The consequences of colonialism are “still being felt to this day”, United Nation’s secretary general’s chef de cabinet Courtenay Rattray said at a meeting of the special committee on decolonization on Friday. Decolonization remains a work in progress.
Since the birth of the United Nations in October 1945, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people, have gained independence.
But the process of decolonization continues as 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs), home to nearly two million people remain.
Completing the mandate will require the special committee to continue dialogue among the administering powers, the 29 different nations that make up the special committee, and the non-self-governing territories.
Speaking at a meeting of the special committee on decolonization on Friday on behalf of United Nations’ Secretary-General António Guterres, his chef de cabinet Courtenay Rattray reminded the participants of the challenges which face the so-called Non-Self-Governing Territories which remain around the world.
“Global cooperation is central to addressing its impacts”, he underscored, urging the Committee, also known as C-24, to “commit to making 2022 a year of recovery for everyone”.
A unique platform
The Special Committee is “a unique platform to promote the implementation of the Declaration on Decolonization”, in accordance with all relevant resolutions, the senior UN official said.
Last year, the C-24 made every effort for the territories and others to engage and be heard.
Rattray drew attention to new working methods, that allow the Committee to hear first from the territories before considering related resolutions.
The C-24 remains committed to the fulfilling its mandate, he assured.
He described transparent and constructive dialogue as “pivotal” in opening further opportunities which could see progress towards full decolonization.
Guided by the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, “the Secretariat will continue to support the Special Committee in its work to promote decolonization”, the chef de cabinet concluded.
COVID in the mix
The under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, pointed out that the “health, social and economic consequences of COVID-19” have served to compound the development challenges that territories have long faced.
“Addressing these impacts requires improved global cooperation and solidarity”, including vaccine equity to enable COVID inoculations that are affordable and accessible to all, she said.
“Vaccinationalism is self-defeating and will only delay global recovery”, added Ms. DiCarlo, encouraging countries to stick to the commitment to leave no-one behind.
Constructive relationships ‘indispensable’
This session marks the beginning of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism and December 2020 marked the 60th anniversary of the decolonization declaration.
The committee continues its efforts to implement the declaration and is further determined to strengthen informal dialogues with “administering powers” – the countries which continue to hold or claim sovereignty over territories – and other stakeholders, according to the UN political chief.
“A constructive relationship with all involved is indispensable for the advancement of the decolonization process, on a case-by-case basis”, she said.
In closing, DiCarlo stressed that expediting the decolonization process is “imperative” and urged everyone to “engage in new dynamics” to address the challenges ahead.
Image: United Nations — A man identified as Oumar, who was at risk of statelessness, holds his father’s identity card from French colonial times.
