islands
168. The Special Committee considered the question of the Turks and Caicos Islands
at its 4th and 10th meetings, on 10 and 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.4 and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/15).
vote.
draft resolution XVI).
K. United States Virgin Islands
172. The Special Committee considered the question of the United States Virgin
Islands at its 4th and 10th meetings, on 10 and 21 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.4 and
A/AC.109/2024/SR.10).
(A/AC.109/2024/16).
Special Committee at its 4th meeting, on 10 June, a statement was made by Russe ll
Christopher, OWA.
vote.
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draft resolution XVII).
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Chapter XI
Tokelau
177. The Special Committee considered the question of Tokelau at its 3rd and
178. At the 3rd meeting, and with the consent of the Special Committee, Alapati
Tavite, Ulu-o-Tokelau, made a statement. The Administrator of Tokelau, Donald
Higgins, also made a statement on behalf of the administering Power.
179. At the 10th meeting, the representative of Fiji introduced draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.23. Subsequently, the delegations of Papua New Guinea and
Indonesia also joined the sponsors of the draft resolution.
draft resolution XV).
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Chapter XII
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
182. The Special Committee considered the question of the Falkland Islands
(Malvinas) at its 7th meeting, on 18 June (see A/AC.109/2024/SR.7). In its
consideration of the item, the Committee took into account paragraph 4 (b) of the
annex to General Assembly resolution 58/316, as well as other relevant resolutions
and decisions.
183. Also in its consideration of the item, the Chair drew the attention of the Special
Committee to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat containing information on
developments concerning the Territory (A/AC.109/2024/6) and to a draft resolution
on the item (A/AC.109/2024/L.8).
184. At the 7th meeting, in accordance with requests for hearing granted by the
Special Committee at its 3rd meeting, on 10 June, statements were made by Teslyn
Barkman and Gavin Short of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands
(Malvinas), and by Paula Vernet and Ricardo Ancell Patterson.
185. At the same meeting, the representative of Chile, also on behalf of the
Plurinational State of Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua and the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela, introduced draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.8. Subsequently, the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina made a
statement.
186. Also at the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Sierra
Leone, Indonesia, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile,
Cuba, Timor-Leste, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, China, Ecuador, Saint Lucia, Nicaragua and the Syrian Arab Republic.
Statements were also made by the observers for Paraguay (on behalf of the Southern
Common Market and in its national capacity) and Brazil (on behalf of the Brasilia
Consensus and in its national capacity).
187. Also at the 7th meeting, the Special Committee adopted draft resolution
A/AC.109/2024/L.8 without a vote, following which the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
International Trade and Worship of Argentina made a further statement.
188. At the same meeting, statements were also made by the observers for Mexico,
Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Peru, Honduras, Panama,
Colombia, Angola, El Salvador, Bangladesh, Serbia and Mozambique.
189. The text of draft resolution A/AC.109/2024/L.8 reads as follows:
Question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 1

Having considered the question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas),
Aware that the maintenance of colonial situations is incompatible with the
United Nations ideal of universal peace,
Recalling General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 2065
(XX) of 16 December 1965, 3160 (XXVIII) of 14 December 1973, 31/49 of
__________________
1
and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (see
ST/CS/SER.A/42).
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1 December 1976, 37/9 of 4 November 1982, 38/12 of 16 November 1983, 39/6 of

1 November 1984, 40/21 of 27 November 1985, 41/40 of 25 November 1986, 42/19
of 17 November 1987 and 43/25 of 17 November 1988, Special Committee
resolutions A/AC.109/756 of 1 September 1983, A/AC.109/793 of 21 August 1984,
A/AC.109/842 of 9 August 1985, A/AC.109/885 of 14 August 1986, A/AC.109/930
of 14 August 1987, A/AC.109/972 of 11 August 1988, A/AC.109/1008 of 15 August
1989, A/AC.109/1050 of 14 August 1990, A/AC.109/1087 of 14 August 1991,
A/AC.109/1132 of 29 July 1992, A/AC.109/1169 of 14 July 1993, A/AC.109/2003 of
12 July 1994, A/AC.109/2033 of 13 July 1995, A/AC.109/2062 of 22 July 1996,
A/AC.109/2096 of 16 June 1997, A/AC.109/2122 of 6 July 1998, A/AC.109/1999/23
of 1 July 1999, A/AC.109/2000/23 of 11 July 2000, A/AC.109/2001/25 of 29 June
2001, A/AC.109/2002/25 of 19 June 2002, A/AC.109/2003/24 of 16 June 2003, the
resolution adopted on 18 June 2004, the resolution adopted on 15 June 2005, the
resolution adopted on 12 June 2008, the resolution adopted on 18 June 2009 , the
resolution adopted on 5 August 2020, the resolution adopted on 24 June 2021, the
resolution adopted on 23 June 2022 and the resolution adopted on 20 June 2023, and
Security Council resolutions 502 (1982) of 3 April 1982 and 505 (1982) of 26 May
1982,
Distressed that, notwithstanding the time that has elapsed since the adoption of
General Assembly resolution 2065 (XX), this prolonged dispute has not yet been
settled,
Aware of the interest of the international community in the resumption by the
Governments of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland of their negotiations in order to find as soon as possible a peaceful,
just and lasting solution to the sovereignty dispute relating to the question of the
Falkland Islands (Malvinas),
Expressing its preoccupation over the fact that the good level of relations
between Argentina and the United Kingdom has not yet led to negotiations on the
question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas),
Considering that this situation should facilitate the resumption of the
negotiations in order to find a peaceful solution to the dispute over sovereignty,
Reaffirming the principles of the Charter of the United Nations on the non -use
of force or the threat of force in international relations and the peaceful settlement of
international disputes,
Calling attention to the importance of the Secretary-General continuing his
efforts to give full effect to the mission entrusted to him by the General Assembly in
its resolutions on the question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas),
Reaffirming the need for the parties to take due account of the interests of the
population of the islands in accordance with the provisions of the General Assembly
resolutions on the question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas),
1. Reiterates that the way to put an end to the special and particular colonial
situation in the question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) is the peaceful and
negotiated settlement of the dispute over sovereignty between the Governments of
the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland;
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2. Takes note of the views expressed by the President of the Argentine

Republic on the occasion of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly;
3. Regrets that, in spite of the widespread international support for a
negotiation between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom that
includes all aspects of the future of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), the
implementation of the General Assembly resolutions on this question has not yet
started;
4. Requests the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom to
consolidate the current process of dialogue and cooperation through the resumption
of negotiations in order to find as soon as possible a peaceful solution to the
sovereignty dispute relating to the question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), in
accordance with the provisions of General Assembly resolutions 2065 (XX), 3160
(XXVIII), 31/49, 37/9, 38/12, 39/6, 40/21, 41/40, 42/19 and 43/25;
5. Reiterates its firm support for the mission of good offices of the Secretary-
General in order to assist the parties in complying with the request made by the
General Assembly in its resolutions on the question of the Falkland Islands
(Malvinas);
6. Decides to keep under review the question of the Falkland Islands
(Malvinas) subject to the directives that the General Assembly has issued and may
issue in that regard.
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Chapter XIII
Recommendations
190. The Special Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of
the following draft resolutions:
Draft resolution I
Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted
under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations
The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 1970 (XVIII) of 16 December 1963, in which it
requested the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation
to study the information transmitted to the Secretary-General in accordance with
Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations and to take such information fully
into account in examining the situation with regard to the implementation of the
Declaration, contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December
1960,
Recalling also its resolution 78/81 of 7 December 2023, in which it requested
the Special Committee to continue to discharge the functions entrusted to it under
resolution 1970 (XVIII),
Stressing the importance of the timely transmission by the administering Powers
of adequate information under Article 73 e of the Charter, in particular in relation to
the preparation by the Secretariat of the working papers on the Territories concerned,
Mindful of the non-fulfilment of the obligation to transmit information on some
Non-Self-Governing Territories in accordance with Article 73 e of the Charter,
Recalling its resolution 75/123 of 10 December 2020 on the Fourth International
Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, and stressing in that regard the need to
make real progress towards its full implementation,
Having examined the report of the Secretary-General, 1
1. Reaffirms that, in the absence of a decision by the General Assembly itself
that a Non-Self-Governing Territory has attained a full measure of self-government
in terms of Chapter XI of the Charter of the United Nations, the administering Power
concerned should continue to transmit information under Article 73 e of the Charter
with respect to that Territory;
2. Requests the administering Powers concerned to respect their obligations
under Article 73 e of the Charter with regard to each Territory on the agenda of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples;
3. Also requests the administering Powers concerned, in accordance with
their Charter obligations, to transmit or continue to transmit regularly to the
Secretary-General for information purposes, subject to such limitation as security and
constitutional considerations may require, statistical and other information of a
technical nature relating to the economic, social and educational conditions in the
Territories for which they are respectively responsible, as well as the fullest possible
information on political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned,
__________________
1
A/79/63.
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including the constitution, legislative act or executive order providing for the
government of the Territory and the constitutional relationship of the Territory to the
administering Power, within a maximum period of six months following the
expiration of the administrative year in those Territories;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to ensure that adequate
information is drawn from all available published sources in connection with the
preparation of the working papers relating to the Territories concerned;
5. Requests the Special Committee to continue to discharge the functions
entrusted to it under General Assembly resolution 1970 (XVIII), in accordance with
established procedures.
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Draft resolution II
Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the
peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories

Having considered the item entitled “Economic and other activities which affect
the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories”,
Having examined the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with
Colonial Countries and Peoples for 2024, 1
Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, as well as all its other
relevant resolutions, including, in particular, resolutions 46/181 of 19 December
1991, 55/146 of 8 December 2000, 65/119 of 10 December 2010 and 75/123 of
10 December 2020,
Reaffirming the solemn obligation of the administering Powers under the
Charter of the United Nations to promote the political, economic, social and
educational advancement of the inhabitants of the Territories under their
administration and to protect the human and natural resources of those Territories
against abuses,
Reaffirming also that any economic or other activity, including the use of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories for military activity, that has a negative impact on the
interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and on the exercise of
their right to self-determination in conformity with the Charter, General Assembly
resolution 1514 (XV) and the other relevant resolutions of the United Nations on
decolonization is contrary to the purposes and principles of the Charter,
Reaffirming further that the natural resources are the heritage of the peoples of
the Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the Indigenous populations,
Taking into account its resolution 1803 (XVII) of 14 December 1962 regarding
the sovereignty of peoples over their natural wealth and resources in accordance with
the Charter and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization,
Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical location, size and
economic conditions of each Territory, and bearing in mind the need to promote the
stability, diversification and strengthening of the economy of each Territory,
Conscious of the particular vulnerability of the small Territories to hurricanes,
natural phenomena or other extreme weather events and environmental degradation,
Reaffirming its deep concern at the number and scale of hurricanes, natural
phenomena or other extreme weather events and their devastating impact in 2017 in
the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the loss of life
and negative economic, social and environmental consequences for their vulnerable
societies and hampering the achievement of sustainable development in these
Territories, in particular in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos
Islands and the United States Virgin Islands, as well as in Puerto Rico, whose situation
is addressed in the Special Committee,
Stressing the importance of inclusiveness within the United Nations
development system and with respect to the implementation of relevant General
Assembly resolutions, including resolution 70/1 of 25 September 2015, entitled
__________________
1
Official Records of the General Assembly, Seventy-ninth Session, Supplement No. 23 (A/79/23).
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“Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ”, and
resolution 78/152 of 19 December 2023 on disaster risk reduction,
Conscious that foreign economic investment, when undertaken in collaboration
with the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and in accordance with their
wishes, could make a valid contribution to the socioeconomic development of the
Territories and to the exercise of their right to self-determination in accordance with
the relevant resolutions of the United Nations,
Concerned about any activities aimed at exploiting the natural and human
resources of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to the detriment of the interests of
the inhabitants of those Territories,
Bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the final documents of the successive
Conferences of Heads of State or Government of Non -Aligned Countries and of the
resolutions adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African
Union, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Caribbean Community,
1. Reaffirms the right of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories
to self-determination in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and with
General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and with other relevant
resolutions of the United Nations, as well as their right to the enjoyment of their
natural resources and their right to dispose of those resources in their best interest;
2. Affirms the value of foreign economic investment undertaken in
collaboration with the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and in
accordance with their wishes in order to make a valid contribution to the
socioeconomic development of the Territories, especially during times of economic
and financial crisis;
3. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering Powers under the Charter
to promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, and also reaffirms the legitimate rights of their
peoples over their natural resources;
4. Reaffirms its concern about any activities aimed at the exploitation of the
natural resources that are the heritage of the peoples of the Non -Self-Governing
Territories, including the Indigenous populations, in the Caribbean, the Pacific and
other regions, and of their human resources, to the detriment of their interests, and in
such a way as to deprive them of their right to dispose of those resources;
5. Reaffirms the need to avoid any economic or other activities, including the
use of the Non-Self-Governing Territories for military activity, that adversely affect
the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, and in this regard
reminds the administering Powers of their responsibility and accountability vis-à-vis
any detriment to the interests of the peoples of those Territories, in accordance with
6. Calls once again upon all Governments that have not yet done so to take,
in accordance with the relevant provisions of General Assembly resolution 2621
(XXV) of 12 October 1970, legislative, administrative or other measures in respect
of their nationals and the bodies corporate under their jurisdiction that own and
operate enterprises in the Non-Self-Governing Territories that are detrimental to the
interests of the inhabitants of those Territories, in order to put an end to such
enterprises;
7. Calls upon the administering Powers to ensure that the exploitation of the
marine and other natural resources in the Non-Self-Governing Territories under their
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administration is not in violation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and
does not adversely affect the interests of the peoples of those Territories;
8. Invites all Governments and organizations of the United Nations system to
take all possible measures to ensure that the permanent sovereignty of the peoples of
the Non-Self-Governing Territories over their natural resources is fully respected and
safeguarded in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations on
decolonization;
9. Once again urges the administering Powers concerned to take effective
measures to safeguard and guarantee the inalienable right of the peoples of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories to their natural resources and to establish and
maintain control over the future development of those resources, and requests the
administering Powers to take all steps necessary to protect the property rights of the
peoples of those Territories in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United
Nations on decolonization;
10. Calls upon the administering Powers concerned to ensure that no
discriminatory working conditions prevail in the Territories under their administration
and to promote in each Territory a fair system of wages applicable to all the
inhabitants without any discrimination;
11. Also calls upon the administering Powers concerned to provide all the
necessary assistance to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories affected by
hurricanes, natural phenomena or other extreme weather events in order to alleviate
the humanitarian needs in the affected communities, support the recovery and
rebuilding efforts and enhance capabilities for emergency preparedness and risk
reduction;
12. Encourages the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United
Nations system and regional organizations to continue to provide assistance to the
Non-Self-Governing Territories affected by hurricanes, natural phenomena or other
extreme weather events and to formulate appropriate programmes to support
emergency response and recovery and rebuilding efforts, and requests the Secretary -
General to report to the General Assembly on this matter;
13. Requests the Secretary-General to continue, through all means at his
disposal, to inform world public opinion of any activity that affects the exercise of
the right of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to self-determination
in conformity with the Charter, General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and the other
14. Appeals to trade unions and non-governmental organizations, as well as
individuals, to continue their efforts to promote the economic well -being of the
peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, and also appeals to the media to
disseminate information about the developments in this regard;
15. Decides to follow the situation in the Non-Self-Governing Territories so
as to ensure that all economic activities in those Territories are aimed at strengthening
and diversifying their economies in the interest of their peoples, in particular the
Indigenous populations, and at promoting the economic and financial viability of
those Territories;
16. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the
Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples to continue to examine this question and to report thereon to
the General Assembly at its eightieth session.
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Draft resolution III

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized
agencies and the international institutions associated with the
United Nations

Having considered the item entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized
agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations”,
Having also considered the report of the Secretary-General 1 and the report of
the Economic and Social Council 2 on the item,
Recalling its resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 1541 (XV) of
15 December 1960 and the resolutions of the Special Committee, as well as other
relevant resolutions and decisions, including, in particular, Economic and Social
Council resolution 2023/33 of 26 July 2023,
Bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the final documents of the successive
Conferences of Heads of State or Government of Non -Aligned Countries and of the
resolutions adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African
Union, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Caribbean Community,
Conscious of the need to facilitate the implementation of the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in resolution
1514 (XV),
Noting that the large majority of the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories
are small island Territories,
Welcoming the assistance extended to Non-Self-Governing Territories by certain
specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system,
Welcoming also the participation in the capacity of observers of those Non -Self-
Governing Territories that are associate members of regional commissions in the
world conferences in the economic and social spheres, subject to the rules of
procedure of the General Assembly and in accordance with relevant resolutions and
decisions of the United Nations, including resolutions and decisions of the Assembly
and the Special Committee on specific Territories,
Noting that only some specialized agencies and other organizations of the
United Nations system have been involved in providing assistance to Non -Self-
Governing Territories,
Stressing that, because the development options of the small island Non -Self-
Governing Territories are limited, there are special challenges to planning for and
implementing sustainable development and that those Territories will be constrained
in meeting those challenges without the continuing cooperation and assistance of the
specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system,
__________________
1
A/79/66.
2
E/2024/6.
3
48/156 24-12640
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Stressing also the importance of securing the resources necessary for funding
expanded programmes of assistance for the peoples concerned and the need to enlist
the support of all major funding institutions within the United Nations system in that
regard,
Reaffirming the mandates of the specialized agencies and other organizations of
the United Nations system to take all appropriate measures, within their respective
responsibilities, to ensure the full implementation of General Assembly resolution
1514 (XV) and other relevant resolutions,
Expressing its appreciation to the African Union, the Pacific Islands Forum, the
Caribbean Community and other regional organizations for the continued cooperation
and assistance that they have extended to the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system in this regard,
Expressing its conviction that closer contacts and consultations between and
among the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system
and regional organizations help to facilitate the effective formulation of programmes
of assistance to the peoples concerned,
Mindful of the imperative need to keep under continuous review the activities
of the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system in
the implementation of the various resolutions and decisions of the United Nations
relating to decolonization,
Bearing in mind the extremely fragile economies of the small island Non -Self-
Governing Territories and their vulnerability to natural disasters, such as hurricanes,
cyclones and sea level rise, and recalling the relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 78/83 of 7 December 2023 on the implementation of the
Declaration by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated
with the United Nations,
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;
2. Recommends that all States intensify their efforts through the specialized
agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system of which they are
members to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in General
Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), and other relevant resolutions of the United Nations;
3. Reaffirms that the specialized agencies and other organizations and
institutions of the United Nations system should continue to be guided by the relevant
resolutions of the United Nations in their efforts to contribute to the implementation
of the Declaration and all other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly;
4. Also reaffirms that the recognition by the General Assembly, the Security
Council and other United Nations organs of the legitimacy of the aspirations of the
peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to exercise their right to self-
determination entails, as a corollary, the extension of all appropriate assistance to
those peoples;
5. Expresses its appreciation to those specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system that have continued to cooperate with the
United Nations and the regional and subregional organizations in the implementation
of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and other relevant resolutions of the
United Nations, and requests all the specialized agencies and other organizations of
the United Nations system to implement the relevant provisions of those resolutions;
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6. Requests the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United

