The United Nations is observing the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories from May 25 to 31. The annual observance, which notes ongoing decolonization efforts, focuses on the 17 territories worldwide that still remain non-self-governing. This week aims to raise awareness about the progress towards self-determination in these territories and to mobilize support for the peoples living within them. The observance serves as a critical reminder of the UN's foundational commitment to the principle of self-determination for all peoples.
Defining Non-Self-Governing Territories
The United Nations Charter defines non-self-governing territories as "territories whose peoples have not yet attained a full measure of self-government." The Charter further states that "the principle that the interests of the inhabitants of these territories are critical" must be recognized. This foundational definition underpins the UN's approach to decolonization. According to the Charter, administering powers have specific obligations to promote the well-being and self-determination of the peoples in these territories. In 1946, several nations identified a number of territories under their administration that met this definition and fell within the scope of the Charter. These territories were subsequently placed on a list for which administering powers were obliged to provide information to the UN, facilitating oversight of their progress towards self-determination and ensuring international scrutiny of their administrative practices. This reporting mechanism is a cornerstone of the UN's decolonization framework.
Current Status and Scope
The 17 territories currently designated as non-self-governing collectively comprise approximately two million people. These territories are spread across various regions, each with its unique historical and political context, yet all share the common thread of awaiting a full measure of self-government. Among these territories, the United Nations General Assembly has consistently affirmed since 1990 that Western Sahara constitutes a decolonization issue. The General Assembly further states that this issue is to be resolved by the Sahrawi people themselves, emphasizing the importance of their direct involvement in determining their future status. The UN's Special Committee on Decolonization, also known as the C-24, regularly reviews the situation in these territories and makes recommendations to the General Assembly.
Historical Context and Progress
Since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, a significant number of former colonies have achieved independence. More than 80 such territories, collectively home to approximately 750 million people, have transitioned to self-governance. This historical trajectory shows the UN's longstanding commitment to decolonization efforts worldwide and notes the success of international cooperation in facilitating the independence of numerous nations. The organization continues to monitor the remaining non-self-governing territories, advocating for the self-determination of their peoples in accordance with its founding principles and the various resolutions adopted over the decades. The process of decolonization, while having made significant strides, remains an ongoing priority for the international community.
Focus on Western Sahara
Western Sahara is the only African territory still on the UN's list of non-self-governing territories. This unique status places a particular emphasis on its situation within the ongoing decolonization agenda. The UN has consistently affirmed that the issue of Western Sahara is a matter of decolonization, a stance that has been reiterated by the General Assembly since 1990. This designation notes the ongoing international focus on the territory's future status and the imperative for a resolution that respects international law. The General Assembly maintains that the Sahrawi people must resolve the issue of self-determination for the territory, showing the principle of self-determination as critical. The UN continues to monitor the situation, engaging with all parties involved and aligning with its broader commitment to decolonization efforts globally, seeking a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
