Continuing Decolonization Debate, Speakers in Fourth Committee Articulate Both Attachments, Aspirations for Independence in Effort to Fulfil United Nations Mandate
As the African continent moved towards greater integration, the Western Sahara “weighs heavily” on the Maghreb region, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) heard today as it concluded its general debate on decolonization, with calls for enhanced cooperation between the Special Committee and administering Powers.
The representative of the United Republic of Tanzania asked: “If we are building the same house, why should we fight for the building materials?”
Blaming the deadlock on lack of political will from “certain players”, the representative of Senegal emphasized the need to discourage efforts to disintegrate the social fabric of Western Sahara.
The right to self-determination was the basis on which a democratic South Africa was founded, that State’s representative said. To not recognize the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic would render his country an accessory to the denial of the people of Western Sahara to their right to self-determination.
Rejecting Morocco’s attempts to associate the struggle for self-determination by the Saharan people with terrorist organizations, the representative of Namibia called for an immediate referendum there.
The representative of Zimbabwe stressed that the 22-year-old ceasefire indicated the Saharan people’s quest for peace and determination to gain independence through a peaceful referendum.
Attention also focused on the historic relationship between the Non-Self-Governing Territories and the administering Powers. The representative of New Zealand said the obligation of the administering Powers was clearly outlined in the United Nations Charter. He added that the relationship between his country and Tokelau was strong and built on mutual respect.
Adoption of the same resolutions each year — with limited or no follow-up — was unacceptable, the representative of Belize said, supporting the appointment of a Special Rapporteur for Decolonization and revitalization initiatives as outlined in the Plan of Implementation of the Decolonization Mandate 2006-2007.
Supporting Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas)[*], South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands and surrounding maritime areas, the representative of Nicaragua urged the United Kingdom to reciprocate Argentina’s commitment to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
The representative of Viet Nam urged the United Nations to ensure that administering Powers promoted economic, cultural, and social development of the Territories’ peoples and to assist them in exercising their rights.
Also speaking were representatives of Burundi, Honduras, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Lesotho, Zambia, Bahrain, Gabon, Solomon Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Belize, Cabo Verde, Bolivia and Mozambique.
The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 14 October, to consider related draft resolutions and decisions.
Background
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met today to continue its general debate on all decolonization agenda items. For further background, see Press Release GA/SPD/557 of 10 October.
Statements
ALBERT SHINGIRO (Burundi) said the Western Sahara conflict continued to divide the international community; the Secretary-General should lead the way in urging all parties to compromise towards a win-win solution. Human and political aspects of the crisis could be resolved if relations improved between the parties. The regional dimension in the search for peace was crucial because the Western Sahara dispute was primarily a North African one. The parties concerned must do more to promote human rights, he added, underscoring Morocco’s recent efforts in that regard. He stated that Morocco’s plan provided the basis for a fair, acceptable and durable peace. On the challenges of terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and transnational crime in the region, he stressed that firm international cooperation was required, addressing education and development in addition to security.
KARLA GARCÍA LÓPEZ (Honduras) said it was essential that the United Nations stayed involved in the self-determination process. For that purpose, a permanent dialogue was needed between the General Assembly, the administering Powers, and the people from the non-self-governing territories. Regarding the Malvinas, which she called currently under occupation, she acknowledged good work towards a peaceful solution and reiterated the support of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to Argentina. On the question of Western Sahara, she stressed the need to find a fair solution to the conflict that respected human rights. All parties should cooperate in that effort.
VU VAN MIEN (Viet Nam), associating himself with the statement made on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, expressed support for the aspirations of people under colonial rule to exercise their right to self-determination. The Committee, he said, should enhance its efficiency in order to improve cooperation with administering Powers, and to ensure the participation of the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the process to determine their own future. He urged the United Nations to ensure that those Powers promoted economic, cultural, and social development of the Territories’ peoples and to assist them in exercising their rights.