Nations system to intensify their engagement with the work of the Special Committee
on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples as an important element for the
implementation of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), including participation
in the regional seminars on decolonization, upon the invitation of the Special
Committee;
Nations system and international and regional organizations to examine and review
conditions in each Territory so as to take appropriate measures to accelerate progress
in the economic and social sectors of the Territories;
8. Urges those specialized agencies and other organizations of the United
Nations system that have not yet provided assistance to Non-Self-Governing
Territories to do so as soon as possible;
9. Requests the specialized agencies and other organizations and institutions
of the United Nations system and regional organizations to strengthen existing
measures of support and formulate appropriate programmes of assistance for the
remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, within the framework of their respective
mandates, in order to accelerate progress in the economic and social sectors of those
Territories;
Nations system concerned to provide information on:
(a) Environmental problems facing the Non-Self-Governing Territories;
(b) The impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions,
and other environmental problems, such as beach and coastal erosion and droughts,
on those Territories;
(c) Ways and means to assist the Territories to fight drug trafficking, money -
laundering and other illegal and criminal activities;
(d) Illegal exploitation of the marine and other natural resources of the
Territories and the need to utilize those resources for the benefit of the peoples of the
Territories;
11. Recommends that the executive heads of the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system formulate, with the active cooperation of
the regional organizations concerned, concrete proposals for the full implementation
of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and submit the proposals to their
governing and legislative organs;
12. Also recommends that the specialized agencies and other organizations of
the United Nations system continue to review at the regular meetings of their
governing bodies the implementation of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and
other relevant resolutions of the United Nations;
13. Recalls the adoption by the Economic Commission for Latin America and
the Caribbean of its resolution 574 (XXVII) of 16 May 1998, 4 calling for the
necessary mechanisms for its associate members, including Non-Self-Governing
Territories, to participate in the special sessions of the General Assembly, subject to
the rules of procedure of the Assembly, to review and assess the implement ation of
the plans of action of those United Nations world conferences in which the Territories
__________________
4
See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1998, Supplement No. 21 (E/1998/41),
sect. III.G.
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originally participated in the capacity of observer, and in the work of the Economic
and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies;
14. Requests the Chair of the Special Committee to deepen cooperation with
the President of the Economic and Social Council on the identical agenda items of
both bodies on assistance to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, through regular
consultations, in accordance with relevant resolutions on decolonization;
15. Recalls the publication by the Department of Public Information and the
Department of Political Affairs of the Secretariat, in consultation with United Nations
agencies, funds and programmes and the Special Committee, of an information leaflet
on assistance programmes available to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, which
was updated for the United Nations website on decolonization, and requests its
continued updating and wide dissemination;
16. Welcomes the continuing efforts made by the United Nations Development
Programme in maintaining close liaison among the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system, including the Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia
and the Pacific, and in providing assistance to the peoples of the Non -Self-Governing
Territories;
17. Encourages the Non-Self-Governing Territories to take steps to establish
and/or strengthen disaster preparedness and management institutions and policies,
inter alia, with the assistance of the relevant specialized agencies;
18. Requests the administering Powers concerned to facilitate, when
appropriate, the participation of appointed and elected representatives of Non -Self-
Governing Territories in the relevant meetings and conferences of the specialized
agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, in accordance with
relevant resolutions and decisions of the United Nations, including resolutions and
decisions of the General Assembly and the Special Committee on specific Territories,
so that the Territories may benefit from the related activities of those agencies and
organizations;
19. Recommends that all Governments intensify their efforts through the
specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system of which
they are members to accord priority to the question of providing assistance to the
peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories;
20. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to assist the specialized
agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system in working out
appropriate measures for implementing the relevant resolutions of the United Nations
and to prepare for submission to the relevant bodies, with the assistance of those
agencies and organizations, a report on the action taken in implementation of the
relevant resolutions, including the present resolution, since the circulation of his
previous report;
21. Commends the Economic and Social Council for its debate and resolution
on this question, and requests it to continue to consider and intensify its cooperation
with the Special Committee, with the aim of developing appropriate measures for the
further coordination of the policies and activities of the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system in implementing the relevant resolutions
of the General Assembly;
22. Requests the specialized agencies to report annually to the Secretary-
General on the implementation of the present resolution;
23. Requests the Secretary-General to transmit the present resolution to the
governing bodies of the appropriate specialized agencies and international institutions
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associated with the United Nations so that those bodies may take the measures
necessary to implement it, and also requests the Secretary-General to report to the
General Assembly at its eightieth session on the implementation of the present
resolution;
24. Requests the Special Committee to continue to examine the question and
to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session.
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Draft resolution IV
Question of American Samoa

Having considered the question of American Samoa and examined the report of
the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples for
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on American
Samoa 2 and other relevant information,
Recognizing that all available options for self-determination of the Territory are
valid as long as they are in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the people
of American Samoa and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained
in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1541 (XV) of
15 December 1960 and other resolutions of the Assembly,
Expressing concern that, more than 60 years after the adoption of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 3
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including American Samoa,
Conscious of the importance of continuing the effective implementation of the
Declaration, taking into account the target set by the United Nations to eradicate
colonialism by 2030 and the plan of action for the International Decades for the
Eradication of Colonialism, 4
Recognizing that the specific characteristics and the aspirations of the people of
American Samoa require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options
for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical location,
size of population or natural resources,
Convinced that the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory should
continue to guide the development of their future political status and that
referendums, free and fair elections and other forms of popular consultation play an
important role in ascertaining the wishes and aspirations of the people,
Concerned by the use and exploitation of the natural resources of the Non -Self-
Governing Territories by the administering Powers for their benefit, by the use of the
Territories as international financial centres to the detriment of the world economy
and by the consequences of any economic activities of the administering Powers that
are contrary to the interests of the people of the Territories, as well as to resolution
1514 (XV),
Convinced that any negotiations to determine the status of the Territory must
take place with the active involvement and participation of the people of the Territory,
under the auspices of the United Nations, on a case-by-case basis, and that the views
of the people of American Samoa in respect of their right to self-determination should
be ascertained,
Noting the continued cooperation of the Non-Self-Governing Territories at the
local and regional levels, including participation in the work of regional
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/1.
3
Resolution 1514 (XV).
4
A/56/61, annex.
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Mindful that, in order for the Special Committee to enhance its understanding
of the political status of the people of American Samoa and to fulfil its mandate
effectively, it is important for it to be apprised by the United States of America as the
administering Power and to receive information from other appropriate sources,
including the representatives of the Territory, concerning the wishes and aspirations
of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to American Samoa and to the Special Committee
of the participation of elected and appointed representatives of American Samoa in
the work of the Committee,
Recognizing the need for the Special Committee to ensure that the appropriate
bodies of the United Nations actively pursue a public awareness campaign aimed at
assisting the people of American Samoa with their inalienable right to self -
determination and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-
determination, on a case-by-case basis,
Mindful, in that connection, that the holding of regional seminars in the
Caribbean and Pacific regions and at Headquarters, with the active participation of
representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, provides a helpful means for
the Special Committee to fulfil its mandate and that the regional nature of the
seminars, which alternate between the Caribbean and the Pacific, is a crucial element
in the context of a United Nations programme for ascertaining the political status of
the Territories,
Welcoming the Caribbean regional seminar on the theme “Pursuing goals and
addressing needs of the Non-Self-Governing Territories”, held by the Special
Committee in Caracas and hosted by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela from 14 to 16 May 2024, as a significant and forward-looking event, which
enabled the participants to assess progress made and address challenge s faced in the
decolonization process, review the existing working methods of the Committee and
renew its commitment to implementing its historic task,
Recalling the importance of the conclusions and recommendations adopted by
the seminar, which are annexed to the report of the Special Committee and which
outline the findings of the seminar, including, especially, the way forward for the
decolonization process within the context of the proclamation by the General
Assembly of the period 2021–2030 as the Fourth International Decade for the
Noting with appreciation the contribution to the development of some
Territories by the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations
system, in particular the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,
the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations
Development Programme and the World Food Programme, as well as regional
institutions such as the Caribbean Development Bank, the Caribbean Community, the
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Pacific Islands Forum and the agencies
of the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific,
Recalling the statement made by a representative of the Governor of American
Samoa at the 2018 Pacific regional seminar, 6
Recalling also the statement made by that representative in which he expressed
his view that the people of American Samoa were happy with the relationship with
the administering Power, which could be described as strong and healthy as well as
beneficial to the people and the Government of the Territory, and that the most
__________________
5
See resolution 75/123.
6
Available at www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/c24/regional-seminars/2018.
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important benefit to American Samoa had been the protection of its Indigenous rights
to the land as provided for in the Deeds of Cession,
Recalling further the statement made by the representative that the political
status of American Samoa as an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the
administering Power limited its ability to self-government and exposed it to decisions
made by the administering Power,
Recalling the statement by the representative that, while certain aspects of the
form of government of the Territory and its relationship with the administering Power
were challenging and in need of improvement, the solutions could be found within
the confines of the political and judicial systems of the administering Power and that
the territorial Government was pursuing legal actions to counteract the impact of
unfavourable federal actions and sought the international community ’s tacit support,
Noting with serious concern that the Territory last participated in the activities
of the Special Committee in 2018,
Recalling the decisions of the United States judiciary in which it dismissed a
lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment that would have asserted that the citizenship
clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States extended
to American Samoa, and taking note of the decision in which the petition for a writ
of certiorari was denied, 7
Noting another case before the United States judiciary regarding the citizenship
clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 8 and the
decisions taken on the matter,
Stressing the importance of regional ties for the development of a small island
Territory,
Recalling the creation in February 2022 of the American Samoa Constitutional
Review Committee,
Recalling also the holding of the 2022 Constitutional Convention, from
29 August to 2 September 2022, at which 11 amendments were approved by delegates
to the Convention,
Recalling further the holding of the constitutional referendum in November
2022,
Acknowledging the outcome of the referendum held on 8 November 2022, in
which the proposal to give the Fono, the Territory ’s legislature, the authority to
override the Governor ’s veto was rejected,
Recalling the elections held in the Territory in November 2022 to elect
20 members of the American Samoa House of Representatives and the delegate to the
United States House of Representatives, 9
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of American Samoa to self -
determination, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and with General
Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples;
__________________
7
Decisions of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, issued on 5 June and
2 October 2015, affirming the judgment of the United States District Court for the District of
Columbia, and of the Supreme Court of the United States on 13 June 2016, in connection with
Tuaua v. United States.
8
Fitisemanu v. United States.
9
See A/AC.109/2023/1, paras. 4 and 7.
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2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of American Samoa,

there is no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a
fundamental human right, as recognized under the relevant human rights conventions;
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of American Samoa to
determine freely their future political status in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the Charter, the Declaration and the relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly, and in that connection calls upon the administering Power, in cooperation
with the territorial Government and appropriate bodies of the United Nations system,
to develop political education programmes for the Territory in order to foster an
awareness among the people of their right to self-determination in conformity with
the legitimate political status options, based on the principles clearly defined in
Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) and other relevant resolutions and decisions;
4. Takes note of the work of the territorial Government with respect to
moving forward on political status, local autonomy and self-governance issues with
a view to making political and economic progress, and recalls the establishment in
April 2016 of the Office of Political Status, Constitutional Review and Federal
Relations;
5. Recalls the outcomes of the referendum on proposed amendments to the
Constitution of American Samoa held on 8 November 2022, in which voters approved
five amendments, and the transmittal of these amendments to the Secretary of the
Interior of the United States of America on 14 December 2022;
6. Also recalls the indication by the territorial Government that American
Samoa should remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, under the
purview of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation
of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and
Peoples, until such time as its people have exercised their right to self -determination;
7. Further recalls the invitation extended in 2015 by the Governor of
American Samoa to the Special Committee to send a visiting mission to the Territory,
calls upon the administering Power to facilitate such a mission if the territorial
Government so desires, and requests the Chair of the Special Committee to take all
the steps necessary to that end;
8. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public educational outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of
the Charter, and in that regard calls upon the relevant United Nations organizations
to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
9. Stresses that the Territory should continue to participate in the activities of
the Special Committee, including regional seminars, in order to provide the
Committee with up-to-date information regarding the decolonization process;
10. Also stresses the importance of the Special Committee being apprised of
the views and wishes of the people of American Samoa and enhancing its
understanding of their conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing
political and constitutional arrangements between American Samoa and the
administering Power;
11. Calls upon the administering Power to participate in and cooperate fully
with the work of the Special Committee in order to implement the provisions of
Article 73 e of the Charter and the Declaration and in order to advise the Committee
on the implementation of the provisions under Article 73 b of the Charter on efforts
to promote self-government in American Samoa, and encourages the administering
Power to facilitate visiting and special missions to the Territory;
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12. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering Power under the Charter
to promote the economic and social development and to preserve the cultural identity
of the Territory, and requests the administering Power to take steps to enlist and make
effective use of all possible assistance, on both a bilateral and a multilateral basis, in
the strengthening of the economy of the Territory;
13. Takes into account the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 10
including the Sustainable Development Goals, stresses the importance of fostering
the economic and social sustainable development of the Territory by promoting
sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for
all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social
development and inclusion and promoting the integrated and sustainable management
of natural resources and ecosystems that supports, inter alia, economic, social and
human development, while facilitating ecosystem conservation, regeneration,
restoration and resilience in the face of new and emerging challenges, and strongly
urges the administering Power to refrain from undertaking any kind of illicit, harmful
and unproductive activities, including the use of the Territory as an international
financial centre, that are not aligned with the interest of the people of the Territory;
14. Requests the Territory and the administering Power to take all measures
necessary to protect and conserve the environment of the Territory against any
degradation, and once again requests the specialized agencies concerned to monitor
environmental conditions in the Territory and to provide assistance to the Territory,
consistent with their prevailing rules of procedure;
15. Requests the Special Committee to continue to examine the question of
American Samoa and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session
and on the implementation of the present resolution.
__________________
10
Resolution 70/1.
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Draft resolution V
Question of Anguilla

Having considered the question of Anguilla and examined the report of the
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Anguilla 2 and
other relevant information,
of Anguilla and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained in General
Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1541 (XV) of 15 December
1960 and other resolutions of the Assembly,
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including Anguilla,
Anguilla require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options for self -
determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical location, size of
population or natural resources,
1514 (XV),
of the people of Anguilla in respect of their right to self-determination should be
ascertained,
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/2.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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of the political status of the people of Anguilla and to fulfil its mandate effectively, it
is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland as the administering Power and to receive information from other appropriate
sources, including the representatives of the Territory, concerning the wishes and
aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to Anguilla and to the Special Committee of the
participation of elected and appointed representatives of Anguilla in the work of the
Committee,
assisting the people of Anguilla with their inalienable right to self -determination and
in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-determination, on a case-by-
case basis,
the Territories,
Welcoming the continued engagement of the Territory with the Special
Committee,
Taking note of the statement made by a representative of the Government of
Anguilla at the 2024 Caribbean regional seminar, 6
__________________
5
6
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Recalling that the first regional seminar held in a Non-Self-Governing Territory

was the 2003 Caribbean regional seminar in Anguilla, hosted by the territorial
Government with the cooperation of the administering Power,
Recalling also the decisions taken in 2011 to set up a drafting team to prepare a
new constitution and present it for public consultation in the Territory and the recent
efforts undertaken in that regard, including the establishment, in September 2015, of
a new Constitutional and Electoral Reform Committee to advance constitutional and
electoral reform, draft proposals for electoral and constitutional reforms submitted as
the draft constitution by the Committee in November 2016, as well as the revised
draft Constitution issued in March 2017 and presented to the Executive Council in
May 2017, and aware of the proposals made by the territorial Government to the
administering Power on amendments to the Constitution of Anguilla and of the
Anguilla Constitution (Amendment) Orders 2019 and 2020, which came into force in
May 2019 and November 2020, respectively,
Recalling further the recommencement of public consultations on the
constitutional amendments in 2021,
Noting the participation of the Territory as an associate member in the Caribbean
Community, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,
Recalling with concern the devastating damage and impact caused in the
Territory by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in 2017,
Territory,
Recalling the general elections that were held in June 2020, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Anguilla to self-
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of Anguilla, there is
no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental
human right, as recognized under the relevant human rights conventions;
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Anguilla to
4. Urges that constitutional discussions with the administering Power,
including public consultations, be concluded as soon as possible;
5. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory in its current
efforts with regard to advancing the internal constitutional review exercise, if
requested;
6. Calls upon the administering Power to facilitate a visiting mission by the
__________________
7
See A/AC.109/2021/2, para. 3.
60/156 24-12640
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Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, if

the territorial Government so desires, and requests the Chair of the Special Committee
to take all the steps necessary to that end;
work concerning public educational outreach efforts consistent with Article 73 b of
8. Calls upon the administering Power to assist the territorial Government in
strengthening its commitments in the economic domain, including budgetary matters,
with regional support as needed and appropriate;
9. Welcomes the active participation of the Territory in the work of the
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean;
the views and wishes of the people of Anguilla and enhancing its understanding of
their conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing political and
constitutional arrangements between Anguilla and the administering Power;
to promote self-government in Anguilla, and encourages the administering Power to
facilitate visiting and special missions to the Territory;
__________________
8
Resolution 70/1.
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16. Reiterates its call upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies
and other organizations of the United Nations system and regional organizations to
provide all the assistance necessary to the Territory, support the recovery and
reduction, in particular in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria that
impacted the Territory in 2017;
Anguilla and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session and on
the implementation of the present resolution.
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Draft resolution VI
Question of Bermuda

Having considered the question of Bermuda and examined the report of the
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Bermuda 2 and
of Bermuda and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained in
General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1541 (XV) of
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including Bermuda,
Bermuda require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options for self -
1514 (XV),
of the people of Bermuda in respect of their right to self-determination should be
ascertained,
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/3.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
24-12640 63/156
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of the political status of the people of Bermuda and to fulfil its mandate effectively,
it is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland as the administering Power and to receive information from other
appropriate sources, including the representatives of the Territory, concerning the
wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to Bermuda and to the Special Committee of the
participation of elected and appointed representatives of Bermuda in the work of the
Committee,
assisting the people of Bermuda with their inalienable right to self -determination and
case basis,
the Territories,
Recalling the statement made by a representative of the Government of Bermuda
at the 2021 Caribbean regional seminar, 6
Recalling also the dispatch of the United Nations special mission to Bermuda
in 2005, at the request of the territorial Government and with the concurrence of the
administering Power, which provided information to the people of the Territory on
the role of the United Nations in the process of self-determination, on the legitimate
__________________
5
6
64/156 24-12640
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political status options as clearly defined in General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV)
and on the experiences of other small States that have achieved a full measure of self -
government,
Stressing the importance of good governance, transparency and accountability
in the Territory,
Stressing also the importance of regional ties for the development of a small
island Territory,
Recalling the general elections that were held in October 2020, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Bermuda to self-
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of Bermuda, there is
no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Bermuda to
4. Stresses the importance of the 2005 report of the Bermuda Independence
Commission, which provides a thorough examination of the facts surrounding
independence, and continues to regret that the plans for public meetings and the
presentation of a Green Paper to the House of Assembly followed by a White Paper
outlining the policy proposals for an independent Bermuda have so far not
materialized;
5. Underlines the need further to strengthen good governance, transparency
and accountability in government for the benefit of the Territory;
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,
including regional seminars, in order to provide the Committee with up-to-date
information regarding the decolonization process;
the views and wishes of the people of Bermuda and enhancing its understanding of
__________________
7
See A/AC.109/2021/3, para. 4.
24-12640 65/156
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their conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing political and
constitutional arrangements between Bermuda and the administering Power;
to promote self-government in Bermuda, and encourages the administering Power to
Bermuda and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session and
on the implementation of the present resolution.
__________________
8
Resolution 70/1.
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Draft resolution VII

Question of the British Virgin Islands

Having considered the question of the British Virgin Islands and examined the
report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation
for 2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the British
Virgin Islands 2 and other relevant information,
of the British Virgin Islands and in conformity with the clearly defined principles
contained in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1541
(XV) of 15 December 1960 and other resolutions of the Assembly,
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the British Virgin
Islands,
the British Virgin Islands require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the
options for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical
location, size of population or natural resources,
1514 (XV),
of the people of the British Virgin Islands in respect of their right to self -determination
should be ascertained,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/4.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
24-12640 67/156
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organizations,
of the political status of the people of the British Virgin Islands and to fulfil its
mandate effectively, it is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland as the administering Power and to receive
information from other appropriate sources, including the representatives of the
Territory, concerning the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to the British Virgin Islands and to the Special
Committee of the participation of elected and appointed representatives of the British
Virgin Islands in the work of the Committee,
assisting the people of the British Virgin Islands with their inalienable right to self -
determination and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self -
the Territories,
enabled the participants to assess progress made and address challenges faced in the
Noting the statement made by a representative of the Government of the British
Virgin Islands at the 2024 Caribbean regional seminar, 6
__________________
5
6
68/156 24-12640
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Noting also the decision of the Special Committee to dispatch a visiting mission
to the Territory in August 2024,
Territory,
Cognizant of the Territory’s associate membership in the Caribbean Community,
the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the Association of Caribbean States,
and noting the aspiration of the Territory to become a full member of the Caribbean
Community and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States,
Noting the vulnerability of the Territory to the increased frequency and intensity
of natural disasters such as hurricanes and devastating floods and their long -term
effects on the Territory,
Recalling the general elections that were held in April 2023, 7
Recalling also the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry by the Governor
on 18 January 2021, and aware of the publication in April 2022 of the report of the
Commission of Inquiry,
Taking note of the agreement of the administering Power to the proposal by the
territorial Government of National Unity on the implementation of the
recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry without the need for a temporary
partial suspension of the Constitution,
Expressing concern that the administering Power put an Order in Council on
hold to partially suspend the Constitution if the Government of the United Kingdom
assesses that the implementation of the recommendations does not proceed
satisfactorily,
Noting that the Constitutional Review Commission was established in 2022 to
conduct a full review of the 2007 Constitution of the British Virgin Islands,
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the British Virgin Islands
to self-determination, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and with
General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples;
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of the British Virgin
Islands, there is no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the British Virgin
Islands to determine freely their future political status in accordance with the relevant
4. Recalls the 2007 Constitution of the British Virgin Islands, and stresses
the importance of continued discussions on constitutional matters, to accord greater
__________________
7
See A/AC.109/2023/4, “The Territory at a glance”.
24-12640 69/156
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responsibility to the territorial Government for the effective implementation of the

