UN Secretary-General calls for decolonisation of Caribbean territories

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

NEW YORK, USA: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has reiterated the call for decolonisation of remaining listed territories, including seven Caribbean territories, a process in full partnership with the administering powers as well as with the active participation of the peoples of the territories. 

Addressing the Special Committee of 24 at the opening of the 2004 session he said that the past year had been an interesting and active one for the Special Committee. "There is still a lot to be done to fulfil the requirements of the United Nations Charter and General Assembly resolutions 1514 and 1541, which contain the Declaration on Decolonisation and the principles that should guide the decolonisation process" remarked Mr. Annan recalling that the sixteen non-self- governing territories remain on the Committee's list.

"During this past year, the Special Committee consulted with some of the administering Powers on a series of actions that would trigger a process of decolonisation in these territories within this decade. I welcome this development, and I hope it continues in full partnership with the administering Powers, as well as with the active participation of the peoples of the territories. The aim must be to promote their political, economic and social development and determine the final status of each territory within the framework of the three options envisaged in resolution 1541: free association, integration with another State, or independence." 

Mr Annan said he was glad that, during 2003, the annual decolonisation seminar was, for the first time, held in one of the non-self-governing territories -- the Caribbean island of Anguilla. 

"In the twenty-first century, colonialism is an anachronism. I therefore hope that, in the year ahead, all administering Powers will work with the Special Committee, and with the people in the territories under their administration, to find ways to further the decolonisation process. After all, decolonisation is a United Nations success story, but it is a story that is not yet finished. I stand ready to provide any support that I can to advance the work of the Committee, and I wish you every success in the year ahead." 

The 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories covered by the Committee are: American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands/Malvinas, Gibraltar, Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands, and Western Sahara. 

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