FODÉ SECK (Senegal) said that, since the declaration of the First International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, not much progress had been made in the matter. Lack of political will from certain players was responsible. Supporting the Committee’s work, he added that, at a time when the African continent was heading towards integration, the Western Sahara dossier weighed heavily on the Maghreb region. The threat of wider instability made a settlement even more urgent. Disintegration of the social fabric must be discouraged, he stressed, reiterating his government’s support for Morocco’s plan for peace, which he called reasonable and fair.
RAMADHAN MWINYI (United Republic of Tanzania) reaffirmed his country’s support for the aspirations of peoples under colonial rule to exercise their right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant resolutions and provisions of the United Nations. Completing the decolonization process would, he said, require a collective commitment, political will, cooperation and partnership, including enhanced cooperation between the Special Committee and administering Powers. “We are building the same house” he added, asking, “Why should we fight for the building materials?” On Western Sahara, he reiterated “unwavering support” to the cause of self-determination of the Saharan people. It was incomprehensible that this question, which arose around the same time as the conflict in East Timor nearly 40 years ago, remained unresolved.
PHILLIP TAULA (New Zealand) affirmed New Zealand’s commitment to cooperate with the Special Committee on Decolonization. He said that, in compliance with the United Nations Charter, the relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau was based on listening to the concerns of Tokelau and helping it achieve its aspirations. In following the self-determination process in 2006 and 2007, however, Tokelauans decided that the timing and conditions for self-determination were not right. Tokelau faced the developmental challenges of geographical isolation and a small population. A five-year plan for improving essential services had been put in place, focusing on transport, education, and natural resources such as fisheries; also, significant progress had been made in developing renewable energy for a sustainable economy. He added that the relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau was strong and built on mutual respect.
FRANÇOIS XAVIER ZABAVY (Côte d’Ivoire), associating his remarks with the statement made on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, said full implementation of the decolonization agenda was urgent, considering that two million people still lived under the scourge of non-self-determination. In Western Sahara, the parties should strive for a just and acceptable solution in keeping with the hopes and aspirations of the people. Although tension had been reduced in the region, particularly with the improvement in the situation in Mali, the world must remain vigilant. Strengthening of brotherly relations among all States of Africa was crucial to ensuring the welfare of the region.
SEKOU CAMARA (Guinea) welcomed all efforts to find a negotiated solution for Western Sahara. Affirming that self-determination was an inalienable right and a natural historic norm, he supported the initiative proposed by Morocco as constituting a just foundation for a peaceful solution. He said that the Moroccan approach was inclusive and showed that Morocco took responsibility for all areas of the territory, including the south. For the successful implementation of that approach — which, he maintained could lead to progress and peace — he urged all parties to avoid the path of mistrust.
KELEBONE MAOPE (Lesotho), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said colonization had the potential to “wipe out” the colonized people’s identity. In that context, he voiced regret that Western Sahara remained the only colony in Africa. General Assembly resolution 40/50, of 2 December 1985, outlined the need for conditions that would allow for the peaceful and fair holding of a referendum for the self-determination of the Saharan people. Those conditions still did not exist. Calling the lack of a human rights mandate for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) “a great injustice”, he expressed Lesotho’s continued solidarity with the Territory’s people and advocated for direct negotiations between the parties.
JEREMIAH NYAMANE KINGSLEY MAMABOLO (South Africa), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that neither the United Nations nor any regional or international organization – nor any other country in the world – had recognized Morocco’s claims of sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Moroccan territorial claims had been rejected by the advisory opinions of both the International Court of Justice on 16 October 1975 and the Legal Department of the United Nations on 29 January 2002. The International Court of Justice had stated that there had been no links of territorial sovereignty between Morocco and the Western Sahara prior to the Spanish colonization of the Territory. In 1979, the General Assembly described Morocco’s presence in Western Sahara as “a continuing occupation”. He thus called for an end to the illegal exploitation of mineral resources in the territory as well as an end to human rights abuses, which he said should be part of the peacekeeping mandate.