Constitution and increased levels of education relating to constitutional matters;
5. Calls for full respect of the Constitution and the mutual agreement with
respect to the recommendations of the report of the Commission of Inquiry, and calls
upon all parties involved to maintain dialogue and work in partnership in the interest
of the people of the Territory;
6. Stresses the need for continued close monitoring by the Special Committee
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples of the situation in the Territory,
including the dispatch of a visiting mission, in close consultation with the
administering Power and the territorial Government;
the views and wishes of the people of the British Virgin Islands and enhancing its
political and constitutional arrangements between the British Virgin Islands and the
to promote self-government in the British Virgin Islands, and encourages the
administering Power to facilitate visiting and special missions to the Territory;
12. Welcomes the cooperation of the administering Power in facilitating the
dispatching of the visiting mission to the Territory;
__________________
8
Resolution 70/1.
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provide all the necessary assistance to the Territory, support the recovery and
17. Requests the Special Committee to continue to examine the question of the
British Virgin Islands and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth
session and on the implementation of the present resolution.
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Draft resolution VIII

Question of the Cayman Islands

Having considered the question of the Cayman Islands and examined the report
of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the Cayman
Islands 2 and other relevant information,
of the Cayman Islands and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained
in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1541 (XV) of
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the Cayman Islands,
the Cayman Islands require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the
options for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical
location, size of population or natural resources,
1514 (XV),
of the people of the Cayman Islands in respect of their right to self -determination
should be ascertained,
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/5.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
72/156 24-12640
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of the political status of the people of the Cayman Islands and to fulfil its mandate
effectively, it is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland as the administering Power and to receive information from
other appropriate sources, including the representatives of the Territory, concerning
the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to the Cayman Islands and to the Special
Committee of the participation of elected and appointed representatives of the
Cayman Islands in the work of the Committee,
assisting the people of the Cayman Islands with their inalienable right to self -
determination and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-
the Territories,
Recalling the statement made by the honorary representative of the territorial
Government at the 2010 Pacific regional seminar held in Nouméa, 6
__________________
5
6
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Aware of the work, in accordance with the 2009 Constitution, of the

Constitutional Commission, which serves as an advisory body on constitutional
matters,
Aware also that the territorial Government proposed constitutional changes to
the administering Power and that subsequently the Cayman Islands Constitution
(Amendment) Order 2020 came into force in December 2020,
Territory,
Cognizant of the Territory’s associate membership in the Caribbean Community
and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,
Recalling the general election that was held in April 2021, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the Cayman Islands to self -
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of the Cayman Islands,
there is no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the Cayman Islands
to determine freely their future political status, in accordance with the relevant
4. Recalls the 2009 Constitution of the Cayman Islands, and stresses the
importance of the work of the Constitutional Commission, including its work on
human rights education;
the views and wishes of the people of the Cayman Islands and enhancing its
political and constitutional arrangements between the Cayman Islands and the
__________________
7
74/156 24-12640
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to promote self-government in the Cayman Islands, and encourages the administering
Cayman Islands and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session
__________________
8
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Draft resolution IX
Question of French Polynesia

Having considered the question of French Polynesia,
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on French
Polynesia, 2 which contained available updates requested by the General Assembly in
its resolution 78/91 of 7 December 2023, and other relevant information,
Reaffirming the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the
Charter of the United Nations and in accordance with all relevant resolutions,
including General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 1541
(XV) of 15 December 1960,
Recalling its resolution 67/265 of 17 May 2013, entitled “Self-determination of
French Polynesia”, in which it affirmed the inalienable right of the people of French
Polynesia to self-determination and independence in accordance with Chapter XI of
the Charter and its resolution 1514 (XV), recognized that French Polynesia remains
a Non-Self-Governing Territory within the meaning of the Charter and declared that
an obligation exists under Article 73 e of the Charter on the part of the Government
of France, as the administering Power of the Territory, to transmit information on
French Polynesia,
Taking note of the section related to French Polynesia of the Final Document of
the Nineteenth Summit of Heads of State or Government of Non -Aligned Countries,
held in Kampala on 19 and 20 January 2024, 3
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including French Polynesia,
Recognizing that all available options for self-determination of the Territories
are valid as long as they are in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the
peoples concerned, on a case-by-case basis and in conformity with the clearly defined
principles contained in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV), 1541 (XV) and
other relevant resolutions of the Assembly,
Recognizing also that the specific characteristics and the aspirations of the
people of French Polynesia require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to
the options for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size,
geographical location, size of population or natural resources,
Reaffirming the inalienable rights of the people of French Polynesia to the
ownership, control and disposal of their natural resources, including marine resources
and undersea minerals,
Conscious of the responsibility of the administering Power to ensure the full and
speedy implementation of the Declaration in respect of French Polynesia,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/7.
3
See https://nam.go.ug/sites/default/files/2024-02/Kampala%20Final%20Outcome%20Document.pdf.
4
76/156 24-12640
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of the political status of the people of the Territories and to fulfil its mandate
effectively, on a case-by-case basis, it is important for it to be apprised by the
administering Powers and to receive information from other appropriate sources,
including the representatives of the Territories, concerning the wishes and aspirations
of the people of the Territories,
Recognizing the significant health and environmental impacts of nuclear testing
conducted by the administering Power in the Territory over a 30 -year period, and
recognizing also the concerns in the Territory related to the consequences of those
activities for the lives and health of the people, especially children and vulnerable
groups, as well as the environment of the region, and bearing in mind General
Assembly resolution 78/71 of 7 December 2023, entitled “Effects of atomic
radiation”,
Recalling the report of the Secretary-General on the environmental, ecological,
health and other impacts of the 30-year period of nuclear testing in French Polynesia, 5
prepared pursuant to paragraph 7 of General Assembly resolution 71/120 of
6 December 2016,
Recalling also that, in February 2017, the administering Power amended the Act
concerning the recognition and compensating of victims of nuclear tests 6 in order to
allow for the compensation of a larger number of victims, and that further
amendments have been adopted,
assisting the people of the Territories in gaining a better understanding of the options
for self-determination,
Recalling the admission of French Polynesia as a full member of the Pacific
Islands Forum at the forty-seventh Pacific Islands Forum, convened in Pohnpei,
Federated States of Micronesia, from 8 to 10 September 2016,
Taking note of the statement made by the President of French Polynesia in the
Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), at the seventy -
eighth session of the General Assembly, in October 2023, 7 and of the statement made
by the representative of the President of French Polynesia in the Special Committee
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in June 2 024,
Recalling the invitation extended by the President of French Polynesia to the
Special Committee to send a visiting mission to the Territory, as reiterated in the
Fourth Committee at the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly, 8
Territory,
Recalling the legislative elections held in June 2022, and the territorial elections
that were held in April 2023, and noting the establishment of the Special Commission
on Decolonization by the Assembly of French Polynesia on 26 October 2023,
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of French Polynesia to self -
__________________
5
A/72/74.
6
Act No. 2010-2 of 5 January 2010 concerning the recognition and compensating of victims of
nuclear tests.
7
See A/C.4/78/SR.3, paras. 7–13.
8
Ibid., para. 13.
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2. Also reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of French Polynesia to
awareness among the people of French Polynesia of their right to self-determination
in conformity with the legitimate political status options, based on the principles
clearly defined in Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) and other relevant resolutions and
decisions;
3. Takes note of the statement made by the President of the Territory in
October 2023 that the Territorial government fully supports a proper decolonization
process and self-determination process under the scrutiny of the United Nations;
4. Reaffirms, in this regard, General Assembly resolution 67/265, which
provided for the reinscription of French Polynesia on the list of Non -Self-Governing
Territories, and takes careful note of an independent self-governance assessment of
the Territory, presented to the Fourth Committee on 4 October 2016, 9 that the
Territory did not meet the full measure of self-government;
with the work of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the
Countries and Peoples in order to implement the provisions of Article 73 e of the
Charter and the Declaration and in order to advise the Special Committee on the
implementation of the provisions under Article 73 b of the Charter on efforts to
promote self-government in French Polynesia, and encourages the administering
6. Reiterates its request to the administering Power to facilitate a visiting
mission to the Territory, and requests the Chair of the Special Committee to take all
the steps necessary to that end;
7. Regrets that the administering Power has not responded to the request to
submit information on French Polynesia under Article 73 e of the Charter since the
reinscription of the Territory by the General Assembly in 2013;
8. Reaffirms that an obligation exists on the part of the administering Power
to transmit information under Chapter XI of the Charter, and requests the
administering Power to transmit to the Secretary-General such information on French
Polynesia as called for under the Charter;
9. Urges the administering Power to ensure the permanent sovereignty of the
people of French Polynesia over their natural resources, including marine resources
and undersea minerals, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly;
10. Takes note of the efforts made by the administering Power concerning the
recognition and compensation of victims of nuclear tests, and in that regard
encourages the administering Power to take steps to this effect;
11. Reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to provide continuous
updates on the environmental, ecological, health and other impacts of the 30 -year
period of nuclear testing in French Polynesia as they become available, in follow -up
__________________
9
See A/C.4/71/SR.3, paras. 71 and 72.
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to the report of the Secretary-General on the matter, prepared pursuant to paragraph 7

of General Assembly resolution 71/120;
12. Calls upon the administering Power to initiate a dialogue with the
Government of French Polynesia in order to facilitate rapid progress towards a fair
and effective self-determination process, under which the terms and timelines for an
act of self-determination would be agreed;
Non-Self-Governing Territory of French Polynesia and to report thereon to the
General Assembly at its eightieth session.
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Draft resolution X
Question of Guam

Having considered the question of Guam and examined the report of the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on
the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples for 2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Guam, 2 which
contained the information requested by the General Assembly in resolution 78/92 of
7 December 2023, and other relevant information,
of Guam and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained in General
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including Guam,
Guam require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options for self -
1514 (XV),
Recalling the joint letter dated 29 January 2021 addressed to the administering
Power from the Special Rapporteurs on the issue of human rights obligations relating
to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, on the rights
of Indigenous Peoples and on the implications for human rights of the
environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and
wastes,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/9.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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of the people of Guam in respect of their right to self-determination should be

ascertained,
organizations,
of the political status of the people of Guam and to fulfil its mandate effectively, it is
important for it to be apprised by the United States of America as the administering
Power and to receive information from other appropriate sources, including the
representatives of the Territory, concerning the wishes and aspirations of the people
of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to Guam and to the Special Committee of the
participation of elected and appointed representatives of Guam in the work of the
Committee,
assisting the people of Guam with their inalienable right to self -determination and in
gaining a better understanding of the options for self-determination, on a case-by-
case basis,
the Territories,
__________________
5
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Noting with concern that a plebiscite on self-determination has been brought to

a halt, which followed the ruling 6 of a federal court in the United States, the
administering Power, holding that the plebiscite could not be limited to native
inhabitants,
Recalling, in this regard, the statement made by a representative of the Governor
of Guam at the 2019 Caribbean regional seminar concerning the implications of the
judicial case in the light of the nature and essence of the Charter of the United Nations
and resolution 1514 (XV), 7
Cognizant of the efforts made by the Guam Commission on Decolonization for
the Implementation and Exercise of CHamoru Self-Determination to promote in the
Territory the holding of a plebiscite on self-determination and to advance its
education campaign on each of the three political status options, and recalling that
more than 11,000 native inhabitants had been registered in the Guam decolonization
registry to vote in the plebiscite,
Recalling that, in a referendum held in 1987, the registered and eligible voters
of Guam endorsed a draft Guam Commonwealth Act that would establish a new
framework for relations between the Territory and the administering Power, providing
for a greater measure of internal self-government for Guam and recognition of the
right of the CHamoru people of Guam to self-determination for the Territory,
Aware that negotiations between the administering Power and the territorial
Government on the draft Guam Commonwealth Act ended in 1997 and that Guam has
subsequently established a non-binding plebiscite process for a self-determination
vote by the eligible CHamoru voters,
Cognizant of the importance of the administering Power ’s implementing its
programme of transferring surplus federal land to the Government of Guam,
Noting a call for reform in the programme of the administering Power with
respect to the thorough, unconditional and expeditious transfer of land property to the
people of Guam,
Aware that the federal lawsuit by the administering Power over the CHamoru
Land Trust programme was filed in September 2017, and noting the ruling 8 issued on
21 December 2018,
Recalling the expressed desire of the territorial Government for a visiting
mission by the Special Committee, as renewed during the 2024 Caribbean regional
seminar,
Aware of the existing concerns of the Territory regarding the potential social,
cultural, economic and environmental impacts of the planned transfer of additional
military personnel of the administering Power to the Territory,
Noting the concerns most recently expressed by the Territory on this subject
before the Special Committee at its 2024 session and the Special Political and
Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) at the seventy -eighth session of the
General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 57/140 of 11 December 2002, in which it reiterated that
military activities and arrangements by administering Powers in the Non -Self-
Governing Territories under their administration should not run counter to the rights
__________________
6
District Court of Guam, Davis v. Guam et al., decision of 8 March 2017, upheld by the United
States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on 29 July 2019 and the Supreme Court of the
United States on 4 May 2020.
7
8
District Court of Guam, United States v. Guam et al., decision of 21 December 2018.
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and interests of the peoples of the Territories concerned, especially their right to self -
determination, including independence, and called upon the administering Powers
concerned to terminate such activities and to eliminate the remaining military bases
in compliance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly,
Recalling also its resolution 35/118 of 11 December 1980 and the territorial
Government’s concern that immigration into Guam has resulted in the Indigenous
CHamorus becoming a minority in their homeland,
Territory,
Recalling the general elections in the Territory that were held in November
2022, 9
Expressing its concern at the devastating damage and impact caused in the
Territory by Typhoon Mawar in 2023,
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Guam to self-
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of Guam, there is no
alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental human
right, as recognized under the relevant human rights conventions;
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Guam to determine
freely their future political status in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
Charter, the Declaration and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and in
that connection calls upon the administering Power, in cooperation with the territorial
Government and appropriate bodies of the United Nations system, to develop political
education programmes for the Territory in order to foster an awareness among the
people of their right to self-determination in conformity with the legitimate political
status options, based on the principles clearly defined in Assembly resolution 1541
(XV) and other relevant resolutions and decisions;
4. Welcomes the ongoing work of the Guam Commission on Decolonization
for the Implementation and Exercise of CHamoru Self-Determination, as well as its
public education efforts, and takes note of the study entitled Giha Mo’na: A Self-
determination Study for Guåhan;
5. Stresses that the decolonization process in Guam should be compatible
with the Charter, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; 10
6. Calls once again upon the administering Power to take into consideration
the expressed will of the CHamoru people as supported by Guam voters in the
referendum of 1987 and as subsequently provided for in Guam law regarding
CHamoru self-determination efforts, encourages the administering Power and the
territorial Government to enter into negotiations on the matter, and stresses the need
for continued close monitoring of the overall situation in the Territory;
7. Requests the administering Power, in cooperation with the territorial
Government, to continue to transfer land to the original landowners of the Territory,
to continue to recognize and to respect the political rights and the cultural and ethnic
__________________
9
See A/AC.109/2023/9, paras. 2–4.
10
Resolution 217 A (III).
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identity of the CHamoru people of Guam and to take all measures necessary to address
the concerns of the territorial Government with regard to the question of immigration;
8. Also requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating
its work concerning public educational outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b
of the Charter, in that regard calls upon the relevant United Nations organizations to
provide assistance to the Territory, if requested, and welcomes the recent outreach
work by the territorial Government;
9. Further requests the administering Power to cooperate in establishing
programmes for the sustainable development of the economic activities and
enterprises of the Territory, noting the special role of the CHamoru people in the
development of Guam;
10. Stresses the importance of the Special Committee on the Situation with
Colonial Countries and Peoples being apprised of the views and wishes of the people
of Guam and enhancing its understanding of their conditions, including the nature
and scope of the existing political and constitutional arrangements between Guam and
the administering Power;
11. Also stresses that the Territory should continue to participate in the
activities of the Special Committee, including regional seminars, in order to provide
the Committee with up-to-date information regarding the decolonization process;
to promote self-government in Guam, and encourages the administering Power to
13. Also calls upon the administering Power to facilitate a visiting mission to
the Territory, and requests the Chair of the Special Committee to take all the steps
necessary to that end;
__________________
11
Resolution 70/1.
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degradation and the impact of militarization on the environment, and once again
requests the specialized agencies concerned to monitor environmental conditions in
the Territory and to provide assistance to the Territory, consistent with their prevailing
rules of procedure;
17. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to report on the environmental
impact of the military activities of the administering Power in the Territory, as
relevant information becomes available;
18. Calls upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system and regional organizations to provide all
the assistance necessary to the Territory, support the recovery and rebuilding efforts
and enhance capabilities for emergency preparedness and risk reduction, in particular
in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar that impacted the Territory in 2023;
Guam and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session and on
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Draft resolution XI
Question of Montserrat

Having considered the question of Montserrat and examined the report of the
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Montserrat 2 and
of Montserrat and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained in
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including Montserrat,
Montserrat require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options for
self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical location,
1514 (XV),
of the people of Montserrat in respect of their right to self-determination should be
ascertained,
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/10.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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of the political status of the people of Montserrat and to fulfil its mandate effectively,
it is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland as the administering Power and to receive information from other
Aware of the importance both to Montserrat and to the Special Committee of the
participation of elected and appointed representatives of Montserrat in the work of
the Committee,
assisting the people of Montserrat with their inalienable right to self -determination
and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-determination, on a case-
by-case basis,
the Territories,
Noting with concern the continuing consequences of the 1995 volcanic eruption,
which led to the evacuation of three quarters of the population of the Territory to safe
areas of the island and to areas outside the Territory and which continues to have
enduring consequences for the economy of the island,
Acknowledging the continuing assistance provided to the Territory by States
members of the Caribbean Community, in particular Antigua and Barbuda, which has
__________________
5
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offered safe refuge and access to educational and health facilities, as well as
employment for thousands who have left the Territory,
Noting the continuing efforts of the administering Power and the territorial
Government to deal with the consequences of the volcanic eruption,
Recalling the importance of improving the infrastructure and accessibility of
Montserrat, as conveyed by the Premier of Montserrat to the Chair of the Special
Committee in their meeting on 11 May 2015,
Territory,
Cognizant of the Territory’s membership in the Caribbean Community, in the
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States as a founding member, and in the Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean as an associate member,
Recalling the elections in the Territory that were held in November 2019, 6
Recalling also the dispatch of a United Nations visiting mission to Montserrat
in December 2019,
Reiterating its appreciation to the administering Power and to the Government
and people of Montserrat for the cooperation and assistance extended to the visiting
mission,
Reiterating its endorsement of the report, conclusions and recommendations of
the visiting mission, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Montserrat to self -
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of Montserrat, there
is no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Montserrat to
4. Recalls the 2010 Constitution of Montserrat and the work of the territorial
Government with respect to moving forward to consolidate the gains provided for in
the Constitution;
__________________
6
See A/AC.109/2020/10, para. 3.
7
A/AC.109/2020/20.
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6. Welcomes the participation of the Territory in the work of the Organisation

of Eastern Caribbean States and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean;
8. Calls upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system, as well as regional and other
organizations, to continue to provide assistance to the Territory in alleviating the
consequences of the volcanic eruption;
9. Stresses the importance of the Special Committee being apprised of the
views and wishes of the people of Montserrat and enhancing its understanding of their
conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing political and constitutional
arrangements between Montserrat and the administering Power;
to promote self-government in Montserrat, and encourages the administering Power
to facilitate visiting and special missions to the Territory;
11. Commends the conclusions and recommendations of the visiting mission
to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as
the administering Power, and to the Government of Montserrat for appropriate action;
12. Requests the administering Power to continue to report to the Secretary -
General on the steps taken and progress made with regard to the recommendations
contained in the report of the visiting mission;
__________________
8
Resolution 70/1.
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Montserrat and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session and
on the implementation of the present resolution.
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Draft resolution XII

