The International Week
of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories is an annual
observance that takes place from May 25th to May 31st. This significant week
draws attention to the aspirations and rights of the peoples living in territories
that have yet to attain self-governance and independence.
The United Nations
General Assembly established this observance in 1972 with the aim of promoting
awareness and support for the people living in non-self-governing territories.
These territories are places where the people have not yet fully exercised
their right to determine their own political status and have not achieved full
independence or integration with another sovereign nation.
During
this week
During this week,
various activities, events, and campaigns are organized globally to raise
awareness about the situation of the peoples in non-self-governing territories.
These initiatives aim to inform and educate the public about the challenges and
struggles faced by these populations, as well as to garner support for their
right to self-determination.
The International Week
of Solidarity serves as a platform for promoting dialogue, understanding, and
cooperation between governments, international organizations, civil society
groups, and individuals. It encourages stakeholders to work together to find
peaceful and just solutions for the peoples living in these territories,
respecting their rights and aspirations.
This observance also
highlights the importance of decolonization and the need for the international
community to actively support the efforts of the peoples of non-self-governing
territories in their quest for self-determination. It emphasizes the principles
enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which upholds the right of all peoples
to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social,
and cultural development.
The
UN Charter
Non-self-governing
territories are territories whose people have not yet achieved full
self-government, according to the United Nations Charter. In 1946, the UN
created a list of these territories, which were under the administration of
certain member states known as administering powers. Over the years, many
territories have been removed from the list through the process of decolonization.
The UN Charter,
specifically Chapter XI, emphasizes the importance of the well-being of the
inhabitants of non-self-governing territories. It places the responsibility on
administering powers to recognize the interests of the people as a "sacred
trust" and to promote their advancement. Administering powers are expected
to safeguard the rights of the people, including their natural resources, and
assist in the development of self-government and democratic institutions.
Regular reporting on the conditions in these territories is also required.
Chapter IX of the UN
Charter encourages all states, as well as specialized agencies and other UN
organizations, to provide both moral and material assistance to the peoples of
non-self-governing territories.
History
The history of the list
dates back to 1946 when eight member states listed 72 territories as
non-self-governing. Over time, some territories became independent, and the
transmission of information about certain territories was discontinued for
various reasons. In 1963, a revised list of 64 territories was approved,
including the remaining trust territories, territories administered by Spain,
Namibia (then South West Africa), and territories under Portuguese
administration and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The list has since been
expanded to include other territories.
From 1960 to 2002, 54
territories achieved self-government, leaving 17 non-self-governing territories
at present. To raise awareness and show solidarity with the peoples of these
territories, the UN General Assembly established the annual observance of the
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, as
requested by resolution 54/91 in 1999.
By shining a spotlight
on the issues faced by the peoples of non-self-governing territories, the
International Week of Solidarity fosters a sense of global unity, compassion,
and solidarity. It calls upon individuals and nations to actively engage in
supporting the rights and aspirations of these peoples, promoting a more just
and inclusive world.
As the world observes
this important week, it is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and
governments to reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by the peoples of
non-self-governing territories and to reaffirm their commitment to the
principles of self-determination, human rights, and decolonization.