Secretary-General Urges End to Colonialism in All Its Forms on Declaration Anniversary
We are witnessing a significant moment as the United Nations commemorates the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This year marks the inaugural observance of the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. During a high-level meeting in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, represented by Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, emphasized the ongoing struggle against colonialism and the need for global reform to ensure equality and self-determination for all nations.
A Historic Declaration and Its Impact
The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted in 1960, was a pivotal moment in history. It called for the immediate end of colonialism, a message supported by 43 Asian and African nations. This declaration was instrumental in the independence of 17 territories that joined the United Nations that same year, marking the largest expansion of UN membership in its history. The Declaration served as a guiding principle for freedom, enabling over 60 territories, home to more than 80 million people, to pursue self-determination and achieve independence. Today, the UN consists of 193 Member States, a testament to the enduring legacy of this historic process.
The Unfinished Legacy of Colonialism
Despite the progress made, the legacy of colonialism remains incomplete. Currently, there are still 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories that have not achieved full independence. Furthermore, the remnants of colonialism persist not only in geographical terms but also in the structures of global governance. Institutions established in a bygone era continue to reflect the inequalities of that time. The UN Security Council and the international financial system, among other key pillars of global governance, still bear the marks of a world dominated by empires rather than one of equals. This enduring imbalance undermines trust and hinders progress, contradicting the foundational principles of equality, sovereignty, and the right of all peoples to determine their own futures.
Renewing the Commitment to Human Rights
The United Nations was founded 80 years ago with the mission to prevent war, uphold human rights, and promote progress in freedom. On this first International Day against Colonialism, there is a renewed call to honor that commitment. The focus is not only on ending colonialism in its traditional forms but also on dismantling its lingering effects wherever they exist. The UN urges the global community to act decisively and with purpose to create a world where power is equitably shared, institutions serve the needs of all people, and freedom is recognized as a universal right rather than a privilege reserved for a select few.
Building a Future of Equality and Freedom
As the UN marks this important anniversary, the message is clear: the fight against colonialism is far from over. The call to action emphasizes the need for clarity and conviction in building a more equitable world. The goal is to ensure that all nations can thrive and that the principles of equality and self-determination are upheld. By addressing the remnants of colonialism and reforming global institutions, the international community can work towards a future where every individual has the right to shape their own destiny, free from the shadows of colonial rule.
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