Decolonization

In Colombia, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), with its partners and the Government, launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Nearly 7 million people need aid this year — roughly one in every eight Colombians — amid conflict between non-State armed groups, which is present in 60 per cent of Colombia’s municipalities.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, as delivered by Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, at the organizational meeting of the 2026 Session of the Special Committee on Decolonization, in New York today:

The United Nations Secretary-General warned today that the enduring legacy of colonialism — marked by entrenched economic exploitation, racism, inequality and exclusion from decision-making — continues to shape the realities of the world’s 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, calling for inclusive dialogue, youth leadership and urgent climate action to guide their future.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, delivered by Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, to the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, in New York today:

In Sudan, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights today called for an impartial, thorough and effective investigation into the April attack on the Zamzam internally displaced persons camp, citing a report that at least 1,013 civilians were killed from 11 to 13 April.

The General Assembly today adopted a total of 40 texts — half of them taking recorded votes — recommended by its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), addressing the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories and assistance to Palestinian refugees, among other topics.

Continuing its 2025 session, the Special Committee on Decolonization today adopted a new resolution reiterating its position that the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) must be resolved through peaceful and negotiated means.

Despite a recent landmark agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom bringing the question of Gibraltar to a historic juncture, the representative of that Territory and the delegate of Spain disagreed on steps forward concerning the decolonization of that Territory, as the Special Committee on Decolonization met today.

The Special Committee on Decolonization continued the substantive part of its 2025 session today, hearing from a petitioner as it took up the question of Gibraltar — 1 of 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The long-standing question of decolonizing Western Sahara took centre stage today, as the Special Committee on Decolonization heard impassioned statements from petitioners and delegates alike that reflected divergent views.