Secretary-General, Opening Caribbean Decolonization Seminar, Stresses ‘No One and No Territories’ Can Be Left Behind in Fight against COVID-19

(Delayed for technical reasons)

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message to the opening of the 2021 Caribbean Regional Seminar on Decolonization, in Parish of St. John, Dominica, delivered on 25 August:

It is a pleasure to greet the Caribbean Regional Seminar on Decolonization.  I thank the people and Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica for hosting this important event.

Non-Self-Governing Territories are no exceptions to the dramatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I welcome and encourage efforts by the administering Powers to distribute vaccines to the Territories.  We must ensure that no one and no Territories are left behind in the fight against the pandemic.

Despite the difficulties, the last year saw some progress for decolonization efforts.  In the Pacific, New Caledonia successfully held in October 2020 the second referendum on its future status and the United Nations, in response to the request from the French Government, will continue to provide electoral support for the holding of a third consultation in December.

The [United Nations Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples], or C-24, conducted its 2020 session virtually, and upon the Committee’s recommendation, the General Assembly declared 2021-2030 the fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.  This year, the C-24 resumed its session in person and heard from the Territories and involved stakeholders, demonstrating its determination to eradicate colonialism.

Let us keep working to build on the Committee’s achievements, increase political will and together advance and complete decolonization.  The 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories deserve our strongest support.  I wish you a successful seminar.