Question of New Caledonia

Having considered the question of New Caledonia,
Reaffirming the right of peoples to self-determination as enshrined in the
Charter of the United Nations,
Recalling its resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 1541 (XV) of
15 December 1960, and stressing principle VI of the annex to resolution 1541 (XV),
Recalling also the provisions of the Nouméa Accord, 2 which, inter alia,
underscores the importance of the transfer of powers and skills in a timely manner
from the administering Power to the people of New Caledonia,
Reaffirming that the natural resources are the heritage of the peoples of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the Indigenous populations,
Concerned about any activities aimed at exploiting the natural and human
resources of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to the detriment of the interests of
the inhabitants of those Territories,
Noting the importance of the positive measures being pursued in New Caledonia
by the French authorities, in cooperation with all sectors of the population, to promote
equitable political, economic and social development in the Territory, including
measures in the area of environmental protection, in order to provide a framework for
its peaceful progress to self-determination,
Recalling the peaceful conduct of the first and second self-determination
referendums in New Caledonia on 4 November 2018 and 4 October 2020,
respectively, in which the question “Do you want New Caledonia to accede to full
sovereignty and become independent?” was asked, in accordance with the Nouméa
Accord and the respective decisions of the Committee of Signatories to the Nouméa
Accord of March 2018 and November 2019,
Recalling also the meetings held in Paris from 26 May to 1 June 2021 between
the administering Power and political parties in New Caledonia,
Taking note of the holding on 12 December 2021 of the third self-determination
referendum in New Caledonia subsequent to the decision taken in June 2021 by the
administering Power and the challenges involved and the concerns expressed over the
results,
Recalling the report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous
Peoples on the situation of Kanak people in New Caledonia, submitted to the Human
Rights Council at its eighteenth session, held from 12 to 30 September and on
21 October 2011, 3 following his visit to the Territory in February 2011, and stressing
the importance of addressing concerns related to the human rights of Indigenous
Kanak People, including in eliminating the existing inequalities between the three
provinces of the Territory,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2114, annex.
3
A/HRC/18/35/Add.6, annex.
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Noting with satisfaction the intensification of contacts between New Caledonia

and neighbouring countries of the South Pacific region, including through the hosting
of New Caledonian delegates in the French diplomatic and consular missions in the
region,
Recalling the conclusions of the nineteenth Melanesian Spearhead Group
Leaders Summit, under the historic inaugural chairmanship of the Front de libération
nationale kanak et socialiste, held in Nouméa from 19 to 21 June 2013, including the
Leaders Declaration of the Group reaffirming the strong commitment to and support,
including technical assistance, for the self-determination of New Caledonia, in
accordance with the Charter and the Nouméa Accord, and taking note of the
Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders Summit communiqué resulting from their
meeting held in Port Vila on 23 and 24 August 2023, in which it was agreed and
reaffirmed that the inclusion in the United Nations decolonization list of New
Caledonia as a Non-Self-Governing Territory is protected and maintained,
Recalling also the admission of New Caledonia as a full member of the Pacific
Islands Forum at the forty-seventh Pacific Islands Forum, convened in Pohnpei,
Federated States of Micronesia, from 8 to 10 September 2016,
Recalling further the exchange of letters between the Department of Political
Affairs of the Secretariat and the Melanesian Spearhead Group secretariat on the
sharing of information on New Caledonia,
Mindful that New Caledonia has entered the most critical phase of its political
development, following the holding of the third self-determination referendum on
12 December 2021, a period that requires continued close monitoring by the United
Nations of the situation in the Territory in order to help the people of New Caledonia
to exercise their right to self-determination, including attainment of a full measure of
self-government in accordance with the objectives set out in the Charter and the
Taking note of the commitment of all stakeholders in New Caledonia and the
administering Power, going forward, to transparent and inclusive dialogue on the
future status of the Territory, and noting in this regard the meetings convened in Paris
on 28 October 2022 and from 11 to 14 April 2023, as well as the ministerial and high -
level visits to New Caledonia from 12 to 15 September and 28 November to
4 December 2022, from 2 to 8 March and 1 to 5 June 2023 and on 23 May 2024,
Recalling the Charter of the Kanak people, common base of the fundamental
values and principles of the Kanak civilization, which was proclaimed in April 2014
by the customary authorities, Great Chiefs, Chiefs, Presidents of District Councils
and Presidents of the Clan Chiefs Councils, as the sole traditional custodians of the
Kanak people of New Caledonia, and noting the concern of the Customary Senate
that their interests should be adequately heard by the administering Power and
territorial Government on matters of importance to the Indigenous People of New
Caledonia,
Recalling also the dispatch of two United Nations visiting missions to New
Caledonia in 2014 and 2018, which included visits to Paris, as well as the release of
the respective reports of the visiting missions of the Special Committee, 5
Noting the strengthened cooperation of the administering Power with regard to
the work of the Special Committee relating to New Caledonia, including its
facilitation of the 2014 and 2018 visiting missions, and the agreement for the next
visiting mission, as well as the conduct of self-determination referendums in New
__________________
4
5
A/AC.109/2014/20/Rev.1 and A/AC.109/2018/20.
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Caledonia on 4 November 2018, 4 October 2020 and 12 December 2021, in

accordance with the Nouméa Accord,
Recalling the successful conduct by New Caledonia of provincial elections on
12 May 2019,
Recalling also the information presented to the Pacific and the Caribbean
regional seminars on the implementation of the Third and Fourth International
Decades for the Eradication of Colonialism since 2014, including the Caribbean
regional seminar held in Caracas from 14 to 16 May 2024, and the relevant
recommendations adopted by the Special Committee,
Taking note of the information provided by the administering Power at the
Pacific regional seminars in 2022 and 2023 and at the Caribbean regional seminars
held in Caracas from 14 to 16 May 2024, in the Parish of Saint John, Dominica, from
25 to 27 August 2021, in Grand Anse, Grenada, from 2 to 4 May 2019, and in
Kingstown from 16 to 18 May 2017, respectively, as well as by New Caledonian
parties at the seminars in 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2024 on developments in the Territory,
including on the first referendum on self-determination, and the recommendations
adopted by the seminar in 2017, which are annexed to the report of the Special
Committee for 2017, 6
Aware of the challenges encountered in the 2014 provincial electoral process,
particularly with regard to the work of the special administrative commissions in
updating the special electoral roll, the non-existence of the supplementary electoral
roll from 1998 and the unavailability of the 1998 general electoral roll prior to 2014,
and their potential impact on the referendum on self-determination, and taking note
of the positive progress made since 2014 on the electoral process for the self -
determination referendum,
Recalling the invitations from the administering Power to the Electoral
Assistance Division of the former Department of Political Affairs and the current
Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the Secretariat to dispatch
electoral expert missions to New Caledonia in May 2016 and in subsequent years to
observe the work of the special administrative commissions and the advisory
committee of experts for the establishment and revision of the special electoral list,
including, in particular, for the self-determination referendums in New Caledonia on
4 November 2018, 4 October 2020 and 12 December 2021, consistent with the
Nouméa Accord,
Recalling also the transmission by the administering Power to the Special
Committee of the final report of the electoral expert mission to New Caledonia
conducted in 2016, as well as of the list of measures implemented by the
administering Power to follow up on the recommendations of the mission,
Taking note with serious concern of the tragic outbreak of violence and tensions
in New Caledonia since May 2024, which remains ongoing, as a consequence of the
differing views between various stakeholders in the Non -Self Governing Territory of
New Caledonia and the administering Power, France, over the reforms of the
provincial electoral list in New Caledonia and the potential impact on political
representation of certain segments of the population of New Caledonia, particularly
Kanak people, and taking note of efforts undertaken by relevant parties to de-escalate
the situation and restore peace and security and address the socioeconomic situation
in the Territory,
Noting the concerns of the people of New Caledonia regarding the importance
of and need for clarity through an educational campaign by the administering Power
__________________
6
Official Records of the General Assembly, Seventy-second Session, Supplement No. 23 (A/72/23).
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concerning the potential referendum outcomes, and the relevant measures to this end
taken since 2018 by the administering Power,
Noting also the request of the Committee of Signatories to the Nouméa Accord
for an audit of the decolonization process and the outcome of the Nouméa Accord in
New Caledonia,
assisting the people of the Territory in gaining a better understanding of the options
for self-determination,
Taking note of the welcome engagement of the administering Power, at the
ministerial level, for consultations with the Bureau of the Special Committee in New
York on 7 February 2022, 19 May 2023 and 12 April 2024 on the evolving
developments in New Caledonia,
1. Reaffirms its approval of the report of the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples for 2024;
2. Reiterates its endorsement of the reports, observations, conclusions and
recommendations of the United Nations visiting missions to New Caledonia
conducted in 2014 and 2018;
3. Reiterates its appreciation to the administering Power and the Government
of New Caledonia for the close cooperation and assistance extended to the visiting
missions;
4. Reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of New Caledonia to
determine freely and fairly their future political status in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the relevant resolutions of the
General Assembly, and in that connection calls upon the administering Power, in
cooperation with the territorial Government and appropriate bodies of the United
Nations system, to develop political education programmes for the Territory in order
to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self -determination in
conformity with the legitimate political status options, based on the principles clearly
defined in Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) and other relevant resolutions and
decisions;
5. Notes the continuing concerns expressed regarding the challenges
encountered in the provincial elections process with respect to the persistent varying
interpretations of the restricted electorate provisions and the voter registration appeal
process, and encourages efforts by the administering Power and the people of New
Caledonia to address in an amicable and peaceful manner the concerns of all
stakeholders under the existing relevant laws in the Territory and in France, while
also respecting and upholding the spirit and letter of the Nouméa Accord;
6. Urges all stakeholders in New Caledonia to exercise full restraint to
prevent further escalation of the already tense situation, including by law enforcement
authorities in New Caledonia taking into account the exercise of proportionality to
the situation at hand;
7. Recalls the peaceful conduct of the self-determination referendums, in
accordance with the Nouméa Accord, on 4 November 2018 and on 4 October 2020,
resulting in 56.67 per cent against full sovereignty and independence and 43.33 per
cent in favour in the first referendum and 53.26 per cent against full sovereignty and
independence and 46.74 per cent in favour in the second referendum, and recalls the
holding of the third self-determination referendum on 12 December 2021 amid
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challenges, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the boycott
of the referendum by sectors of New Caledonia’s eligible referendum voters, resulting
in 96.50 per cent against full sovereignty and independence and 3.50 per cent in
favour, with a voter turnout of 43.87 per cent;
8. Also recalls the decision taken by the administering Power to hold the third
self-determination referendum in New Caledonia on 12 December 2021, and
reiterates the call upon the administering Power and all relevant stakeholders in New
Caledonia to ensure the peaceful, fair, just and transparent conduct of the next steps
of the self-determination process, in accordance with the Nouméa Accord;
9. Expresses the view that adequate measures are important for the attainment
of a full measure of self-government during the upcoming consultations between all
stakeholders in the Territory;
10. Welcomes, in that respect, the continuous high-level political dialogue and
commitment in good faith undertaken by the parties to the Nouméa Accord to find a
pathway forward for the attainment of a full measure of self -government,
post-Nouméa Accord, as provided in the Accord;
11. Recalls the outcome of the twelfth meeting of the Committee of
Signatories to the Nouméa Accord, held on 3 October 2014, which, inter alia, stressed
the commitment of the administering Power to enable the people of New Caledonia
to decide their future status in a fair, credible, democratic and transparent self-
determination process consistent with the Nouméa Accord;
12. Recalls with interest the convening of the extraordinary meetings of the
Committee of Signatories held in Paris on 5 June 2015, 2 November 2017, 27 March
2018, 14 December 2018 and 10 October 2019, regarding the New Caledonia self -
determination process, including, in particular, the electoral roll for the referendum
and related issues;
13. Calls upon France, the administering Power, in the light of the
observations, conclusions and recommendations of the visiting missions, to consider
further strengthening the education programme to inform the people of New
Caledonia about the nature of self-determination so that they may be better prepared
to face a future decision on the matter, and requests the Special Committee to provide
all available assistance in that regard;
14. Commends the observations, conclusions and recommendations of the
visiting missions to the Government of France, as the administering Power, and the
Government of New Caledonia for appropriate action;
15. Welcomes with appreciation the willingness reiterated by the
administering Power to the Special Committee to facilitate a new visiting mission to
New Caledonia, and underlines the importance of undertaking the visiting mission as
soon as practicable;
16. Urges all the parties involved, in the interest of the people of New
Caledonia and within the framework of the Nouméa Accord, to maintain their
dialogue in a spirit of harmony and mutual respect in order to continue to promote a
framework for the peaceful progress of the Territory towards an act of self-
determination, including attaining a full measure of self-government in accordance
with the Charter and relevant General Assembly resolutions, including resolutions
1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV), which would safeguard the rights of all sectors of the
population, based on the principle that it is for the people of New Caledonia to choose
how to determine their destiny;
17. Reaffirms its resolutions 68/87 of 11 December 2013 and 69/97 of
5 December 2014, in which the General Assembly, inter alia, reaffirmed that in the
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absence of a decision by the Assembly itself that a Non-Self-Governing Territory has

attained a full measure of self-government in terms of Chapter XI of the Charter, the
administering Power concerned should continue to transmit information under
Article 73 e of the Charter with respect to that Territory;
18. Welcomes the actions taken by the administering Power to continue to
transmit to the Secretary-General information as required under Article 73 e of the
Charter, particularly the submission on 12 December 2023 on the most recent
developments in New Caledonia;
19. Notes the continuing concerns expressed by the Kanak people regarding
their underrepresentation in governmental and social structures, incessant migratory
flows, the impact of mining on the environment, and the relevance of taking into
account the interests of local ownership and equity in natural resources development,
and the importance of addressing them in a timely manner;
20. Urges the administering Power to maintain effective measures that
safeguard and guarantee the inalienable right of the people of New Caledonia to their
natural resources and to establish and maintain control over the future development
of those resources, and requests the administering Power to take all steps necessary
to protect the property rights of the people of New Caledonia;
21. Commends the “Cadres for the future” programme, and encourages further
enhancement of the training and capacity-building of high-level executives in the
public and private sectors in the Territory, particularly in view of the ongoing transfer
of powers from the Government of France to New Caledonia, while ensuring that the
transfer of powers is undertaken in a manner consistent with the Nouméa Accord;
22. Recalls the observations and recommendations contained in the report of
the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples on the situation of Kanak
people in New Caledonia, made in the light of relevant international standards, to
assist with ongoing efforts to advance the rights of the Kanak people in the context
of the implementation of the Nouméa Accord and the United Nations -supported
decolonization process;
23. Requests the Secretary-General, the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system to continue to provide economic, social
and other assistance to New Caledonia subsequent to the exercise of the right to self -
determination by the Territory;
24. Welcomes the strengthening of the economic and social rebalancing
initiatives undertaken by the administering Power, and urges its continuation in all
areas and communities of the Territory, especially for the well-being of the Kanak
Indigenous People;
25. Stresses the importance of ensuring the timely transfer of competencies
from the administering Power to New Caledonia, provided under the Nouméa Accord;
26. Encourages the administering Power, with the cooperation of the
Government of New Caledonia, to maintain and enhance safeguards for and
guarantees of the inalienable right of the people of the Territory to own, access, use
and manage their natural resources, including proprietary rights for their future
development;
27. Recalls the provisions of the Nouméa Accord to the effect that New
Caledonia may become a member or associate member of certain international
organizations, and notes the continuing strengthening of ties between New Caledonia
and both the European Union and the European Development Fund;
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28. Also recalls the accession of the Front de libération nationale kanak et
socialiste to the Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, the hosting, for the first
time in New Caledonia, in June 2013, of the meetings of officials and leaders of the
Group, the successful completion of the chairmanship of the Group by the Front de
libération nationale kanak et socialiste, in June 2015, and the opening, in February
2013, of the Front de libération nationale kanak et socialiste unit at the headquarters
of the Group secretariat in Port Vila;
29. Acknowledges the contribution of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
to the protection of the Indigenous Kanak culture of New Caledonia;
30. Welcomes the cooperative attitude of other States and Territories in the
region towards New Caledonia, its economic and political aspirations and its
increasing participation in regional and international affairs;
31. Takes note of the information shared by participants from New Caledonia
at the Pacific and the Caribbean regional seminars on the implementation of the Third
and Fourth International Decades for the Eradication of Colonialism held since May
2014, including on measured progress made in the social, economic, political and
environmental spheres and more focused efforts, particularly on the rebalancing
initiatives and electoral roll concerns, necessary for the long -term shared mutual
benefit of all New Caledonians, and urges the administering Power and the
Government of New Caledonia to devote appropriate attention to addressing these
issues;
32. Acknowledges the peaceful conduct of provincial elections in New
Caledonia on 12 May 2019, the preceding municipal elections and the subsequent
efforts to form a new Government of New Caledonia, and encourages constructive
engagement by all stakeholders in further developing New Caledonia for all,
including by respecting and upholding the Nouméa Accord;
33. Welcomes the renewed decision of the administering Power to invite the
Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding
Affairs of the Secretariat to conduct a mission in order to observe the work of the
special administrative commissions and the advisory committee of experts for the
establishment and revision of the special electoral list, and looks forward to
examining its recommendations, and further encourages the administering Power to
facilitate the work undertaken in this regard;
34. Reiterates the importance of the agreement between the signatories to the
Nouméa Accord that the progress made in the emancipation process shall be brought
to the attention of the United Nations, and in this regard notes the 1 June 2023 report
by the administering Power on its efforts related to the audit of the decolonization
process and the outcome of the Nouméa Accord in New Caledonia, as requested by
the Committee of Signatories to the Nouméa Accord;
35. Notes the socioeconomic, health and related challenges posed by the
COVID-19 pandemic to New Caledonia since 2020 and the commendable efforts by
the Government of New Caledonia and the administering Power to prevent and stop
the spread of the virus in the Territory, and encourages the international community,
including the United Nations, to support the provision of timely access to COVID -19
vaccines for the people of New Caledonia;
36. Decides to keep under continuous review the process unfolding in New
Caledonia as a result of the signing of the Nouméa Accord;
37. Requests the Special Committee to continue the examination of the
question of the Non-Self-Governing Territory of New Caledonia and to report thereon
to the General Assembly at its eightieth session.
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Draft resolution XIII

Question of Pitcairn

Having considered the question of Pitcairn and examined the report of the
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Pitcairn 2 and
of Pitcairn and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained in General
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including Pitcairn,
Pitcairn require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options for self -
1514 (XV),
of the people of Pitcairn in respect of their right to self-determination should be
ascertained,
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/12.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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of the political status of the people of Pitcairn and to fulfil its mandate effectively, it
is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland as the administering Power and to receive information from other appropriate
sources, including the representatives of the Territory, concerning the wishes and
aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to Pitcairn and to the Special Committee of the
participation of elected and appointed representatives of Pitcairn in the work of the
Committee,
assisting the people of Pitcairn with their inalienable right to self -determination and
case basis,
the Territories,
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Pacific Islands Fo rum and the agencies
Taking into account the unique character of Pitcairn in terms of population, area
and access,
__________________
5
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Aware that the administering Power and the territorial Government have
implemented a governance structure to strengthen administrative capacity in the
Territory, based on consultations with the people of the Territory,
Recalling that the administering Power and the territorial Government have
developed a five-year strategic development plan, covering the period from 2019 to
2024, and noting that the Government of Pitcairn is developing a new strategic plan,
with support from the administering Power, to address the challenges facing its small
and ageing population,
Noting the main challenges to socioeconomic development in the Territory,
including the legacy of the child sexual abuse history and the continuing need to
maintain stringent child protection procedures, the ageing population and its declining
economic activity, with little or no migration to the island, and limited access to and
from the island,
Recalling that a marine protected area was established around Pitcairn in
September 2016, and noting the Pitcairn Islands marine protected area management
plan for the period 2021–2026, 6
Welcoming the measures taken by the administering Power to improve
accessibility to the Territory with the introduction of enhanced transport and shipping
services,
Territory,
Noting the elections that were held in November 2023, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Pitcairn to self -
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of Pitcairn, there is no
alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental human
right, as recognized under the relevant human rights conventions;
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Pitcairn to
4. Welcomes all efforts by the administering Power and the territorial
Government that would further devolve operational responsibilities to the Territory,
with a view to gradually expanding self-government, including through the training
of local personnel;
__________________
6
See A/AC.109/2022/12, para. 41.
7
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6. Also requests the administering Power to continue its assistance for the
improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the
population of the Territory and to continue its discussions with the territorial
Government on how best to support socioeconomic and environmental security in
Pitcairn, including as regards demographic matters;
8. Recalls the development of a new strategy for repopulation and the
creation of a child safeguarding framework in place in Pitcairn;
views and wishes of the people of Pitcairn and enhancing its understanding of their
conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing political and constitutional
arrangements between Pitcairn and the administering Power;
to promote self-government in Pitcairn, and encourages the administering Power to
Pitcairn and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session and on
__________________
8
Resolution 70/1.
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Draft resolution XIV

Question of Saint Helena

Having considered the question of Saint Helena and examined the report of the
2024, 1
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Saint Helena 2
and other relevant information,
of Saint Helena and in conformity with the clearly defined principles contained in
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including Saint Helena,
Saint Helena require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options for
self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical location,
1514 (XV),
of the people of Saint Helena in respect of their right to self-determination should be
ascertained,
organizations,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/13.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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of the political status of the people of Saint Helena and to fulfil its mandate
effectively, it is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland as the administering Power and to receive information from
other appropriate sources, including the representatives of the Territory, concerning
the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to Saint Helena and to the Special Committee of
the participation of elected and appointed representatives of Saint Helena in the work
of the Committee,
assisting the people of Saint Helena with their inalienable right to self -determination
and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-determination, on a case-
by-case basis,
the Territories,
Noting the statement made by a representative of the Legislative Council of
Saint Helena at the Caribbean regional seminar held in Caracas from 14 to 16 May
2024, 6
Taking into account the unique character of Saint Helena in terms of its
population, geography and natural resources,
__________________
5
6
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Aware of the efforts of the administering Power and the territorial Government
to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the population of Saint Helena, in
particular in the areas of employment, transport and communications infrastructure,
and of the adoption of the Sustainable Economic Development Plan 2018–2028,
Territory,
Noting the general election that was held in October 2021, 7
Recalling the introduction of a ministerial system of government on the basis of
the Constitutional Amendment Order that came into effect in October 2021,
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Saint Helena to self-
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of Saint Helena, there
is no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Saint Helena to
4. Stresses the importance of the 2009 Constitution of the Territory and the
further development of democratic and good governance, including the governance
reform process;
6. Requests the administering Power and relevant international organizations
to continue to support the efforts of the territorial Government to address the
socioeconomic development challenges of the Territory;
the views and wishes of the people of Saint Helena and enhancing its understanding
of their conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing political and
constitutional arrangements between Saint Helena and the administering Power;
__________________
7
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to promote self-government in Saint Helena, and encourages the administering Power
to facilitate visiting and special missions to the Territory;
Saint Helena and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session
__________________
8
Resolution 70/1.
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Draft resolution XV
Question of Tokelau