MWABA PATRICIA KASESE-BOTA (Zambia) expressed concern that, 54 years after the adoption of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) concerning the Declaration under which all remaining Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories were entitled to independence, 17 such Territories remained around the world. As a former colony, Zambia continued to support the principles of self-determination, as the legal and political basis of decolonization. With that in mind, recent events in Gaza were of great concern, she said, urging renewed negotiations to create lasting peace in the region. Zambia supported all efforts at finding a lasting, comprehensive, and peaceful settlement to the Palestine-Israeli conflict, and called for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian State. On the other hand, she lauded the recent process by the Somalis to determine their destiny through the expansion of the national Government and rule of law. That commendable development would contribute to the return of peace and stability to that region, she added.
FREDERICK MUSIIWA MAKAMURE SHAVA (Zimbabwe), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that the General Assembly had consistently recognized the inalienable right of the Western Saharan people to self-determination. The continuous occupation of that Territory was a violation of the United Nations Charter, and the authority and credibility of the Fourth Committee. Given the Territory’s geographical location and membership in the African Union, he said the latter organization should complement efforts by the Secretary-General. The ceasefire that had endured for 22 years was an indication that the Saharan people were indeed peace-loving, and determined to gain independence through a peaceful referendum.
FAWAZ AL-ZAYANI (Bahrain) recalled the difficult time experienced by people labouring under colonialism and the bitterness of living in that situation. The United Nations had backed the efforts of the Non-Self-Governing countries since the Organization’s creation in 1947, especially since the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People. That text reinvigorated interest in decolonization, and consequently resulted in the adoption of methods and means to achieve that objective. Colonialism impeded the cooperation between, and the development of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. The International community continued to seek ways to implement the Declaration, and he sought the adoption of an action plan for the end of colonialism. Regarding Western Sahara, he backed efforts by the United Nations and Morocco. The Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism 2011-2020 was an opportunity to discuss the international instruments to implement the decolonization with respect to the interest of all nations.
MARIANNE ODETTE BIBALOU (Gabon), associating with the Non-aligned Movement, congratulated the United Nations for its historic success in decolonization, particularly in Africa. However, she voiced concern at the millions still awaiting their right to self-determination. As the movement towards full decolonization continued, the international community should ensure ongoing social and economic development in the territories. On Western Sahara, she said a new impetus was needed to prevent destabilization of the wider region because threats, such as terrorism and illicit trade in weapons and drugs, underscored the importance of Morocco’s plan as the basis for a just and acceptable settlement.
COLLIN D. BECK (Solomon Islands) said that, in order to deliver on the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism 2011-2020, all parties should cooperate, including the administering Powers. At a subregional level, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, made up of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), continued to follow the question of New Caledonia. That Group welcomed the visit of the United Nations Special Committee to New Caledonia in March, and noted concerns relating to the Territory’s electoral process. Those concerns, which had persisted over a number of years, had implications for the preparation of a credible referendum. The Committee must be empowered to play a more definitive role in resolving such issues.
WILFRIED I. EMVULA (Namibia) called it “unacceptable” that the people of Western Sahara continued to die under colonial subjugation by Morocco, which also exploited the region’s resources. He advocated for monitoring human rights violations, rejecting Morocco’s attempts to associate the struggle for self-determination by the Saharan people, notably the Frente Polisario, with terrorist organizations. The United Nations should exert political and diplomatic pressure on Morocco for the implementation of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions allowing the region’s people to exercise their right to self-determination. A referendum should be held immediately and States should urge Morocco to cooperate with the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.
BIBI SHELIZA ALLY (Guyana), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement and CELAC, stressed the need for friendly relations among Member States, particularly with their neighbours, and respect for the self-determination principle for all people. In 1960, the General Assembly had declared that an inalienable right with its adoption of the decolonization Declaration. Regrettably, that task remained unfinished. French Polynesia was re-added, last year, to the list of Non-Self-Governing territories, she said, stressing that, at the midpoint of the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, efforts must be made to help the 17 territories reach independence; several of them were in the CARICOM region. Regarding Turks and Caicos, she expressed concern that the overall state of political affairs was less than desirable, and supported the full restoration of democracy. Western Sahara needed significant attention; she expressed her support for self-determination and a long lasting solution, encouraging the parties to work towards a solution within the framework of the United Nations, which must, she added, face its responsibility for a swift end to colonization.
