| United Nations | A/RES/51/224 |
General Assembly
Distr. GENERAL
27 March 1997
ORIGINAL:
ENGLISH
A/RES/51/224
A-B: 94th plenary meeting
27 March 1997
51/224. Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the
British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam,
Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, the Turks and Caicos
Islands and the United States Virgin Islands
A
GENERAL
The General Assembly,
Having considered the questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda,
the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn,
St. Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin
Islands, hereinafter referred to as "the Territories",
Having examined the relevant chapter of the report of the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,
Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,
and all resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating to those
Territories, including, in particular, the resolutions adopted by the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session on the individual Territories covered by the
present resolution,
Recognizing that the specific characteristics and the sentiments of the
peoples of the Territories require flexible, practical and innovative
approaches to the options of self-determination, without any prejudice to
territorial size, geographical location, size of population or natural
resources,
Recalling its resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960, containing the
principles that should guide Member States in determining whether or not an
obligation exists to transmit the information called for under Article 73 e of
the Charter of the United Nations,
Expressing its concern that even three and a half decades after the
adoption of the Declaration there still remains a number of Non-Self-Governing
Territories,
Acknowledging the significant achievements by the international
community towards the eradication of colonialism in accordance with the
Declaration, and conscious of the importance of continuing effective
implementation of the Declaration, taking into account the target set by the
United Nations to eradicate colonialism by the year 2000,
Taking note of the positive constitutional developments in some
Non-Self-Governing Territories about which the Special Committee has received
information, while also recognizing the need for recognition to be given to
expressions of self-determination by the peoples of the Territories consistent
with practice under the Charter,
Recognizing that in the decolonization process there is no alternative
to the principle of self-determination as enunciated by the General Assembly
in its resolutions 1514 (XV), 1541 (XV) and other resolutions,
Noting with appreciation the continuing exemplary cooperation of New
Zealand, as an administering Power, in the work of the Special Committee, and
welcoming the recent constitutional developments in Tokelau,
Welcoming the stated position of the Government of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland that it continues to take seriously its
obligations under the Charter to develop self-government in the dependent
Territories and, in cooperation with the locally elected Governments, to
ensure that their constitutional frameworks continue to meet the wishes of the
people, and the emphasis that it is ultimately for the peoples of the
Territories to decide their future status,
Welcoming also the stated position of the Government of the United
States of America that it supports fully the principles of decolonization and
takes seriously its obligations under the Charter to promote to the utmost the
well- being of the inhabitants of the Territories under United States
administration,
Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical location and
economic conditions of each Territory, and bearing in mind the necessity of
promoting economic stability and diversifying and strengthening further the
economies of the respective Territories as a matter of priority,
Conscious of the particular vulnerability of the small Territories to
natural disasters and environmental degradation,
Aware of the usefulness both to the Territories and to the Special
Committee of the participation of appointed and elected representatives of the
Territories in the work of the Special Committee,
Convinced that the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of the
Territories should continue to guide the development of their future political
status and that referendums, free and fair elections, and other forms of
popular consultation play an important role in ascertaining the wishes and
aspirations of the people,
Convinced also that any negotiations to determine the status of a
Territory must not take place without the active involvement and participation
of the people of that Territory,
Recognizing that all available options for self-determination are valid
as long as they are in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the
peoples concerned and in conformity with the clearly defined principles
contained in resolutions 1514 (XV), 1541 (XV) and other resolutions of the
General Assembly,
Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide an effective means
of ascertaining the situation in the Territories, and considering that the
possibility of sending further visiting missions to the Territories at an
appropriate time and in consultation with the administering Powers should be
kept under review,
Taking note of the fact that the Special Committee held at Port Moresby,
from 12 to 14 June 1996, a Pacific regional seminar to review the situation in
the Non-Self-Governing Territories, particularly their political evolution
towards self-determination by the year 2000,