Having considered the question of Tokelau,
Taking note of the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard
to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples for 2024, 1
Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and
all resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating to Non -Self-Governing
Territories, in particular General Assembly resolutio n 78/97 of 7 December 2023,
Noting with appreciation the continuing exemplary cooperation of New Zealand
as the administering Power with regard to the work of the Special Committee relating
to Tokelau and its readiness to permit access by United Nations visiting missions to
the Territory,
Noting with appreciation also the collaborative contribution to the development
of Tokelau by New Zealand and the specialized agencies and other organizations of
the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations Development Programme
and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
Bearing in mind that, as a small island Territory, Tokelau exemplifies the
situation of most remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories and that, as a case study
pointing to successful cooperation for decolonization, Tokelau has wider significance
for the United Nations as it seeks to complete its work in decolonization,
Recalling the status of Tokelau as an associate member of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and of the Pacific Islands Forum,
Acknowledging the World No Tobacco Day Award for the western Pacific region
granted to Tokelau in 2017 by the World Health Organization for its policy entitled
“Tobacco-Free Tokelau by 2020”, and expressing hope that this could contribute to
the health and well-being of the Territory and its peoples,
Cognizant that New Zealand and Tokelau signed, on 21 November 2003, a
document entitled “Joint statement of the principles of partnership”, which sets out
the rights and responsibilities of the two partners, including in relation to the question
of self-determination for Tokelau,
Bearing in mind the decision of the General Fono at its meeting in November
2003, following extensive consultations undertaken in all three villages, to explore
formally with New Zealand the option of self-government in free association, its
decision in August 2005 to hold in February 2006 a referendum on self-determination
on the basis of a draft constitution for Tokelau and a draft treaty of free association
with New Zealand, and its subsequent decision to hold a further referendum in
October 2007, and bearing in mind also that the two referendums did not produce the
two-thirds majority of valid votes cast required by the General Fono to change the
status of Tokelau from that of a Non-Self-Governing Territory under the
administration of New Zealand,
Recalling the decision of the General Fono on 23 May 2022 to revive dialogue
on self-determination for Tokelau in the lead-up to the centenary of New Zealand
__________________
1
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administration of Tokelau in February 2026, which was supported by New Zealand,

as the administering Power,
Recalling also the holding of free and fair elections in the Territory on
23 January 2020 and the change of the Ulu-o-Tokelau during the General Fono, on
19 May 2022, and recalling further the democratic election of the General Fono on
26 January 2023,
Recalling further the 2013 constitutional consultations, to be further considered
by the Constitution Committee, which were driven by the people of Tokelau and
which aimed at developing a model of government structure that is culturally
appropriate and sensitive to their current situation, culminating in the approval and
ratification of the national symbol of the Territory, along with the constitution,
national anthem and national flag,
Cognizant of the statement made by the Ulu-o-Tokelau at the Pacific regional
seminar on the implementation of the Third International Decade for the Eradication
of Colonialism, held in Nadi, Fiji, from 21 to 23 May 2014, and also of the written
statement for the Pacific regional seminar held in Saint George’s from 9 to 11 May
2018, as well as the statement made on 12 June 2023 to the resumed session of the
Special Committee, that the self-determination process of the Territory could not be
addressed in isolation from the threat of climate change, the rise in sea level and the
challenges to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 2 and bearing in mind
the development aspirations of Tokelau as expressed in its revised National Strategic
Plan 2021–2026, with a shared vision of “Thriving communities with opportunities
for all”, including an ambition to confidently declare that Tokelau has made
significant progress in its development journey and that it is ready and capable of
proceeding to be a self-governing nation,
Recalling the official launch in April 2017 of the climate change strategy of
Tokelau, entitled “Living with change: an integrated national strategy for enhancing
the resilience of Tokelau to climate change and related hazards, 2017 –2030”, and the
implementation plan for the first five years of the strategy, from 1 July 2017 to
30 June 2022, and recalling the launch of the Tokelau national greenhouse gas
inventory report on 11 April 2019,
Recalling also the announcement of the administering Power that, as requested
by the Government of Tokelau, it had submitted a formal declaration to the United
Nations to extend the territorial application of both the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change 3 and the Paris Agreement 4 to Tokelau,
Recalling further the statements made by the representatives of the Government
of New Zealand, as the administering Power, on 17 June 2019, at a session of the
Special Committee, and at the Caribbean regional seminar held in Grand Anse,
Grenada, in May 2019, which underlined the shared vision with Tokelau of building
a stronger partnership, including on the governance and more effective management
of public services, finances and infrastructure assets, with emphasis on quality health
care and education, gender empowerment, disaster risk mitigation and resilience -
building, and enhancing inter-atoll connectivity, including the vessel to support
search and rescue missions, medical evacuations and general transport between the
atolls, which entered into service in April 2019, as well as at the 9th meeting of the
Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), on 14 October
2022, and on 12 June 2023 at the resumed session of the Special Committee on the
__________________
2
Resolution 70/1.
3
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1771, No. 30822.
4
See FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.1, decision 1/CP.21, annex.
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Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, where it further reaffirmed the

strengthened partnership between New Zealand and Tokelau, including in combating
the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and commitment to work in trilateral
cooperation with the United Nations to deliver on the self-determination outcome as
desired by the people of Tokelau,
Recalling the landmark first-ever international submarine fibre-optic cable
connecting to Tokelau on 20 September 2021 for strengthening information and
communications technology for the sustainable development of Tokelau,
1. Takes note with appreciation of the decision of the General Fono on
23 May 2022 to revisit the views of the people of Tokelau and revive the dialogue on
the question of self-determination for Tokelau in the lead-up to the centenary of New
Zealand administration of Tokelau in February 2026;
2. Welcomes the progress made towards the devolution of power to the three
taupulega (village councils) since 2004, and notes that further discussion is planned
on the recommendations in the report on the devolution review, compiled in 2012,
and the additional recent efforts in Tokelau in addressing a future governance model
that accounts for, inter alia, the Territory’s religious faith, culture and identity;
3. Recalls with satisfaction the democratic elections in Tokelau held on
23 January 2020 for the tenth General Fono and the subsequent swearing -in of the
Ulu-o-Tokelau on 8 March 2021, and notes the subsequent change of the Ulu -o-
Tokelau on 19 May 2022 at the General Fono, and the most recent election of the
General Fono on 26 January 2023 and the subsequent inauguration of the Ulu-o-
Tokelau in March 2024;
4. Recognizes the ongoing socioeconomic development challenges posed by
the COVID-19 pandemic to Tokelau, including the first recorded cases of community
transmission in May 2023, and the close cooperation with the administering Power,
New Zealand, neighbouring countries and the World Health Organization in
successfully addressing the pandemic in Tokelau;
5. Notes with appreciation that Tokelau and New Zealand remain firmly
committed to the ongoing development of Tokelau for the long -term benefit of the
people of Tokelau, with particular emphasis on the further development of facilities
on each atoll that meet their current requirements, including investment that has
enabled Tokelau to be directly connected by an undersea fibre -optic cable on
20 September 2021 for faster and more reliable Internet services, improved maritime
transport infrastructure and services, quality health care and education and support
for the fisheries sector;
6. Takes note of the National Strategic Plan 2021–2026 of Tokelau, which
further prioritizes good governance, human and infrastructure development,
telecommunication, transportation, sustainability and climate change adaptation, as
an important framework for the Territory’s sustainable future, with a shared vision of
“Thriving communities with opportunities for all”;
7. Acknowledges the ongoing and consistent commitment of New Zealand to
meeting the social and economic requirements of the people of Tokelau, including
through new shipping service assets and shipping infrastructure development, and
budget support for the delivery of education services ranging from early childhood
education to foundation courses for tertiary study, as well as the support and
cooperation of the United Nations Development Programme and the World Health
Organization;
8. Recalls the completion by Tokelau in 2013 of the Tokelau Renewable
Energy Project with the support of the administering Power and the receipt by the
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Government of the Renewable Energy Award granted by the New Zealand Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Authority;
9. Also recalls measures taken by Tokelau to safeguard the health of its
peoples through its “Tobacco-Free Tokelau by 2020” policy, launched in 2017, and
encourages the necessary support for its implementation from the administering
Power, the United Nations system and relevant stakeholders;
10. Acknowledges the need of Tokelau for continued support from the
international community and its desire to become part of the discussions on the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development, the impacts of climate change and the
protection of the environment and oceans, and in this regard encourages, as
appropriate, assistance towards the implementation of the climate change strategy of
Tokelau, entitled “Living with change: an integrated national strategy for enhancing
the resilience of Tokelau to climate change and related hazards, 2017–2030”;
11. Appreciates the efforts of the administering Power to include in its national
reporting to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change the climate mitigation action taken by Tokelau, and also recalls the milestone
achievement of Tokelau in the launch of its national greenhouse gas inventory report
on 11 April 2019;
12. Recalls with satisfaction the establishment and operation of the Tokelau
International Trust Fund to support the ongoing needs of Tokelau, and calls upon
Member States and international and regional agencies to contribute to the Fund and
thereby lend practical support to Tokelau in overcoming the problems of smallness,
isolation and lack of resources;
13. Welcomes the ongoing cooperative attitude of the other States and
territories in the Pacific region towards Tokelau and their support for its economic
and political aspirations and its increasing participation in regional and international
affairs, including at the fiftieth Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, held in Tuvalu
in August 2019, as an associate member, represented by the Ulu-o-Tokelau;
14. Calls upon the administering Power and United Nations agencies to
continue to provide assistance to Tokelau as it further develops;
15. Recognizes the positive actions taken by the administering Power to
transmit to the Secretary-General under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United
Nations information regarding the political, economic and social situation of Tokelau;
16. Commends the renewed strong commitment of both Tokelau and New
Zealand to continuing to work together in the interests of Tokelau and its people;
17. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the
Countries and Peoples to continue to examine the question of the Non-Self-Governing
Territory of Tokelau and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth
session.
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Draft resolution XVI

Question of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Having considered the question of the Turks and Caicos Islands and examined
the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the Turks and
Caicos Islands 2 and other relevant information,
of the Turks and Caicos Islands and in conformity with the clearly defined principles
contained in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1541
(XV) of 15 December 1960 and other resolutions of the Assembly,
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the Turks and Caicos
Islands,
the Turks and Caicos Islands require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to
the options for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size,
1514 (XV),
of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in respect of their right to self -
determination should be ascertained,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/15.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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organizations,
of the political status of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and to fulfil its
mandate effectively, it is important for it to be apprised by the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland as the administering Power and to receive
information from other appropriate sources, including the representatives of the
Territory, concerning the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory,
Aware of the importance both to the Turks and Caicos Islands and to the Special
Committee of the participation of elected and appointed representatives of the Turks
and Caicos Islands in the work of the Committee,
assisting the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands with their inalienable right to
self-determination and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-
the Territories,
Recalling the statement made by a representative of the Government of the
Turks and Caicos Islands at the 2022 Pacific regional seminar, 6
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5
6
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Recalling also the dispatch of the United Nations special mission to the Turks
and Caicos Islands in 2006 at the request of the territorial Government and with the
concurrence of the administering Power,
Recalling further the endorsement by the Heads of Government of the Caribbean
Community of the report of the Community’s fact-finding mission to the Turks and
Caicos Islands in 2013, which called for, inter alia, a referendum on self -
determination and a mechanism for amending the Constitution,
Recalling that, in March 2014, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean
Community received an update on the situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which
they will continue to monitor, and that they expressed their support for the full
restoration of democracy in the Territory on terms driven by its people,
Territory,
Recalling the general election that was held in February 2021, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the Turks and Caicos
Islands to self-determination, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations
and with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples;
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of the Turks and
Caicos Islands, there is no alternative to the principle of self -determination, which is
also a fundamental human right, as recognized under the relevant human rights
conventions;
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the Turks and
Caicos Islands to determine freely their future political status in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the Charter, the Declaration and the relevant resolutions of the
to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self-determination in
decisions;
4. Takes note of the positions and repeated calls of the Community of Latin
American and Caribbean States and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in
support of a democratically elected territorial Government and of the full restoration
of democracy in the Territory as decided by its people;
5. Notes the continuing debate on constitutional reform within the Territory,
and stresses the importance of participation by all groups and interested parties in the
consultation process;
6. Stresses the importance of having in place in the Territory a constitution
that reflects the aspirations and wishes of its people, based on the mechanisms for
popular consultation;
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7
See A/AC.109/2023/15, para. 18.
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10. Welcomes the continuing efforts made by the territorial Government
addressing the need for attention to be paid to the enhancement of socioeconomic
development across the Territory;
views and wishes of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and enhancing its
political and constitutional arrangements between the Turks and Caicos Islands and
the administering Power;
to promote self-government in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and encourages the
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8
Resolution 70/1.
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Turks and Caicos Islands and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth
session and on the implementation of the present resolution.
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Draft resolution XVII

Question of the United States Virgin Islands

Having considered the question of the United States Virgin Islands and
examined the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the United
States Virgin Islands 2 and other relevant information,
of the United States Virgin Islands and in conformity with the clearly defined
principles contained in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December
1960, 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960 and other resolutions of the Assembly,
there still remain 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the United States
Virgin Islands,
the United States Virgin Islands require flexible, practical and innovative approaches
to the options for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size,
continue to guide the development of their future political status and that referendums,
free and fair elections and other forms of popular consultation play an important role
in ascertaining the wishes and aspirations of the people,
1514 (XV),
of the people of the United States Virgin Islands in respect of their right to self -
determination should be ascertained,
__________________
1
2
A/AC.109/2024/16.
3
4
A/56/61, annex.
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organizations,
Mindful that, in order for the Special Committee to enhance its understanding of
the political status of the people of the United States Virgin Islands and to fulfil its
mandate effectively, it is important for it to be apprised by the United States of
America as the administering Power and to receive information from other
Aware of the importance both to the United States Virgin Islands and to the
Special Committee of the participation of elected and appointed representatives of the
United States Virgin Islands in the work of the Committee,
assisting the people of the United States Virgin Islands with their inalienable right to
self-determination and in gaining a better understanding of the options for self-
the Territories,
Recalling also the statement made by the Lieutenant Governor, as a
representative of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, at the 2019
Caribbean regional seminar, 6
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5
6
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Recalling the fifth attempt of the Territory to review the existing Revised
Organic Act, which organizes its internal governance arrangements, as well as its
requests to the administering Power and the United Nations system for assistance to
its public education programme,
Recalling also that a draft constitution was proposed in 2009 and subsequently
forwarded to the administering Power, which in 2010 requested the Territory to
consider its objections to the draft constitution,
Recalling further that the Fifth Revision Convention, established and convened
in 2012, was mandated to ratify and approve the final revised draft constitution,
Expressing its concern about the extended time spent on the constitutional
review process, and stressing the importance of the Special Committee receiving
updated information in due time regarding the status of the drafting of the
constitution,
Recalling the referendum held on 3 November 2020 on convening a
constitutional convention to consider adopting the Revised Organic Act of the United
States Virgin Islands, or portions of it, as the Constitution of the Territory, and noting
the establishment of the Sixth Constitutional Convention,
Territory,
Recalling the election that was held in November 2022, 7
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the United States Virgin
Islands to self-determination, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations
and with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples;
2. Also reaffirms that, in the process of decolonization of the United States
Virgin Islands, there is no alternative to the principle of self -determination, which is
also a fundamental human right, as recognized under the relevant human rights
conventions;
3. Further reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the United States
Virgin Islands to determine freely their future political status in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the Charter, the Declaration and the relevant resolutions of the
to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self-determination in
decisions;
4. Requests the administering Power to regularly provide the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on
the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples with relevant updates
__________________
7
See A/AC.109/2023/16, para. 2.
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on the work of the Sixth Constitutional Convention, established following the

referendum held in November 2020, and to assist the Territory in this process;
5. Also requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating
its work concerning public educational outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b
of the Charter, and in that regard calls upon the relevant United Nations organizations
6. Welcomes the establishment of the Office of Self-Determination and
Constitutional Development in the University of the Virgin Islands, with funding from
the administering Power, to address the issue of self-determination, including political
status and constitutional education;
7. Reiterates its call for the inclusion of the Territory in regional programmes
of the United Nations Development Programme, consistent with the participation of
other Non-Self-Governing Territories;
the views and wishes of the people of the United States Virgin Islands and enhancing
its understanding of their conditions, including the nature and scope of the existing
political and constitutional arrangements between the United States Virgin Islands
and the administering Power;
to promote self-government in the United States Virgin Islands, and encourages the
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8
Resolution 70/1.
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United States Virgin Islands and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its
eightieth session and on the implementation of the present resolution.
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Draft resolution XVIII

Dissemination of information on decolonization

other resolutions and decisions of the United Nations concerning the dissemination
of information on decolonization, in particular Gener al Assembly resolution 78/100
of 7 December 2023,
Recognizing the need for flexible, practical and innovative approaches towards
reviewing the options for self-determination for the peoples of Non-Self-Governing
Territories, with a view to implementing the plan of action for the Fourth International
Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism,
Reiterating the importance of dissemination of information as an instrument for
furthering the aims of the Declaration, and mindful of the role of world public opinion
in effectively assisting the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories to achieve self-
determination,
Recognizing the role played by the administering Powers in transmitting
information to the Secretary-General, in accordance with the terms of Article 73 e of
the Charter of the United Nations,
Stressing the importance of the visiting missions of the Special Committee in
contributing substantially to the dissemination of information on decolonization,
Recognizing that the Department of Global Communications of the Secretariat,
through the United Nations information centres, must play a bigger role, in
accordance with resolutions and decisions of the United Nations, in the dissemination
of information at the regional level on the activities of the United Nations,
Recalling the issuance by the Department of Public Information of the
Secretariat, in consultation with the United Nations Development Programme, the
specialized agencies and the Special Committee, of an information leaflet on
assistance programmes available to the Non-Self-Governing Territories,
Aware of the role of non-governmental organizations in the dissemination of
information on decolonization,
1. Approves the activities in the field of dissemination of information on
decolonization undertaken by the Department of Global Communications and the
Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the Secretariat, in accordance
with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization, and encourages
the continued updating and wide dissemination of the information leaflet on what the
United Nations can do to assist Non-Self-Governing Territories, published in
accordance with General Assembly resolution 61/129 of 14 December 2006, and
updated for the United Nations website on decolonization;
2. Considers it important to continue and expand its efforts to ensure the
widest possible dissemination of information on decolonization, with particular
emphasis on the options for self-determination available for the peoples of Non-Self-
Governing Territories, and to this end requests the Department of Global
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Communications, through the United Nations information centres in the relevant

regions, to actively engage and seek new and innovative ways to disseminate material
to the Non-Self-Governing Territories;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to further enhance the information
provided on the United Nations decolonization website and to continue to include the
full series of reports of the regional seminars on decolonization, the statements and
scholarly papers presented at those seminars and links to the full series of reports of
stresses that the Department of Global Communications and the Department of
Political and Peacebuilding Affairs continue to be jointly responsible for maintaining
and enhancing the United Nations decolonization website;
4. Requests the Department of Global Communications to continue its efforts
to update web-based information on the assistance programmes available to the
Non-Self-Governing Territories;
5. Requests the Department of Global Communications and the Department
of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs to implement the recommendations of the
Special Committee and to continue their efforts to take measures through all of the
media available, including publications, radio, television, the Internet and social
media, to give publicity to the work of the United Nations in the field of
decolonization and, inter alia:
(a) To develop procedures to collect, prepare and disseminate, particularly to
the Non-Self-Governing Territories, basic material on the issue of self-determination
of the peoples of the Territories;
(b) To seek the full cooperation of the administering Powers in the discharge
of the tasks referred to above;
(c) To explore further the idea of a programme of collaboration with the
decolonization focal points of territorial Governments, particularly in the Pacific and
Caribbean regions, to help to improve the exchange of information;
(d) To encourage the involvement of non-governmental organizations in the
dissemination of information on decolonization;
(e) To encourage the involvement of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in
the dissemination of information on decolonization;
(f) To report to the Special Committee on measures taken in the
implementation of the present resolution;
6. Requests the Department of Global Communications to webcast the formal
meetings of the Special Committee;
7. Requests all States, including the administering Powers, to accelerate the
dissemination of information referred to in paragraph 2 above;
8. Requests the Special Committee to continue to examine this question and
to report to the General Assembly at its eightieth session on the implementation of
the present resolution.
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Draft resolution XIX

