International Week of Solidarity with Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories is observed annually from May 25 to May 31, to promote awareness and global support for the self-determination and independence of regions still under colonial or foreign administrative rule.
Purpose
- Affirm UN support for self-determination of people in Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs).
- Raise awareness about the colonial legacies and the rights of people in NSGTs to freely determine their political status and control their natural resources.
What Are Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs)?
- Defined in Chapter XI of the UN Charter as territories “whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government.”
- These territories are under the administration of another country, referred to as administering powers.
- The administering power is expected to promote the political, economic, social, and educational advancement of the territory and regularly report on its progress to the UN.
Objectives of Observance Week
- Reaffirm the right to self-determination for peoples of NSGTs.
- Promote the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (1960).
- Urge administering powers to:
- Safeguard natural resources of the territories.
- Protect property rights of the people.
- Assist in the development of self-governance and free institutions.
- Encourage member states and UN bodies to provide moral and material assistance.
Current Scenario
- Total NSGTs Today: 17 territories, mostly located in the Pacific and Caribbean regions.
- Administering countries are required to submit annual reports on the status of these territories to the UN Secretary-General.
Historical Background
Initial Listing (1946):
- 8 member states (Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, USA) listed 72 territories as NSGTs.
- By 1959, 8 territories became independent.
Key Developments:
- 1960: UN adopted the Declaration on Decolonization.
- 1963: Assembly revised list of 64 NSGTs, including:
- Nauru, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
- Territories under Spain and Portugal.
- Namibia (South West Africa), Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
- 1965–1986: More territories added:
- French Somaliland (now Djibouti) – 1965
- Oman – 1965
- Comoros – 1972
- New Caledonia – 1986
Progress Achieved:
- Between 1960 and 2002, 54 territories attained full or partial self-government.
Important UN Resolution
UNGA Resolution 54/91 (1999):
- Urged protection of natural resources and property rights in NSGTs.
- Called for the annual observance of the Week of Solidarity.
- Encouraged international assistance and cooperation through UN agencies.
Significance
- Demonstrates UN’s commitment to decolonization and human rights.
- Highlights issues related to sovereignty, international law, and global governance.
- Important for understanding India’s own decolonization history and its position on self-determination and territorial integrity.