Mindful that in order for the Special Committee to enhance its
understanding of the political status of the peoples of the Territories, and
to fulfil its mandate effectively, it is important for the Committee to be
apprised by the administering Powers, and to receive information from other
appropriate sources, concerning the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of
the Territories,
Mindful also that in this connection the Special Committee regards the
holding of regional seminars in the Caribbean and Pacific regions and at
Headquarters and other venues, with the active participation of
representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, as a helpful means to
fulfil its mandate, while recognizing the need for reviewing the role of these
seminars in the context of a United Nations programme for ascertaining the
political status of the Territories,
Mindful further that some Territories have not had any United Nations
visiting mission for a long period of time,
Noting with appreciation the contribution to the development of some
Territories by specialized agencies and other organizations of the United
Nations system, in particular the United Nations Development Programme, and
regional institutions such as the Caribbean Development Bank,
1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to American Samoa,
Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam,
Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United
States Virgin Islands, and takes note of the recommendations contained therein
subject to the changes introduced by the present resolution;
2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the peoples of the Territories
to self-determination, including, if they so wish, independence, in conformity
with the Charter of the United Nations and General Assembly resolution 1514
(XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples;
3. Reaffirms also that it is ultimately for the peoples of the
Territories themselves to determine freely their future political status in
accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter, the Declaration and
the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and in that connection calls
upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial
Governments, to facilitate programmes of political education in the
Territories in order to foster an awareness among the people of their right to
self-determination in conformity with legitimate political status options,
including those defined in resolution 1541 (XV);
4. Requests the administering Powers to transmit to the Secretary-
General information called for under Article 73 e of the Charter and other
information and reports, including reports on the wishes and aspirations of
the peoples of the Territories regarding their future political status as
expressed in fair and free referendums and other forms of popular
consultation, as well as the results of any informed and democratic processes
consistent with practice under the Charter which indicate the clear and freely
expressed wish of the people to change the existing status of the Territories;
5. Stresses the importance for the Special Committee to be apprised
of the views and wishes of the peoples of the Territories and to enhance its
understanding of their conditions;
6. Reaffirms that United Nations visiting missions to the Territories
at an appropriate time and in consultation with the administering Power are an
effective means of ascertaining the situation in the Territories, and requests
the administering Powers and the elected representatives of the peoples of the
Territories to assist the Special Committee in this regard;
7. Reaffirms also the responsibility of the administering Powers
under the Charter to promote the economic and social development and to
preserve the cultural identity of the Territories, and recommends that
priority continue to be given, in consultation with the territorial
Governments concerned, to the strengthening and diversification of their
respective economies;
8. Requests the administering Powers in consultation with the peoples
of the Territories to take all necessary measures to protect and conserve the
environment of the Territories under their administration against any
environmental degradation, and requests the specialized agencies concerned to
continue to monitor environmental conditions in those Territories;
9. Calls upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the
respective territorial Governments, to continue to take all necessary measures
to counter problems related to drug trafficking, money laundering and other
offences;
10. Stresses that eradication of colonialism by the year 2000 requires
the full and constructive cooperation of all parties concerned;
11. Takes note of the particular circumstances which prevail in the
Territories concerned, and encourages the political evolution in them towards
self-determination;
12. Urges Member States to contribute to the efforts of the United
Nations to usher in the twenty-first century in a world free of colonialism,
and calls upon them to continue to give their full support to the Special
Committee in its endeavours towards that noble goal;
13. Invites the specialized agencies and other organizations of the
United Nations system to initiate or to continue to take all necessary
measures to accelerate progress in the social and economic life of the
Territories;
14. Requests the Special Committee to continue the examination of the
question of the small Territories and to submit a report thereon to the
General Assembly at its fifty-second session, including recommendations on
appropriate ways to assist the peoples of the Territories to exercise their
right to self- determination.
