Representatives, Petitioners from Four Non-Self-Governing Territories Set Out Their Perspectives to Fourth Committee
Representatives and petitioners from French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Guam and the British Virgin Islands took the floor today as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) began considering in closer detail the situations in the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, which was reinscribed on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories in 2013, called for dialogue between French Polynesia and the administering Power. “We want an open, frank and dispassionate discussion about the future of our country,” he said, proposing that this year’s General Assembly resolution contain stronger language regarding the Territory’s ownership over its natural resources. He called for more dialogue on the trans-generational damage caused by French nuclear testing in the Territory. He also called on France to initiate a constructive programme of work regarding French Polynesia and reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful decolonization “under the scrutiny of the United Nations”.
Nicolas de Rivière (France) said that French Polynesia has no place on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, nor is there a role for the United Nations in relations between France and the Territory. France took note of the democratic choice made in the territorial elections in April and began a dialogue with the new leaders, he said, adding that there is no parallel between the situations in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
Tevaearai Puarai, Association Moruroa e Tatou, stressed the need for a “decolonization of thought” so that people can free themselves and rediscover their inner peace. It is now widely acknowledged, including by France, that all of Mā'ohi Nui was contaminated by French nuclear testing from 1966 to 1996. That in turn led to financial corruption, power struggles and loss of faith in the divine. “We will fight until our last breath so that the administrating Power finally frees us from its colonial chains,” he said.
Lena Normand, Association 193, emphasized the plight of those suffering from radiation sickness resulting from nuclear tests, despite France’s assertions that the risks are negligible. Studies carried out by researchers at Princeton University show that French nuclear tests left more than 115,000 people contaminated with the effects of radiation. “There's no family that does not have stories of people who have become sick with cancer or died because of these tests,” she added, calling for France to pay reparations and compensation.
Philippe Neuffer, Conseil d'Administration Enseignement Protestant, in the same vein, highlighted the gaps in the French education received in French Polynesia’s schools. The history, language and culture of his people are not part of the Tahitian curriculum, while most leadership roles are held by non-native residents. If France wants to fulfil its constitutional duty of providing education, then it should “unleash our true history” he said.
Lou Labrousse, Amazones Pacific, sharing her experience as someone born in France and raised in French Polynesia, pointed to racism she faced as a white child in French Polynesia and cultural shock and unfair treatment she experienced as a young adult studying in France. Questioning how a nation that stands for freedom, equality and brotherhood can treat its citizens so differently, she urged that French Polynesia’s right to discuss its legal and political status be recognized promptly.
Allen Salmon, Commune de Paea, noting that the Mā'ohi Nui people became French citizens against their will 143 years ago, pointed to the role of education as a tool of colonization. Presented as beneficial, it often resulted in high rates of academic failure for indigenous populations. He lamented that the curriculum for Mā'ohi Nui children is determined in Paris and expressed his hope for better-adapted education for his people and for the Territory to regain sovereignty.
Mike Cowan, Roberto Gym, urged the administering Power to uphold and protect the inalienable right of French Polynesia’s people to own, control and manage their natural resources, including marine resources and undersea minerals.
He criticized the administering Power’s absence from active engagement with the Committee, adding that breaches of international law persist.
Mickaël Forrest, a representative of the Government of New Caledonia, said that the Territory is entering a crucial phase in its history based on the Nouméa Accord. Recognizing the significance of regional and global partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he detailed the challenges brought about by the COVID‑19 pandemic, climate change and disruptions to global supply chains and welcomed regional initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of rising sea levels and climate change. Turning to ongoing discussions regarding New Caledonia’s future, he said that it is willing to redouble its efforts to uproot the foundations of colonization and ensure full implementation of the Nouméa Accord.
Veylma Falaeo of the political party L’Eveil Océanien said that instead of giving a speech in favour of France or independence, she wanted to talk about peace, progress and how to get there. “We all have to take a step towards each other to move forward,” she said, adding that partnership between France and New Caledonia should enable them to overcome previous antagonisms by achieving a Caledonian state with sovereignty shared with France. That would enable the Territory to undertake reforms and give it an opportunity to redefine its ties with France, she said.
Melvin B. Won Pat-Borja, Executive Director of the Commission on Decolonization of Guam, said that since the Commission was established in 1997, the Territory has committed to achieving full self-governance. While this aligns with international law, the administering Power asserts that Guam’s decolonization must be undertaken within the confines of the United States’ domestic framework, which does not properly address the Territory’s colonial status. This impacts economic and social development as well as its environment, he said, also highlighting growing military activity and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Natalio D. Wheatley, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the British Virgin Islands, said there has been a positive shift in the United Kingdom’s relationship with the Territory, which stands to engage constructively with the administering Power on an order-in-council in reserve that London could use to remove democratic governance. “The order is not necessary and I believe it should be lifted immediately.” He detailed an ongoing constitutional review that could lead to a change in the Territory’s political status, adding that the United Nations has a responsibility to help raise public awareness about the various options available for self-government.
At the start of the meeting, Mathu Joyini (South Africa), Committee Chair, said the Committee will devote 4, 5 and 6 October to hearing from 160 petitioners on the question of Western Sahara. Statements regarding New Caledonia will resume on 5 October, while a statement by a representative of Gibraltar is expected after elections scheduled for 12 October in that Territory.