SHORNA-KAY MARIE RICHARDS (Jamaica), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement and CELAC, said that, as a beneficiary of decolonization, the country fully supported the process. Since much remained to be done, however, there was no room for complacency. The administering Powers must initiate internal reforms and adopt measures to facilitate the decolonization of the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, taking into account their specific situations. Jamaica called for a revisit of the Plan of Implementation of the Decolonization Mandate 2006-2007, including the appointment of a Special Rapporteur to analyse the current dependency arrangements. Stating that a referendum was critical to determine the will of the Saharan people, she voiced concern about the situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands as well.
LOIS MICHELE YOUNG (Belize), associating herself with CELAC, pressed the United Nations to accelerate efforts to raise awareness about self-determination. She called for a more proactive approach to the working methods of decolonization mechanisms, saying that remedies to redress historical violations of self-determination could not simply be a reversion to the status quo. Indeed, adoption of the same resolutions each year – with limited or no follow-up – was unacceptable. Belize supported the appointment of a Special Rapporteur for Decolonization and revitalization initiatives as outlined in the Plan of Implementation of the Decolonization Mandate 2006-2007. The Saharan people must exercise their right to self-determination.
FERNANDO JORGE WAHNON FERREIRA (Cabo Verde) supported the United Nations efforts for negotiations and a peaceful resolution in the Western Sahara dispute. His delegation recalled the Security Council’s resolution on the fundamental parameters to resolve the conflict, for which political will and the stakeholders’ commitment were needed. The Saharan region had been a source of concern owing to the threat of terrorism to neighbouring countries. The Council reiterated had reiterated that the long-standing dispute required dialogue in the Maghreb.
JAIME HERMIDA CASTILLO (Nicaragua), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement and CELAC, said millions of people still suffered from traces of colonialism, which emphasized the urgency of sustained commitment to the process. The recent decolonization seminar held in Fiji was positive, and those conferences must be continued. Thanking the petitioners from Non-Self-Governing Territories for bringing their concerns and aspirations, he expressed support for Argentina’s sovereignty claims to the Malvinas/Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and surrounding maritime areas. The United Kingdom should reciprocate the willingness demonstrated by Argentina to resolve the issue through dialogue. The militarization of the South Atlantic region by the United Kingdom was a constant source of concern to people there. On Puerto Rico and Western Sahara, he urged the United Nations to work harder to ensure respect for the self-determination right.
LUIS MAURICIO ARANCIBIA FERNÁNDEZ (Bolivia), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement, CARICOM and Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), believed that the development of Non-Self-Governing Territories was essential, and urged an end to the “archaic” practices of colonialism. The United Nations expressed its desire to end colonialism around the world in all its forms; therefore, the administering Powers should take activities commensurate with that goal. Reaffirming his support for Puerto Rico’s efforts towards independence, he said it was vital for the United Nations to shoulder its responsibilities and allow the people of Puerto Rico to have access to independence. Since 1965, the United Nations stated that the United Kingdom and Argentina should resolve their dispute on the Malvinas Islands. Since then, 40 resolutions have been adopted, but the United Kingdom had not implemented them. That country was draining the region’s resources, and with that, he asked it to refrain from such activities. The region’s militarization, including with naval vehicles, should also be discussed. The United Kingdom should return to the negotiating table where Argentina was already seating. The international community acknowledged the need for bilateral talks.
ANTÓNIO GUMENDE (Mozambique) said self-determination was an inalienable right of the people, and should not be questioned by any country or foreign Power. At a time when the world was quickly moving towards human progress and sustainable development, it was a great embarrassment that 17 countries were still Non-Self-Governing. Calling for a free, fair, and independent United Nations-supervised referendum in Western Sahara, he urged the international community to work together towards a lasting solution that could contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.
* 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).