B
INDIVIDUAL TERRITORIES
The General Assembly,
Referring to resolution A above,
I. American Samoa
Noting the report by the administering Power that most American Samoan
leaders express satisfaction with the island's present relationship with the
United States of America,
Noting also the non-participation of representatives of the people of
American Samoa in the last two regional seminars,
Noting further that the Government of the Territory continues to have
significant financial, budgetary and internal control problems and that the
Territory's deficit and financial condition are compounded by the high demand
for government services from the rapidly growing population, a limited
economic and tax base and recent natural disasters,
Noting that the Territory, similar to isolated communities with limited
funds, continues to experience lack of adequate medical facilities and other
infrastructural requirements, especially the provision of safe drinking water
to all villages in American Samoa,
Aware of the efforts of the Government of the Territory to control and
reduce expenditures, while continuing its programme of expanding and
diversifying the local economy,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Calls upon the administering Power to continue to assist the
territorial Government in the economic and social development of the
Territory, including measures to rebuild financial management capabilities and
strengthen other governmental functions of the Government of the Territory;
II. Anguilla
Noting that information considered by the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was made available from
published sources,
Conscious of the commitment of both the Government of Anguilla and the
administering Power to a new and closer policy of dialogue and partnership
through the Country Policy Plan for 1993-1997,
Aware of the efforts of the Government of Anguilla to continue to
develop the Territory as a viable offshore centre and well-regulated financial
centre for investors, by enacting modern company and trust laws, as well as
partnership and insurance legislation, and computerizing the company registry
system,
Noting the need for continued cooperation between the administering
Power and the territorial Government in tackling the problems of drug
trafficking and money laundering,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Calls upon the administering Power and all countries,
organizations and United Nations agencies to continue to assist the Territory
in social and economic development;
III. Bermuda
Noting the results of the independence referendum held on 16 August 1995
in Bermuda,
Conscious of the different viewpoints of the political parties of the
Territory on the future status of the Territory,
Noting the measures taken by the Government to combat racism and the
plan to set up a Commission for Unity and Racial Equality,
Noting also the report of the intended closure of the foreign military
bases and installations in the Territory,
Taking into consideration the statement made in October 1995 by the
Finance Minister on the transfer of those lands for development projects,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Calls upon the administering Power to continue its programmes of
socio-economic development of the Territory;
3. Requests the administering Power to elaborate, in consultation
with the territorial Government, programmes of development specifically
intended to alleviate the economic, social and environmental consequences of
the closure of certain military bases and installations in the Territory;
IV. British Virgin Islands
Noting the completion of the constitutional review in the British Virgin
Islands and the coming into force of the amended Constitution, and noting also
the results of the general elections held on 20 February 1995,
Noting also the results of the constitutional review of 1993-1994, which
made it clear that a prerequisite to independence must be a constitutionally
expressed wish by the people as a result of a referendum,
Taking note of the statement made in 1995 by the Chief Minister of the
British Virgin Islands that the Territory was ready for constitutional and
political advancement towards full internal self-government and that the
administering Power should assist through the gradual transfer of power to
elected territorial representatives,
Noting that the Territory is emerging as one of the world's leading
offshore financial centres,
Noting also the need for continued cooperation between the administering
Power and the territorial Government in countering drug trafficking and money
laundering,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Also requests the administering Power, the specialized agencies
and other organizations of the United Nations system and all financial
institutions to continue to provide assistance to the Territory for
socio-economic development and the development of human resources, bearing in
mind the vulnerability of the Territory to external factors;
V. Cayman Islands
Noting that information considered by the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was made available from
published sources,
Noting also the constitutional review of 1992-1993, according to which
the population of the Cayman Islands expressed the sentiment that the existing
relations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland should
be maintained and that the current status of the Territory should not be
altered,
Aware that the Territory has one of the highest per capita incomes in
the region, a stable political climate and virtually no unemployment,
Noting the actions taken by the territorial Government to implement its
localization programme to promote increased participation of the local
population in the decision-making process in the Cayman Islands,
Noting with concern the vulnerability of the Territory to drug
trafficking and related activities,
Noting the measures taken by the authorities to deal with those
problems,
Noting also that the Territory has emerged as one of the world's leading
offshore financial centres,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Also requests the administering Power, the specialized agencies
and other organizations of the United Nations system to continue to provide
the territorial Government with all required expertise to enable it to achieve