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

all its subsequent resolutions concerning the implementation of the Declaration, the
most recent of which was resolution 78/101 of 7 December 2023, as well as the
relevant resolutions of the Security Council,
Bearing in mind its resolution 75/123 of 10 December 2020, by which it
declared the period 2021–2030 the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of
Colonialism, and the need to examine ways and means to ascertain the wishes of the
peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories on the basis of resolution 1514 (XV)
and other relevant resolutions on decolonization,
Recognizing that the eradication of colonialism has been one of the priorities of
the United Nations and continues to be one of its priorities for the Fourth International
Decade,
Regretting that measures to eliminate colonialism by 2020, as called for in its
resolution 65/119 of 10 December 2010, have not been successful,
Reiterating its conviction of the need for the eradication of colonialism, as well
as racial discrimination and violations of basic human rights,
Noting with satisfaction the continued efforts of the Special Committee in
contributing to the effective and complete implementation of the Declaration and
other relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization,
Stressing the importance of the formal participation of all administering Powers
in the work of the Special Committee with regard to the relevant Territories under
their administration in accordance with Article 73 of the Charter of the United
Nations,
Noting with satisfaction the cooperation and active participation of certain
administering Powers in the work of the Special Committee, and encouraging the
others also to do so,
Noting that the Caribbean regional seminar was held in Caracas from 14 to
16 May 2024,
1. Reaffirms its resolution 1514 (XV) and all other resolutions and decisions
on decolonization, including its resolution 75/123, by which it declared the period
2021–2030 the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, and
calls upon the administering Powers, in accordance with those resolutions, to take all
steps necessary to enable the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to
exercise fully as soon as possible their right to self-determination, including
independence, on a case-by-case basis;
2. Reaffirms once again that the existence of colonialism in any form or
manifestation, including economic exploitation, is incompatible with the Charter of
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the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial

Countries and Peoples 2 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; 3
3. Reaffirms its determination to continue to take all steps necessary to bring
about the complete and speedy eradication of colonialism and the faithful observance
by all States of the relevant provisions of the Charter, the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights;
4. Affirms its support once again for the aspirations of the peoples under
colonial rule to exercise their right to self-determination, including independence, in
accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization;
5. Calls upon the administering Power of each Territory on the agenda of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to
cooperate fully in the work of the Special Committee and to participate formally in
its future sessions and seminars;
6. Calls upon the administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special
Committee to develop and finalize, as soon as possible, a constructive programme of
work on a case-by-case basis for the Non-Self-Governing Territories to facilitate the
implementation of the mandate of the Special Committee and the relevant resolutions
on decolonization, including resolutions on specific Territories;
7. Recalls with satisfaction the professional, open and transparent conduct of
both the February 2006 and the October 2007 referendums to determine the future
status of Tokelau, monitored by the United Nations;
8. Requests the Special Committee to continue to seek suitable means for the
immediate and full implementation of the Declaration and to carry out the actions
approved by the General Assembly regarding the International Decades for the
Eradication of Colonialism in all Territories that have not yet exercised their right to
self-determination, including independence, and in particular:
(a) To formulate specific proposals to bring about an end to colonialism and
to report thereon to the General Assembly at its eightieth session;
(b) To continue to examine the implementation by Member States of
resolution 1514 (XV) and other relevant resolutions on decolonization;
(c) To continue to examine the political, economic and social situation in the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, and to recommend to the General Assembly, as
appropriate, the most suitable steps to be taken to enable the populations of those
Territories to exercise their right to self-determination, including independence, in
accordance with the relevant resolutions on decolonization, including resolutions on
specific Territories;
(d) To develop and finalize, as soon as possible and in cooperation with the
administering Power and the Territory in question, a constructive programme of work
on a case-by-case basis for the Non-Self-Governing Territories, to facilitate the
implementation of the mandate of the Special Committee and the relevant resolutions
on decolonization, including resolutions on specific Territories;
(e) To continue to dispatch visiting and special missions to the Non -Self-
Governing Territories in accordance with the relevant resolutions on decolonization,
including resolutions on specific Territories;
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3
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(f) To conduct seminars, as appropriate, for the purpose of receiving and

disseminating information on the work of the Special Committee, and to facilitate
participation by the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in those seminars;
(g) To take all steps necessary to enlist worldwide support among
Governments, as well as national and international organizations, for the achievement
of the objectives of the Declaration and the implementation of the relevant resolutions
of the United Nations;
(h) To observe annually the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non -Self-
Governing Territories;
9. Calls upon the administering Powers to continue to cooperate with the
Special Committee in the discharge of its mandate and, inter alia, to facilitate visiting
missions of the Committee to the Territories on a case-by-case basis and in accordance
with relevant United Nations resolutions on specific Territories;
10. Reaffirms that the United Nations visiting missions to the Non-Self-
Governing Territories, where applicable, are an effective means of ascertaining the
situation of the peoples of the Territories, in accordance with relevant United Nations
resolutions on specific Territories, and therefore requests the Special Committee to
undertake at least one visiting mission a year;
11. Recalls that the plan of action for the Second International Decade for the
Eradication of Colonialism, 4 updated as necessary, represents an important legislative
authority for the attainment of self-government by the Non-Self-Governing
Territories, and that the case-by-case assessment of the attainment of self-government
in each Territory can make an important contribution to this process;
12. Calls upon all States, in particular the administering Powers, as well as the
specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, to give
effect within their respective spheres of competence to the recommendations of the
Special Committee for the implementation of the Declaration and other relevant
resolutions of the United Nations;
13. Calls upon the administering Powers to ensure that economic and other
activities in the Non-Self-Governing Territories under their administration do not
adversely affect the interests of the peoples but instead promote development, and to
assist them in the exercise of their right to self-determination;
14. Calls upon the administering Powers concerned to terminate military
activities and eliminate military bases in the Non-Self-Governing Territories under
their administration in compliance with the relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly;
15. Urges the administering Powers to take effective measures to safeguard
and guarantee the inalienable rights of the peoples of the Non -Self-Governing
Territories to their natural resources and to establish and maintain control over the
future development of those resources, and requests the relevant administering
Powers to take all steps necessary to protect the property rights of the peoples of those
Territories;
16. Urges all States, directly and through their action in the specialized
agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, to provide moral and
material assistance, as needed, to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories,
and requests the administering Powers to take steps to enlist and make effective use
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A/56/61, annex.
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of all possible assistance, on both a bilateral and a multilateral basis, in the

strengthening of the economies of those Territories;
17. Requests the Secretary-General, the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system to provide economic, social and other
assistance to the Non-Self-Governing Territories and to continue to do so, as
appropriate, after they exercise their right to self-determination, including
independence;
18. Requests the Secretary-General, President pro tempore of the Special
Committee, to meet informally at least once a year with the Chair and the Bureau of
the Committee during the intersessional period, in order to explore innovative ways
of using his good offices to help to advance the decolonization agenda on a case-by-
case basis;
19. Approves the report of the Special Committee covering its work during
2024, in which the programme of work for 2025 is outlined, in particular the Pacific
regional seminar and a visiting mission to one of the Territories on its agenda, in
accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions on specific Territories;
20. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to review the resources at the
disposal of the Special Committee in order to ensure that the Committee has the
funding, facilities and services commensurate with its envisioned yearly programmes,
as mandated in relevant General Assembly resolutions, including, especially, in
paragraph 8 of the present resolution.
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Draft resolution XX
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: eradicating
colonialism in all its forms and manifestations

Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
and recalling the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries
and Peoples, 2 the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly
Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United
Nations 3 and the Declaration on the Establishment of a New International Economic
Order, 4
all its subsequent resolutions concerning the implementation of the Declaration, and
recalling also its resolutions on the International Decades for the Eradication of
Colonialism,
Noting that, while the United Nations has made great progress in the field of
decolonization since its establishment in 1945, as demonstrated by the increase in the
membership of the United Nations, this task remains incomplete, as several territories
have not achieved the full exercise of their right to self-determination,
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the
provisions contained in the Declaration have not been fully implemented,
Recognizing how little is known about the 500-year-long period of colonialism,
the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting consequences, felt throughout the world,
Recognizing also that the eradication of colonialism has been one of the
priorities of the United Nations and continues to be one of its priorities for the Fourth
International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism,
Recalling and appreciating efforts by Member States to support the efforts of
developing countries towards the realization of the full potential of education with a
view to addressing the lingering effects of colonialism and ensuring the sustainable
development of affected countries,
Convinced that the continued existence of colonialism in all its forms and
manifestations prevents the development of international economic cooperation,
impedes social, cultural and economic development and militates against the United
Nations ideal of universal peace,
Solemnly proclaiming the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional
end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations,
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1
2
3
Resolution 2625 (XXV), annex.
4
Resolution 3201 (S-VI).
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Noting the increasing willingness and emerging practice to acknowledge the

need to repair the continuing impacts of, inter alia, colonialism, including through
reparatory justice and, where appropriate, the pursuit of reparations,
1. Reaffirms that all peoples have the right to self-determination, and that by
virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their
economic, social and cultural development;
2. Also reaffirms that any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of
the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the
purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations;
3. Urges in this regard the full and expeditious implementation of the
relevant General Assembly resolutions and decisions, and reiterates the determination
of the United Nations and the international community to fulfil their promise of equal
rights and self-determination of peoples, freedom and justice, as contained in the
Charter of the United Nations;
4. Reaffirms its support for the aspirations of the peoples under colonial rule
to exercise their right to self-determination, including independence, in accordance
with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization;
5. Reaffirms that the existence of colonialism in any form or manifestation is
incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, 5 the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples, the Declaration on the Establishment of a New International
Economic Order and the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning
Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of
the United Nations;
6. Condemns in the strongest terms the crimes committed during the colonial
era, and reaffirms its determination to take all steps necessary to eradicate colonialism
in all its forms and manifestations;
7. Calls upon donor countries, multilateral organizations and other
development partners in a position to do so to give utmost consideration to the needs
of Non-Self-Governing Territories and all others that may be or may have been
affected by colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, including by considering
an increase in technical assistance for the development of infrastructure, industry,
agriculture, health care and education;
8. Decides to entrust the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to
the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples with advancing discussions aimed at declaring 14 December,
the day of the adoption of the Declaration, an annual International Day against
Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, as a day of reflection on the
consequences and remembrance of all victims of colonialism, and presenting concrete
recommendations for appropriate action to that end, within the relevant body, by its
2025 substantive session;
9. Requests the Secretary-General, in close consultation with relevant
international, regional and subregional organizations, as well as with concerned
former colonies among the States Members of the United Nations, to develop an
outreach programme to mobilize educational institutions and civil society to expand
their activities in the field of remembering colonialism, its root causes and
consequences;
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10. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its eightieth session an

item entitled “Eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations ”;
11. Requests the Special Committee to continue to examine this question and
to report to the General Assembly at its eightieth session on the implementation of
the present resolution.
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Annex I
List of documents of the Special Committee in 2024
Document symbol Title Date
A/AC.109/2024/1 American Samoa (working paper) 20 March 2024

A/AC.109/2024/2 Anguilla (working paper) 14 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/3 Bermuda (working paper) 15 March 2024
A/AC.109/2024/4 British Virgin Islands (working paper) 21 March 2024

A/AC.109/2024/5 Cayman Islands (working paper) 14 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/6 Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (working paper) 26 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/7 French Polynesia (working paper) 10 January 2024
A/AC.109/2024/8 Gibraltar (working paper) 21 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/9 Guam (working paper) 26 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/10 Montserrat (working paper) 22 March 2024
A/AC.109/2024/11 New Caledonia (working paper) 14 March 2024
A/AC.109/2024/12 Pitcairn (working paper) 21 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/13 Saint Helena (working paper) 1 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/14 Tokelau (working paper) 6 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/15 Turks and Caicos Islands (working paper) 22 February 2024
A/AC.109/2024/16 United States Virgin Islands (working paper) 21 March 2024

A/AC.109/2024/17 Western Sahara (working paper) 15 March 2024
A/AC.109/2024/18 Dissemination of information on decolonization during 22 March 2024

the period from April 2023 to March 2024
A/AC.109/2024/19 Caribbean regional seminar on the implementation of 5 March 2024

the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of
Colonialism: pursuing goals and addressing needs of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, to be held in Caracas,
from 14 to 16 May 2024
A/AC.109/2024/L.1 Organization of work: relevant resolutions and 7 December 2023

decisions of the General Assembly: note by the
Secretary-General
A/AC.109/2024/L.2 Organization of work: note by the Chair 7 December 2023
A/AC.109/2024/L.3 Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories 3 June 2024

transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the
United Nations: draft resolution submitted by the Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.4 Dissemination of information on decolonization: draft 3 June 2024

resolution submitted by the Chair
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A/AC.109/2024/L.5 Question of sending visiting and special missions to 3 June 2024

Territories: draft resolution submitted by the Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.6 Economic and other activities which affect the 13 June 2024
interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing
Territories: draft resolution submitted by the Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.7 Special Committee decision of 22 June 2023 19 June 2024

concerning Puerto Rico: draft resolution submitted by
Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Cuba, Nicaragua,
Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic and
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
A/AC.109/2024/L.8 Question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas): draft 13 June 2024

resolution submitted by Bolivia (Plurinational State
of), Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela
(Bolivarian Republic of).
A/AC.109/2024/L.9 Implementation of the Declaration of the Granting of 13 June 2024

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by
the specialized agencies and the international
institutions associated with the United Nations: draft
A/AC.109/2024/L.10 Question of American Samoa: draft resolution 13 June 2024

submitted by the Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.11 Question of Anguilla: draft resolution submitted by the 13 June 2024

Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.12 Question of Bermuda: draft resolution submitted by 13 June 2024

the Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.13 Special Committee decision of 22 June 2023 19 June 2024

concerning Puerto Rico: report prepared by the
Rapporteur of the Special Committee, Koussay
Aldahhak (Syrian Arab Republic)
A/AC.109/2024/L.14 Question of the British Virgin Islands: draft resolution 14 June 2024
A/AC.109/2024/L.15 Question of the Cayman Islands: draft resolution 13 June 2024

A/AC.109/2024/L.16 Question of Guam: draft resolution submitted by the 14 June 2024

Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.17 Question of Montserrat: draft resolution submitted by 13 June 2024

the Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.18 Question of Pitcairn: draft resolution submitted by the 13 June 2024

Chair
A/AC.109/2024/L.19 Question of Saint Helena: draft resolution submitted 13 June 2024

by the Chair
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A/AC.109/2024/L.20 Question of the Turks and Caicos Islands: draft 13 June 2024
A/AC.109/2024/L.21 Question of the United States Virgin Islands: draft 13 June 2024
A/AC.109/2024/L.22 Question of New Caledonia: draft resolution submitted 14 June 2024

by Fiji and Papua New Guinea
A/AC.109/2024/L.23 Question of Tokelau: draft resolution submitted by Fiji 14 June 2024

A/AC.109/2024/L.24 Question of French Polynesia: draft resolution 14 June 2024
A/AC.109/2024/L.25 Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of 13 June 2024

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: draft
A/AC.109/2024/L.26 Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of 14 June 2024

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples:
eradicating colonialism in all its forms and
manifestations: draft resolution submitted by Bolivia
(Plurinational State of), China, Cuba, Iran (Islamic
Republic of), Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines, Syrian Arab Republic and
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
a
A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) .
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Annex II
Caribbean regional seminar on the implementation of the
Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of
Colonialism: pursuing goals and addressing needs of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, held in Caracas from 14 to
16 May 2024
I. Introduction
1. At its seventy-fifth session, the General Assembly, by its resolution 75/123,
declared the period 2021–2030 the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of
Colonialism, and called upon Member States to intensify their efforts to continue to
implement the plan of action for the Second International Decade for the Eradication
of Colonialism (A/56/61, annex) and to cooperate with the Special Committee on the
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in updating it as necessary, with a
view to using it as the basis for a plan of action for the Fourth International Decade.
2. In its resolution 78/101, the General Assembly approved the programme of work
of the Special Committee envisaged for 2024, which included the holding of a seminar
in the Caribbean region.
3. The purpose of the seminar was to enable the Special Committee to obtain the
views of representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, experts, members of
civil society and other stakeholders in the process of decolonization, who can assist
the Special Committee in identifying policy approaches and practical ways that can
be pursued in the United Nations decolonization process. Discussions at the seminar
would assist the Special Committee in making a realistic analysis and evaluation of
the situation in the Non-Self-Governing Territories, on a case-by-case basis, as well
as the ways in which the United Nations system and the international community at
large could enhance programmes of assistance to the Territories.
4. The respective contributions of the participants will serve as a basis for further
consideration by the Special Committee at its substantive session, to be held in New
York in June 2024, with a view to submitting proposals to the General Assembly
concerning the fulfilment of the objectives of the Fourth International Decade for the
Eradication of Colonialism.
II. Organization of the seminar

5. The seminar was held in Caracas from 14 to 16 May 2024. Five meetings were
held, in which the representatives of States Members of the United Nations, Non -Self-
Governing Territories, an administering Power and non-governmental organizations,
as well as experts, took part (see appendix I). The seminar was organized in such a
way as to encourage an open and frank exchange of views.
6. The seminar was conducted by the Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to
the United Nations and Chair of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard
to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples, Menissa Rambally, with the participation of the following
members of the Committee: Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia (Plurinational State of),
Chile, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic
Republic, of), Iraq, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts
and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Syrian Arab
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Republic, Timor-Leste and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). One administering

Power, France, participated as an observer. Other Member States participating as
observers were Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belize, the Comoros, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, the Gambia, Mexico, Morocco,
Pakistan, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Suriname and Zimbabwe.
7. At the 1st meeting, on 14 May 2024, Samuel Moncada (Venezuela (Bolivarian
Republic of)) and Yassi Maximin Brou (Côte d’Ivoire) were appointed Vice-Chairs
of the seminar, while Fred Sarufa (Papua New Guinea) was appointed Rapporteur.
8. At the same meeting, the seminar adopted its programme of work
(CRS/2024/CRP.2).
9. The agenda of the seminar was as follows:
1. Role of the Special Committee:
(a) Responding to the goals and needs of the Non-Self-Governing
Territories with practical and achievable steps;
(b) Strengthening cooperation with the administering Powers and
relevant stakeholders.
2. Perspectives of the administering Powers, the Non-Self-Governing
Territories and other stakeholders:
(a) Political developments in the Non-Self-Governing Territories:
(i) In the Caribbean region;
(ii) In the Pacific region;
(iii) In other regions;
(b) Current realities and challenges, including impact of climate
change and progress towards achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals.
3. Role of the United Nations system in supporting the Non-Self-Governing
Territories, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
4. Recommendations for action and for practical and achievable results.
III. Proceedings of the seminar

A. Opening of the seminar
10. On 14 May 2024, Menissa Rambally (Saint Lucia) opened the seminar in her
capacity as the Chair of the Special Committee.
11. At the same meeting, the Executive Vice-President of the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez Gómez, addressed the seminar.
12. Also at the same meeting, the Chief of the Decolonization Unit of the
Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the United Nations read out a
message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
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B. Statements and discussions 1
13. At the 1st meeting, on 14 May, the seminar began its consideration of agenda
item 1 (a) and (b). The Chair made a statement. Statements were also made by the
representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Russian Federation,
Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone, the Syrian Arab
Republic, Nicaragua, Indonesia, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Côte d ’Ivoire,
India, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Argentina, South Africa and
Angola. In addition, statements were made by six experts, Nina Julié, Levay Roy,
Julien Tran-Ap, Naïa Wateou, Marie-Laure Ukeiwë and Magalie Tingal. A statement
was also made by the representative of France. An additional statement was also made
by three experts, Magalie Tingal, Naïa Wateou and Nina Julié.
14. At the same meeting, the seminar began its consideration of agenda item 2 (a) (i)
and heard presentations on the questions of Anguilla by Kenneth Hodge and of the
British Virgin Islands by Eliezer Benito Wheatley.
15. At the 2nd meeting, on 14 May, the seminar continued its consideration of
agenda item 2 (a) (i) and heard presentations by two experts, Carlyle Corbin and
Martha Quiñones Domínguez. Statements were made by the representatives of the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Syrian Arab Republic
and Saint Lucia. A statement was also made by Mickaël Forrest. A statement was also
made by the representative of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our
America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty.
16. At the same meeting, the seminar began its consideration of agenda item 2 (a) (ii)
and heard presentations on the questions of French Polynesia by Mareva Lechat -
Kitalong, of Guam by Melvin B. Won Pat-Borja and of New Caledonia by Mickaël
Forrest. Statements were made by the representatives of Papua New Guinea, France
and Azerbaijan. Statements were also made by eight experts, Marie-Laure Ukeiwë,
Levay Roy, Julien Tran-Ap, Nina Julié, Naïa Wateou, Magalie Tingal, Richard
Tuheiava and Antony Geros.
17. At the 3rd meeting, on 15 May, the seminar began its consideration of agenda
item 2 (a) (iii) and heard presentations on the questions of the Falkland Islands
(Malvinas) 2 by Teslyn Barkman, of Saint Helena by Karl Thrower and of Western
Sahara by Sidi Mohamed Omar and M’hamed Abba. A statement was made by an
expert, Facundo Rodríguez. Statements were made by the representatives of Spain,
Argentina, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone,
Dominica, Indonesia, Chile, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Islamic Republic
of Iran, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Timor -
Leste, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Be lize, the
Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, the Gambia,
Senegal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Angola, Algeria and Morocco.
18. At the fourth meeting, on 15 May, the seminar continued its consideration of
agenda item 2 (a) (iii). Additional statements were made by the representatives of
Algeria and Morocco. Statements were also made by Teslyn Barkman. An additional
statement was made by Sidi Mohamed Omar. Statements were also made by an expert,
Facundo Rodríguez. An additional statement was made by the representative of
Argentina.
__________________
1
Statements and discussion papers of the seminar are available on the United Nations
decolonization website, https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/.
2
and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falklands Islands (Malvinas).
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19. At the same meeting, the seminar began its consideration of agenda item 2 (b).
Statements were made by Mickaël Forrest, Eliezer Benito Wheatley, Sidi Mohamed
Omar, Melvin B. Won Pat-Borja and Karl Thrower. Statements were also made by
eight experts, Magalie Tingal, Nina Julié, Julien Tran-Ap, Levay Roy, Marie-Laure
Ukeiwë, Naïa Wateou, Richard Tuheiava and Antony G eros. An additional statement
was also made by two experts, Magalie Tingal and Antony G eros.
20. Also at the same meeting, the seminar began its consideration of agenda item 3
and heard presentations by the Chief of the Caribbean Knowledge Management
Centre of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dale
Alexander, and by the representative of the World Health Organization in the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cristian Morales Fuhrimann. Statements were
made by Eliezer Benito Wheatley and Mareva Lechat-Kitalong. Statements were also
made by two experts, Carlyle Corbin and Magalie Tingal. An additional statement
was made by Eliezer Benito Wheatley.
21. At the same meeting, the seminar began its consideration of agenda item 4. A
statement was made by Kenneth Hodge. Statements were also made by the
representatives of Argentina and Cuba. In addition, the Chair made a statement.
22. At the 5th meeting, on 16 May, the members of the Special Committee present
at the seminar agreed on the draft conclusions and recommendations of the seminar,
which had been placed under silence procedure prior to the meeting.
C. Closing of the seminar
23. At the 5th meeting, on 16 May, the Rapporteur presented a draft resolution
expressing appreciation to the Government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela (see appendix III), which the seminar participants adopted.
24. At the same meeting, the Rapporteur presented the draft report of the seminar,
contained in document CRS/2024/CRP.4 which the seminar adopted.
25. Also at the same meeting, the Minister of the People’s Power for Foreign Affairs
of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yvan Gil Pinto, made closing remarks. The
Chair of the Special Committee also made a closing statement.
IV. Conclusions and recommendations

26. Members of the Special Committee participating in the seminar recalled the
contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), and the role of the Special
Committee to examine the application of the Declaration, to make suggestions and
recommendations on the progress in and extent of the implementation of the
Declaration, and to report to the Assembly.
27. In addition, pursuant to rule 9 of the rules of procedure of the seminar
(A/AC.109/2024/19, annex), participating members would present the conclusions
and recommendations of the seminar to the substantive session of the Special
Committee, in June 2024.
28. Participating members took note of the offers by the Government of Timor-
Leste, the Government of Azerbaijan and the representative of Guam to host the 2025
regional seminar of the Special Committee, as well as the offer by the representative
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of Anguilla to host the 2026 regional seminar of the Special Committee. 3 The decision
on the venue and timing would be made by the Special Committee.
A. Implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the

Eradication of Colonialism: pursuing goals and addressing needs
of the Non-Self-Governing Territories
29. In their concluding observations, the participating members of the Special

Committee:
(a) Recalled that the period 2021–2030 was proclaimed by the General
Assembly as the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism,
assessed the progress achieved, reviewed existing methods of work and garnered
renewed momentum with a view to completing the Special Committee’s historic task;
(b) Recognized that the eradication of colonialism was one of the priorities of
the United Nations and continued to be one of its priorities for the Fourth International
Decade that had begun in 2021, and stressed the need to allocate adequate financial
support to the Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding
Affairs of the Secretariat in order to fully implement the mandates entrusted to it by
Member States;
(c) Reaffirmed the role of the Special Committee as the primary vehicle for
fostering the process of decolonization and for expediting the implementation of the
plan of action to move towards achieving the goals of the Fourth Decade, in
accordance with General Assembly resolution 75/123, as well as for monitoring the
situation in the Territories;
(d) Reiterated that the United Nations should continue to lead the political
process towards decolonization with the resolute support of the Secretary -General
and the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations system, and stressed
that support by the United Nations should be provided until all outstanding
decolonization issues were resolved in a satisfactory manner;
(e) Noted that the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, set out in General Assembly
resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, was not complete so long as there
remained Non-Self-Governing Territories that had yet to exercise their right to self -
determination, in accordance with the relevant resolutions with regard to all
Territories considered under the agenda of the Special Committee, 4 including those
adopted by the Assembly and the Committee on special and particular colonial
situations, and underscored the fact that the inalienable rights of the people of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories must be guaranteed by the United Nations and the
Committee in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and Assembly
resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV) of 14 and 15 December 1960;
(f) While recognizing how much remained to be done in the area of
decolonization, acknowledged the efforts made to revitalize the work of the Special
Committee in line with its mandates;
(g) Identified a number of issues in the process of decolonization during the
Fourth Decade, including the impact of climate change, especially in Non -Self-
Governing Territories, the global economic, financial and health crises, in particular
__________________
3
All statements and discussion papers of the seminar are available on the United Nations
decolonization website, www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/.
4
and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falklands Islands (Malvinas).
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the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the role of regional cooperation,

education and public awareness, the role of civil society, the role of women, the
empowerment of vulnerable people and the need for capacity -building for full self-
governance;
(h) Took into account General Assembly resolution 1803 (XVII) regarding the
sovereignty of peoples over their natural wealth and resources, in accordance with the
Charter and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations on decolonization;
(i) In view of the cross-cutting nature of many of the challenges faced by
some Non-Self-Governing Territories in the dynamics of today’s interconnected
world, underlined the fact that efforts must be made, through the involvement of
relevant stakeholders and on a case-by-case basis, for the continued strengthening of
administrative capacity, good governance and economic sustainability of the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, which would allow the Territories to address the
cross-cutting issues in a holistic manner;
(j) Acknowledged that climate change had exposed many of the Non-Self-
Governing Territories to even greater environmental and economic vulnerability, and
that the ongoing global economic, financial and health crises, in particular the
COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, had highlighted the importance of the economic
sustainability and diversification of the economic base in the Non -Self-Governing
Territories;
(k) Recognized the important role played by United Nations agencies,
regional organizations and regional arrangements in assisting many Non -Self-
Governing Territories in coping with various emerging challenges and making
progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and in that
regard called upon them to accelerate their engagement with the work of the Special
Committee, including through participation in the regional seminars on
decolonization, upon the invitation of the Committee and through the regular session
of the Committee under the relevant agenda items, and called upon the Special
Committee to develop programmes of collaboration with the relevant United Nations
bodies pursuant to relevant General Assembly resolutions;
(l) Underlined the fact that education and public awareness, including of the
indigenous people, remain crucial elements for decolonization and, in this connection,
recalled the responsibility of the administering Powers to ensure that the peoples
concerned would be in a position to make an informed decision regarding the future
political status of their Territories, in accordance with the relevant United Nations
resolutions and decisions and bearing in mind relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly, in which the Assembly called upon the administering Powers, in
cooperation with the territorial Governments and appropriate bodies of the United
Nations system, to develop political education programmes for the Territories in order
to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self-determination;
(m) Welcomed calls for joint projects for the enhancement of public education
about the nature of the constitutional relationship in some Territories involving the
United Nations, the Non-Self-Governing Territories and the administering Powers, in
accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions;
(n) Stressed the important role of women in the process of decolonization,
including in education, poverty eradication and community empowerment;
(o) Recognized the role of and the need for increased dialogue with civil
society in the Non-Self-Governing Territories, in accordance with the relevant United
Nations resolutions;
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(p) Recognized the role of civil society, including the business community and
non-governmental organizations, in the development process and in facilitating the
achievement of economic sustainability and the well-being of the peoples in the
Territories;
(q) Underlined the fact that status-related and/or constitutional review
exercises in some of the Non-Self-Governing Territories were delicate processes that
should meet certain expectations towards accomplishing their decolonization, on a
case-by-case basis and where appropriate, including through informal, working -level
communication and dialogue among all concerned;
(r) Reiterated that enhanced interactions and cooperation between the Special
Committee and the administering Powers remain crucial to the implementation of the
United Nations decolonization mandate and would be beneficial to all stakeholders,
including the administering Powers themselves, in accordance with General
Assembly resolution 78/101 and all other relevant resolutions, and in this connection
welcomed the participation of France and reiterated their call upon all administering
Powers to engage with the Special Committee in constructive dialogue in the future;
(s) Reiterated that progress could only be achieved with the active
cooperation of the administering Powers, and in that regard underlined the fact that it
was considered useful to reiterate the request for the use of the Secretary -General’s
good offices in this process, and the importance that the relevant working papers
prepared by the Secretariat include further information on the efforts of the Secretary -
General in that regard;
(t) Stressed the importance of full and meaningful participation in the
regional seminars by those invited, in accordance with the guidelines and rules of
procedure for the seminars;
(u) Recognized the importance of the active engagement of other States
Members of the United Nations that are not members of the Special Committee in the
work of the Committee, and in that connection welcomed the participation of Algeria,
Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belize, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, the Gambia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, South
Africa, Spain, Suriname and Zimbabwe in the seminar.
B. Implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the

of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean

Committee:
With regard to the situation in Anguilla:
(a) Welcomed the renewed participation of a representative of Anguilla and
expressed their appreciation for the information provided; 5
(b) Noted the statement by the representative that the territorial Government
was committed to rebuilding the Territory following the cumulative impact of
financial, economic, environmental and health crises;
(c) Also noted that those crises reinforced the need for transformational
development, the pursuit of which posed unique challenges to Anguilla;
__________________
5
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Labour, Information and Broadcasting, Physical Planning.
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(d) Further noted the town hall meetings held in 2021 to discuss the draft
Constitution, the feedback from which had confirmed the desire of the people to
improve the level of democratic representation and to have adequate safeguards and
protections to ensure good governance and to promote high standards of integrity in
public life;
(e) Noted the commitment of Anguillans to formulating a Constitution which
would set the path towards the realization of their dreams and aspirations as a free
people.
With regard to the situation in the British Virgin Islands,
(a) Welcomed the participation of a representative of the British Virgin Islands
in the seminar and expressed their appreciation for the information provided; 6
(b) Noted the statement made by the representative providing an update on the
progress made in the implementation of the reforms following the adoption of a
governance reform framework, which in the view of the territorial Government were
a vehicle for the Territory to become more self-determined and achieve a full measure
of self-government;
(c) Also noted the statement that the Order in Council in reserve, which would
suspend the Constitution if triggered, continued to hang over the Territory, pending
full implementation of the governance reform framework and that the territorial
Government would continue to engage the administering Power on lifting the Order
as soon as possible;
(d) Further noted the statement that the Special Committee had been
commended for its renewed focus on the Caribbean region and that some measures of
international accountability in the relationship between the administering Powers and
the Territories were crucial;
(e) Noted the statement welcoming the confirmation of the dispatch of the
visiting mission from 15 to 17 July 2024, as the people of the Territory were actively
engaged in the process of considering their constitutional future;
(f) Also noted the information provided regarding a gap in resources available
to Territories in order to address climate change and sustainable development;
(g) Further noted the statement by the representative that direct access to the
United Nations system, including the Economic Commission for Latin America and
the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Development Programme, made a
difference to the Territory, and that there was a need for the United Nations system to
raise the awareness of Territories to such access through a workshop or training.
With regard to the situation in Puerto Rico:
(a) Welcomed the participation of the expert from Puerto Rico and the
information provided;
(b) Noted the statement by the expert that the right to self-determination could
not be exercised under conditions of vulnerability. Concerns over how Puerto Rico
was administered were expressed by the expert, and calls were made to the
international community to support the right to self-determination for Puerto Rico;
(c) Also noted suggestions from the expert on possible actions to address the
socioeconomic situation, human rights and accountability for actions over the years . 7
__________________
6
Special Envoy of the Premier.
7
All statements and discussion papers of the seminar are available on the United Nations
decolonization website, www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/.
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(d) Further noted the statements made by the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela, Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, the Plurinational State of
Bolivia, the Syrian Arab Republic and the representative of the Bolivarian Alliance
for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty expressing support for the
right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence, reaffirming
the Latin American and Caribbean character of Puerto Rico and calling upon the
Government of the United States of America to allow the people of Puerto Rico to
exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.
C. Implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the

of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Pacific

Committee:
With regard to the situation in French Polynesia:
(a) Welcomed the participation of a representative of French Polynesia and
(b) Shared the continuing concern of the Special Committee over the failure
of the administering Power to submit information on the Territory pursuant to
Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations;
(c) In that connection, underlined the importance of securing substantive and
reliable information about the situation in the Territory as a means of complementing
the informational working paper prepared by the Secretariat;
(d) Noted the statement by the representative that the eleventh anniversary of
the reinscription of French Polynesia as a Non-Self-Governing Territory had been
recalled and that, after a decade, the administering Power had initiated a dialogue
with the territorial Government;
(e) Also noted the statement that the territorial Government fully supported
proper decolonization and self-determination processes under the scrutiny of the
United Nations;
(f) Further noted the statement that the territorial President stood ready to
co-construct a programme of work with the administering Power;
(g) Noted the statement on the need to ensure harmonious socioeconomic
development, ownership of natural resources, an updated dialogue on the
consequences of nuclear testing and the need to raise awareness of decolonization and
the role of the Special Committee;
(h) Also noted the statement made by the President of the territorial
Legislative Assembly about the establishment of a special commission on
decolonization within the Assembly, the launch of a political education programme
to raise local public awareness of the three decolonization options outlined in G eneral
Assembly resolution 1541 (XV), and his call for the dispatch of a visiting mission in
2024 and the inclusion of the programme of work shared with the Special Committee
and the Fourth Committee in the resolution on the question of French Polynesia in
2024;
__________________
8
Delegate for International, European and Pacific Affairs.
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(i) Further noted that the President sought clarity from the administering
Power regarding a forthcoming dialogue with the territorial Government which in the
President’s view would be a major step forward in the decolonization of the Territory;
(j) Noted the statement by an expert who had pointed out the inconsistency
of the administering Power in opposing the re-inscription of the Territory on the basis
of the existence of sufficient autonomy and, on the other hand, opposing a visiting
mission by the Special Committee, and stated that the dispatching of a visiting
mission was a matter of urgency;
(k) Also noted the statement by the representative of the administering Power
that French Polynesia was the most advanced of the French overseas collectivities in
terms of autonomy while benefiting from the constant support and guidance of the
French State to ensure its future and development in all areas.
With regard to the situation in Guam:
(a) Welcomed the participation of a representative of Guam and expressed
their appreciation for the information provided; 9
(b) Noted the statement made by the representative on the actionable steps
that could be taken by the Special Committee to assist Guam in achieving full self -
government and sovereignty, including the recognition of international obligations by
the administering Power, support for a visiting mission, the recognition of the self -
determination study conducted for Guam and support for a diplomacy training
programme;
(c) Also noted the concerns expressed by the representative about the impacts
of the increased military presence in the Territory in which the territorial Government,
in his view, was not a legitimate partner and was merely informed of proposed actions
and forced to mitigate the impacts on the island and its people;
(d) Further noted the statement by the representative that Guam had
consistently requested a visiting mission since 2006, which would provide an
opportunity for the Special Committee to ascertain the progress that Guam had made
and the obstacles that it faced in achieving self-governance, and that therefore the
Committee should make an immediate commitment to support and allocate funding
for such a mission;
(e) Noted the request made by the representative that the self-determination
study should be recognized in the annual resolution on Guam and that the
establishment of a diplomacy training programme for Guam to engage in regional
forums should be supported;
(f) Also noted the request to consider Guam as the host of the 2025 regional
seminar;
(g) Further noted the information regarding the limitations of Guam in
addressing climate change due to its status as a Territory.
With regard to the situation in New Caledonia:
(a) Welcomed the participation of a representative of New Caledonia and
(b) Noted the statement by the representative that New Caledonia was at
political crossroads following the expiry of the Nouméa Accord and that differences
__________________
9
Executive Director, Guam Commission on Decolonization for the Implementation and Exercise
of CHamoru Self-Determination.
10
Member of the seventeenth Government, in charge of sectors including culture, youth, sports,
promotion of solidarity, and tourism.
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between the different parties had led to defiance of the electoral amendments tabled
by France;
(c) Also noted the request by the representative for technical and legal support
through a visiting mission, mediation or the dispatch of a special envoy in order to
help the parties to find a pathway forward;
(d) Further noted the information provided by the representative that
discussions on the institutional future of New Caledonia had begun in March 2023
and had not concluded;
(e) Noted the readiness of the territorial Government to work with the Special
Committee, in particular in the application of the plan of action of the Fourth
International Decade;
(f) Also noted the statement that adaptation to climate change was vital due
to sea-level rise, cyclones and severe droughts, as was the need to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions;
(g) Further noted the desire of the territorial Government for better
cooperation with the United Nations specialized agencies, including the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Health
Organization;
(h) Noted the statement by the representative of France as the administering
Power that New Caledonia was engaged in the 40-year self-determination process that
was reaching its end and that the decolonization process had included three
referendums on self-determination;
(i) Also noted the information provided by the representative that France and
New Caledonia continued to engage in dialogue for their new institutional
relationship in the spirit of the Nouméa Accord and that many visits and meetings had
taken place with New Caledonian stakeholders in order to find a common destiny
desired through the Accord, which was illustrated in a strong socioeconomic project
including the reform in nickels and agriculture;
(j) Further noted the statement by the representative that the current
constitutional amendment proposal to expand voter rolls for provincial elections was
fully in line with the process initiated more than 40 years ago and set a milestone for
the future, aimed at ensuring equitable representation of all communities in New
Caledonia;
(k) Noted the determination by the representative that France would always
favour a concerted solution between and with New Caledonian partners;
(l) Also noted the statement by members of Les Loyalistes that New
Caledonia was in a state of turbulence;
(m) Further noted their call to respect the decision of New Caledonians in the
three referendums held in 2018, 2020 and 2021 to remain French;
(n) Noted the statement by the fourth Vice-President of the Congress of New
Caledonia that the unfreezing of the electoral roll was not an act of force against the
Kanak people;
(o) Also noted the view shared by Les Loyalistes that the unfreezing of the
electoral roll enabled the consolidation of all Caledonians, including those of mixed
race and those who had helped to create the Territory;
(p) Further noted the statement by the representative of the Front de libération
nationale kanak et socialiste that the tense political situation in the Territory was a
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result of the administering Power unilaterally opening voter rolls, making the Kanak
people feel ignored and overturning the positive progress of the past few years;
(q) Noted the request by the representative for the deployment of an urgent
international mission of mediation;
(r) Also noted the statement by the representative of Papua New Guinea
regarding the divergent views of participants at the seminar and strong sentiments of
different stakeholders, regretting the outbreak of violence;
(s) Further noted the statement by the representative that the Melanesian
Spearhead Group and Front de libération nationale kanak et socialiste had stressed
the importance of managing decolonization issues in order to avert potential conflicts;
(t) Noted his reiterated call for peaceful dialogue in order to prevent further
escalation and the need to listen to all stakeholders and to work expeditiously with
the administering Power in order to help address issues in an amicable and peaceful
way, as well as for the implementation of the agreed visiting mission to New
Caledonia to be expedited;
(u) Also noted the statement by the representative that the inclusion of New
Caledonia as a Non-Self-Governing Territory was protected and would be maintained;
(v) Expressed their deep concern over the current situation in the Territory and
called upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent violence and preserve
peace and stressed the importance of dialogue.
D. Implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the

of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the other regions

Committee:
With regard to the situation in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas):
Recalled the relevant General Assembly and Special Committee resolutions and
decisions on that question, which requested the resumption of negotiations between
the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the sovereignty dispute, taking
into account the interests of the population of the Islands, in accordance with
Assembly resolution 2065 (XX) and the subsequent relevant resolutions adopted at
the United Nations, including Assembly resolution 31/49, in which the Assembly
called upon the two parties to refrain from taking decisions that would imply the
introduction of unilateral modifications in the situation while the Islands were going
through the process recommended by the Assembly, and reiterated the request to the
Secretary-General to strengthen his efforts in fulfilling his mission of good offices in
compliance with Assembly and Committee resolutions on that question;
With regard to the situation in Gibraltar:
Recalled the need to put into practice the appeal made by the United Nations to
Spain and the United Kingdom to hold talks on the question of Gibraltar in order to
reach, in the spirit of the Brussels Agreement of 27 November 1984 and listening to
the interests of the population of Gibraltar, a definitive and negotiated solution to the
controversy in the light of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the
applicable principles and in accordance with the spirit of the Charter of the United
Nations, noted that, given that the tripartite Forum for Dialogue on Gibraltar had
ceased to exist, Spain and the United Kingdom were trying to set up a new mechanism
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for local cooperation, in the interest of social well-being and regional economic
development, in which the competent Gibraltarian local authorities and the competent
Spanish local and regional authorities would participate, and expressed the hope that
the mechanism could start work soon;
With regard to the situation in Saint Helena:
(a) Welcomed the participation of a representative of Saint Helena and
(b) Noted the statement by the representative of the territorial Government
regarding the impact of the large-scale emigration of its young people and working -
age population, including a shortage of medical professionals, coupled with the
increase in the senior population;
(c) Also noted that the administering Power provided financial aid to support
the delivery of public services and access to the island;
(d) Further noted the investor initiative launched by the territorial
Government in order to facilitate economic development and address the challenge
of dependency on long-term financial aid from the United Kingdom, which posed a
barrier to genuine self-determination;
(e) Noted that efforts were being made to strengthen its relationship with the
United Kingdom and that the partnership compacts currently being developed
provided the Territory with the opportunity to clearly define its strategic priorities and
the challenges;
(f) Also noted that the Territory was exploring avenues to strengthen its ties
with the United Nations and that its partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office of the United Kingdom had been pivotal in navigating
complexities;
(g) Further noted that the Saint Helena Legislative Council had unanimously
opted to pursue membership in ECLAC, whose key focus areas were closely aligned
with the developmental priorities of Saint Helena, including sustainable development,
gender equality and economic growth;
(h) Noted the request by the representative for the support of the Special
Committee in pursuing its goal of becoming a member of ECLAC;
(i) Also noted the statement by the representative regarding the lack of
capability of small islands to protect themselves and cope with extreme events, and
its request for funding for power stations, a backup hospital and infrastructure
development.
With regard to the situation in Western Sahara:
Recalled the mandate of the Special Committee towards self-determination for
the people of Western Sahara, reaffirmed all resolutions of the General Assembly and
supported all resolutions of the Security Council on the question of Western Sahara
and the commitment of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for Western
Sahara to finding a solution to the question of Western Sahara, underscored the need
for renewed efforts to reinvigorate the search for a lasting political solution to the
issue, called upon the parties to continue to show political will and work in an
atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to enter into a more intensive and
substantive phase of negotiations, thus ensuring implementation of the above -
mentioned resolutions and the success of the negotiations, and reiterated the call upon
the parties, made at previous regional seminars, to continue such negotiations under
__________________
11
Member of the Legislative Council.
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the auspices of the Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith, with a
view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that would
provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of
arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United
Nations.
E. Role of the United Nations system in providing assistance to the


Committee:
(a) Welcomed the participation of the representatives of ECLAC and WHO,
noted the information provided and expressed gratitude to the Chair, who had sent
invitations, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, including General
Assembly resolution 78/101, as well as to the Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the International
Labour Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International
Organization for Migration, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Office
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations
Development Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Entity for
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), the United Nations
Population Fund, the World Bank and the World Food Programme;
(b) Encouraged all the agencies, funds and programmes, as well as other
organizations of the United Nations system, to intensify their engagement with the
work of the Special Committee, including through participation upon the invitation
of the Committee in the forthcoming regional seminars on decolonization, taking into
account the responsibility of the agencies to ensure the full and effective
Countries and Peoples;
(c) Expressed their support for the strengthened role of regional commissions
in enhancing and expanding the involvement of Non-Self-Governing Territories in
their activities as associate members, in particular the ECLAC Caribbean
Development and Cooperation Committee and ESCAP, in accordance with their
mandates and the relevant United Nations resolutions on decolonization.
F. Suggestions and proposals for the Fourth Decade

Committee:
(a) Reaffirmed, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and
other relevant international law, that all peoples have the right to self -determination
and, by virtue of that right, to freely determine their political status and freely pursue
their economic, social and cultural development;
(b) Also reaffirmed that any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of
the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the
purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations;
(c) Reconfirmed that the United Nations had a valid ongoing role in the
process of decolonization, that the mandate of the Special Committee was a major
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programme of the Organization and that United Nations support should be provided
until all outstanding decolonization issues and related follow -up matters have been
resolved in a satisfactory manner, in accordance with the relevant United Nations
resolutions and decisions;
(d) Reaffirmed the role of the Special Committee as the primary vehicle for
fostering the process of decolonization and for monitoring the situation in the
Territories;
(e) Underlined the importance for the Special Committee to develop a
proactive and focused approach, and strengthened implementation of its mandate, in
fulfilment of the goal of decolonization vis-à-vis the Non-Self-Governing Territories
on the United Nations list and the need for the Committee to continue to approach
each case in a spirit of openness, to build on the available options and to bring about
more dynamism in the decolonization process, in accordance with the relevant United
Nations resolutions and decisions;
(f) Reiterated their support for the current participation of the Non -Self-
Governing Territories in the relevant regional commissions of the United Nations and
in the specialized agencies of the United Nations system, and called for the increased
involvement of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the programmes and activities
of the United Nations system in speeding up the decolonization process;
(g) In view of the contribution of various regional organizations and regional
arrangements to the capacity-building of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, advised
that their effective participation in the work of the relevant regional organizations and
regional arrangements needed to be facilitated, in accordance with the relevant United
Nations resolutions and through the appropriate mechanisms, along with the
strengthening of concrete regional functional cooperation in various areas, such as
governance, natural disaster preparedness, climate change and community
empowerment;
(h) Also in view of the important role of regional organizations and regional
arrangements in providing assistance to the relevant Non-Self-Governing Territories
in support of the process of decolonization, suggested that the Special Committee, in
accordance with its mandate and the relevant United Nations resolutions and
decisions, strengthen its interactions and collaboration with relevant regional and
subregional organizations;
(i) Learning lessons from the practice of holding annual regional seminars,
stressed the necessity for the Special Committee to consider updating the rules of
procedure for the seminars in order to allow equal and appropriate attention to each
Territory on the agenda;
(j) On the issue of public outreach to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing
Territories on decolonization issues, advised the Special Committee, in collaboration
with the Department of Global Communications of the Secretariat, to engage actively
in and seek new and innovative ways to promote a public awareness campaign aimed
at fostering an understanding among the people of the Territories of the options for
self-determination, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and
decisions on decolonization, including to complement their ongoing efforts and
ensure that the information provided effectively reached the peoples of the Non -Self-
Governing Territories;
(k) To maintain the global focus of the decolonization agenda, also advised
that the Special Committee might hold activities in observance of the Week of
Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the
following:
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(i) Holding a special meeting of the Special Committee, specifically devoted

to the Week of Solidarity, with invitations extended to the Secretary -General,
the President of the Security Council, the President of the General Assembly,
the President of the Economic and Social Council and the President of the
Trusteeship Council;
(ii) Organizing an exhibit of documentaries at the Dag Hammarskjöld Library
on the history of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples;
(iii) Organizing, at Headquarters, a photo exhibit devoted to the history of the
Special Committee, which should feature photographs and other audiovisual
material from the archives of the Department of Global Communications;
(iv) Organizing, at Headquarters, a screening of documentaries and an
exhibition of audiovisual material on liberation movements in the Territories;
(v) Organizing a talk show with the Chair of the Special Committee on United
Nations Radio that might subsequently be broadcast in syndicated form to local
radio stations collaborating with the Department of Global Communications in
disseminating United Nations material;
(l) Suggested that the Special Committee, through its partnership with the
Department of Global Communications and the Department of Political and
Peacebuilding Affairs of the Secretariat, should compile a press kit on decolonization
containing the essential information on the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the list of Non -Self-Governing
Territories and other relevant information to ensure that journalists adequately
covered the issue of decolonization, suggested that such a kit might be distributed in
both printed and electronic form to the local media in the country hosting the annual
regional seminar, and affirmed that all publications that might form a kit were already
available;
(m) Recommended that the Special Committee should forge a close working
relationship with non-governmental organizations concerned with decolonization,
primarily in the Non-Self-Governing Territories and that, as a first step in that
direction, it might request the Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political and
Peacebuilding Affairs of the Secretariat to compile a list of such organizations with
expertise in that area, using as the basis for such an exercise the current list of
non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council (E/2023/INF/5) and, in vetting other non-governmental organizations that did
not yet have such status, being mindful of the need to ensure that non -governmental
organizations chosen as partners would abide by the ideals of the United Nations and
not engage in activities against certain Member States;
(n) Affirmed the understanding that all those proposed activities would be
adequately covered in the United Nations media and receive global exposure through
the network of United Nations information centres;
(o) On the issue of education, suggested that the relevant territorial
Governments and the administering Powers should consider incorporating
decolonization issues into the school curricula of the Non-Self-Governing Territories;
(p) On the status-related and/or constitutional review exercises and the overall
process of decolonization, stressed that such processes should be approached on a
case-by-case basis and in a way that was respectful of human rights, transparent,
accountable, inclusive and participatory, with the involvement of the people
concerned, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and decisions
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on decolonization and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United
Nations;
(q) On the relationship with administering Powers, advised that interactions
and cooperation between the Special Committee and the administering Powers should
continue to be nurtured and strengthened through various possible platforms and
means, including informal working-level dialogue, and reaffirmed that all
administering Powers, particularly those that had not done so, needed to engage
effectively in the work of the Committee;
(r) In that connection, underlined the crucial importance of intensifying
current efforts to enhance communication and cooperation between the Special
Committee and the administering Powers and urged the Committee to continue to
explore and seek possible concerted interaction in that regard, in formal and informal
settings and on a case-by-case basis, with a view to making progress in decolonization
during the Fourth Decade;
(s) In addition, underlined the crucial importance of increasing current efforts
to enhance relations between the Special Committee and other concerned Member
States, stakeholders as well as experts and civil society in the Non -Self-Governing
Territories, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions;
(t) In view of the valuable contribution of the representatives of the Non -Self-
Governing Territories in the seminar, reiterated that the Special Committee, through
the proper mechanism and with the assistance of the Secretariat, should continue to
work towards full participation of the representatives of the Non-Self-Governing
Territories in future seminars and that the administering Powers should facilitate the
participation of the elected representatives of the Territories in the seminars in
accordance with the relevant resolutions and decisions of the United Nations;
(u) Underlined the importance of enhancing relations between the Non -Self-
Governing Territories, particularly in sharing information about their Territories, and
in that regard continued to note the proposal made by a representative of a Non -Self-
Governing Territory on the creation of a network among the Non-Self-Governing
Territories;
(v) In that connection, underscored the fact that the Special Committee should
continue to retool its methods of work and hone its capacity to conduct the seminars
in an innovative manner to ensure a higher degree of United Nations-funded
participation by its members in the regional seminars in order to allow the Committee
to better hear the views of the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories in
accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions on decolonization;
(w) On the role of the United Nations system in providing assistance to the
Non-Self-Governing Territories, stressed that the relevant United Nations bodies and
specialized agencies needed to fully engage with the work of the Special Committee
and strengthen their efforts, in accordance with the relevant United Nations
resolutions and through the appropriate mechanisms, to provide assistance to the
Territories, and in that regard a proposal was made that the Committee should request
the Secretary-General, in his capacity as Chair of the United Nations System Chief
Executives Board for Coordination, to encourage active interaction between
international organizations established in the United Nations system and the
Committee, and underlined the fact that the Committee needed to develop ways and
means to encourage the participation of those agencies and bodies, including
improving communication and promoting their participation in the regional seminars
to interact with the Committee and providing reports on the work in the Territories;
(x) Advised the Special Committee that it needed to develop ways and means
through which it could make a better assessment, on a case-by-case basis, of the
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current stage of decolonization and self-determination in each Non-Self-Governing

Territory in accordance with the relevant resolutions and decisions of the United
Nations, which could serve as a checklist of the progress made and things to be done
and in that connection invited the Committee to continue to develop a specific project
proposal in this regard;
(y) Reiterated that the Special Committee needed to continue working towards
sending visiting missions to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, with the
involvement of the relevant territorial Government and administering Power, on a
case-by-case basis and in accordance with General Assembly resolution 78/101 and
other relevant United Nations resolutions, and in that regard noted the interest
expressed at the seminar in such visiting and special missions;
(z) Reaffirmed that the process of decolonization was incomplete until such
time as all the outstanding decolonization issues and related follow -up matters were
resolved in a satisfactory manner, in accordance with the relevant United Nations
resolutions;
(aa) Stressed that, within the context of the Fourth Decade, the Special
Committee should continue to take stock of current challenges and opportunities for
the decolonization process and draw up a pragmatic plan of action for the Fourth
Decade with a view to accelerating the decolonization process;
(bb) Encouraged the administering Powers to provide to the Special
Committee, under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations, the status of the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Non -Self-
Governing Territories.
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Appendix I
List of participants
Members of the Special Committee
Antigua and Barbuda Clarence Pilgrim
Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Diego Pary Rodríguez
Sebastián Rodrigo Michel Hoffman

Carmen Rosa Rios
Chile Javiera Villarroel
Miguel Meneses
China Yu Yang
Côte d’Ivoire Yassi Maximin Brou a
Cuba Yusnier Romero Puentes a

Rodolfo Benítez Verson
Gretter Alfonso Guzmán
Dominica Kelver Dwight Darroux

India P.K. Ashok Babu
Yukesh Kumar
Mari Cruz
Indonesia Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir a
Mariska Dwianti Dhanutirto
Basana Mangihuttua Sidabutar

Iran (Islamic Republic of) Zahra Ershadi
Hamid Roshanaei
Iraq Hasanain Hadi Hasan Al-Dahlaki

Nicaragua Jaime Hermida Castillo
Eleane Yaoska Pichardo Urbina
Daysi Ivette Torres Bosques

Papua New Guinea Fred Sarufa a
Russian Federation Rodion Grudinsky a
Sergey Vershinin
Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov
Victoria Stegniy
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Stanislav Aleksaev
Vladimir Ivanov
Danis Sultanov
Saint Kitts and Nevis Mutryce Agatha Williams a
Ghislaine Vivienne Anne-Marie Williams
Saint Lucia Menissa Rambally a
Carlton Henry a
Michelle Joseph
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tamira Browne
Lasana Andrews
Maala Theobalds
Sierra Leone Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa a
Karen Jean Baimarro
Syrian Arab Republic Koussay Aldahhak a
Maan Hnawi
Timor-Leste Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares
Jesuíno de Oliveira Alves
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Yvan Gil Pinto
Rubén Darío Molina
Tatiana Pugh
Carlos Ron
Raúl Li Causi
Rander Peña
Coromoto Godoy
Mercedes Chacín
Samuel Moncada
Andrea Corao
Cristiane Engelbrecht
Mairín Moreno
Joaquín A. Pérez Ayestarán
Alexis Madriz
Moira Méndez
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Liliana Gamboa
Jomery Rodríguez
Jesús Toro
Sau Ming Chan
Daniela Landaeta
Haymara Correa
States Members of the United Nations
Algeria Amar Bendjama
Toufik Laid Koudri
Farida Azzi
Abdelghani Merabet
Angola Mateus Pedro Luemba
Argentina Maximiliano Javier Alvarez
Norberto Fernández
Azerbaijan Farid Soltanov
Belize Carlos Fuller
Comoros Issimail Chanfi
Democratic Republic of the Congo Hans Tshinzela Mbale
Djibouti Youssouf Aden Moussa
Gabon Lia Bouanga Ayoune
Gambia Lamin B. Dibba
Mexico Leopoldo de Gyvés de la Cruz
Ismael Hernández Lujano
Morocco Omar Hilale
Redouane Houssaini
Moulay Ahmed Mghizlat
Omar Kadiri
Abdelaziz Haouaria
Mouna Ouazzani Chahdi
Amine Aazizi
Pakistan Ahmad Hussain Dayo

Senegal Diamane Diome
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South Africa Murray Duncan Marshall Sterley
Spain Elena Gómez Aoiz
Suriname Marlena Wellis
Zimbabwe Sheillah Chikomo
Lui Chitima
Tapiwa Roy Rupende
Runyararo A. Mutambirwa
Rutendo Faith Sagwete
Administering Powers
France Véronique Roger-Lacan
Anguilla Kenneth Hodge
British Virgin Islands Eliezer Benito Wheatley
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) b Teslyn Barkman
French Polynesia Mareva Lechat-Kitalong
Guam Melvin B. Won Pat-Borja
New Caledonia Mickaël Forrest
Saint Helena Karl Thrower
Western Sahara Sidi Mohamed Omar (Frente POLISARIO)
Mohamed Laarosi Bahia (Frente

POLISARIO)
Mohamed Salem Ali Ergueibi (Frente

POLISARIO)
M’hamed Abba
Ghalla Bahiya
Funds and programmes of the United Nations system
World Health Organization Cristian Morales Fuhrimann
Organizations of the United Nations system
Economic Commission for Latin Dale Alexander

America and the Caribbean
Regional organizations
Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Jorge Arreaza
Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty
Germania Fernández
Michelle Marquina
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Carlos Escalante
Johanna Briones
Melanesian Spearhead Group Gregoire Nimbtik
Ilan Kiloe
Latin American and Caribbean Clarems Endara Vera

Economic System
Experts
Carlyle Corbin
Antony Geros
Nina Julié
Annette Marie Martínez-Orabona
Facundo Rodríguez
Levay Roy
Magalie Tingal
Julien Tran-Ap
Richard Tuheiava
Marie-Laure Ukeiwë
Naïa Wateou
a
Member of the official delegation of the Special Committee.
b
A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
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Appendix II
Message of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean
regional seminar
I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to all those taking part in the 2024
regional seminar of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization. I thank
the people and Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for hosting this
event.
This year’s meeting puts the spotlight on the challenges and needs of Non -Self-
Governing Territories. Despite the climate crisis and the ongoing economic fallout
from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Non-Self-Governing Territories
have demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness.
Each Territory is unique, but they all need support. Young people in particular
must play a critical role in turning these challenges into opportunities.
The Special Committee will continue to assist the Non-Self-Governing
Territories on their path to decolonization. This seminar brings together Non -Self-
Governing Territories, administering Powers and other stakeholders, Special
Committee members, other Member States and civil society. It presents an
opportunity to exchange ideas and build on accumulated experience to help the
Territories prepare for present and future challenges.
As we look to the Summit of the Future in September, let us resolve to create a
more sustainable, inclusive and resilient world for the Non-Self-Governing Territories
and for all.
Thank you and best wishes for a successful meeting.
24-12640 155/156
A/79/23
Appendix III
Resolution expressing appreciation to the Government and
the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
The participants in the Caribbean regional seminar,
Having met in Caracas from 14 to 16 May 2024 to consider the challenges and
opportunities in the process of decolonization in today’s world,
Having heard the important statement at the opening of the seminar by the
Executive Vice-President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez
Gómez,
Taking note of the important statements by the representatives of the Non -Self-
Governing Territories,
Express their profound gratitude to the Government and the people of the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for providing the Special Committee with the
facilities necessary for this seminar, for the outstanding contribution that they have
made to the success of the seminar and, in particular, for the very generous and kind
hospitality and the warm and cordial reception accorded to the participants throughout
their stay in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
24-12640 (E) 140824

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A/79/23

Report of the Special

Report of the Special Committee on the

United Nations • New York, 2024

Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of letters combined with

(Signed) Menissa Rambally

1. Resolutions and decision concerning specific Territories

Territory Resolution number Date of adoption

Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 58/316 a 1 July 2004

American Samoa 78/86 7 December 2023

Anguilla 78/87 7 December 2023

British Virgin Islands 78/89 7 December 2023

Cayman Islands 78/90 7 December 2023

Territory Resolution number Date of adoption

French Polynesia 78/91 7 December 2023

Montserrat 78/93 7 December 2023

New Caledonia 78/94 7 December 2023

Saint Helena 78/96 7 December 2023

Tokelau 78/97 7 December 2023

United States Virgin Islands 78/99 7 December 2023

Territory Decision number Date of adoption

Gibraltar 78/513 7 December 2023

2. Resolutions concerning other items

Title Resolution number Date of adoption

Information from Non-Self-Governing 78/81 7 December 2023

Economic and other activities which affect 78/82 7 December 2023

Implementation of the Declaration on the 78/83 7 December 2023

Offers by Member States of study and 78/84 7 December 2023

Dissemination of information on 78/100 7 December 2023

4. Membership of the Special Committee

B. Opening of the meetings of the Special Committee in 2024 and

8. At its 1st meeting, on 15 February, the Special Committee had before it

Requests for hearing

D. Meetings of the Special Committee and its subsidiary bodies

Question Meeting Resolution/decision

Information from Non-Self-Governing 3rd Chap. XIII,

Economic and other activities which affect 10th Chap. XIII,

Implementation of the Declaration on the 10th Chap. XIII,

American Samoa 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

Anguilla 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

Bermuda 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

British Virgin Islands 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

Cayman Islands 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

French Polynesia 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

Guam 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

Montserrat 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

New Caledonia 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

Question Meeting Resolution/decision

Pitcairn 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

Saint Helena 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

Tokelau 3rd and 10th Chap. XIII,

Turks and Caicos Islands 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

United States Virgin Islands 4th and 10th Chap. XIII,

Dissemination of information on 3rd Chap. XIII,

Implementation of the Declaration on the 10th Chap. XIII,

Implementation of the Declaration on the 10th and 11th Chap. XIII,

Gibraltar 3rd Chap. VIII,

Western Sahara 5th and 6th Chap. VIII, para. 113

Sending visiting and special missions to 3rd Chap. IV, para. 86