its socio-economic aims;
3. Calls upon the administering Power and the territorial Government
to continue to cooperate to counter problems related to money laundering,
smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking;
4. Requests the administering Power, in consultation with the
territorial Government, to continue to facilitate the expansion of the current
programme of securing employment for the local population, in particular at
the decision-making level;
VI. Guam
Recalling that, in a referendum held in 1987, the people of Guam
endorsed a draft Guam Commonwealth Act that would establish a new framework
for relations between the Territory and the administering Power, providing for
internal self- government for Guam and recognition of the right of the people
of Guam to self- determination for the Territory,
Recalling also the requests by the elected representatives and
non-governmental organizations of the Territory that Guam not be removed from
the list of the Non-Self-Governing Territories with which the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
is concerned, pending the expression of the will of the Chamorro people and
taking into account their legitimate rights and interests,
Aware of the continued negotiations between the administering Power and
the territorial Government on the draft Guam Commonwealth Act and on the
future status of the Territory, with particular emphasis on the question of
the evolution of the relationship between the United States of America and
Guam,
Cognizant that the administering Power continues to implement its
programme of transferring surplus federal land to the Government of Guam,
Noting that the people of the Territory have called for reform in the
programme of the administering Power with respect to the thorough,
unconditional and expeditious transfer of land property to the people of Guam,
Conscious that immigration into Guam has resulted in the indigenous
Chamorros becoming a minority in their homeland,
Aware of the potential for diversifying and developing the economy of
Guam through commercial fishing and agriculture and other viable activities,
Taking note of the proposed closing and realigning of four United States
Navy installations on Guam and the request for the establishment of a
transition period to develop some of the closed facilities as commercial
enterprises,
Recalling the dispatch in 1979 of a United Nations visiting mission to
the Territory, and taking note of the recommendation of the 1996 Pacific
regional seminar for sending a visiting mission to Guam,
1. Calls upon the administering Power to take into consideration the
expressed will of the Chamorro people as endorsed by the people of Guam,
encourages the administering Power and the territorial Government of Guam to
continue the negotiations on this matter, and requests the administering Power
to inform the Secretary-General of progress to this end;
2. Requests the administering Power to continue to assist the elected
territorial Government in achieving its political, economic and social goals;
3. Also requests the administering Power, in cooperation with the
territorial Government, to continue the orderly transfer of land to the people
of the Territory and to take the necessary steps to safeguard their property
rights;
4. Further requests the administering Power to continue to recognize
and respect the political rights and the cultural and ethnic identity of the
people of Guam, including the Chamorro people, and to take all necessary
measures to respond to the concerns of the territorial Government with regard
to the immigration issue;
5. Requests the administering Power to cooperate in establishing
programmes specifically intended to promote the sustainable development of
economic activities and enterprises by the people of Guam, including the
Chamorro people;
6. Also requests the administering Power to continue to support
appropriate measures by the territorial Government aimed at promoting growth
in commercial fishing and agriculture and other viable activities;
VII. Montserrat
Noting the non-receipt of up-to-date information on Montserrat from the
administering Power and that the last visiting mission took place in 1982,
Noting also that information considered by the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was made available from
published sources,
Noting the functioning of a democratic process in Montserrat,
Taking note of the reported statement of the Chief Minister that his
preference was for independence within a political union with the Organization
of Eastern Caribbean States and that self-reliance was more of a priority than
independence,
Noting with concern the dire consequences of a volcanic eruption, which
led to the evacuation of a third of the Territory's population to safe areas
of the island,
Noting the efforts of the administering Power and the Government of the
Territory to meet the emergency situation caused by the volcanic eruption,
including the implementation of a wide range of contingency measures for both
the private and the public sectors in Montserrat,
Noting also the coordinated response measures taken by the United
Nations Development Programme and the assistance of the United Nations
disaster management team,
Noting with deep concern that a substantial number of the inhabitants of
the Territory continue to live in shelters because of volcanic activity,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Calls upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and
other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as regional and
other organizations, to provide urgent emergency assistance to the Territory
in alleviating the consequences of the volcanic eruption;
VIII. Pitcairn
Taking into account the unique nature of Pitcairn in terms of population
and area,
Expressing its satisfaction with the continued economic and social
advancement of the Territory, as well as with the improvement of its
communications with the outside world and its management plan to address
conservation issues,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Also requests the administering Power to continue its assistance
for the improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions
of the population of the Territory;
IX. St. Helena
Taking into account the unique character of St. Helena, its population
and its natural resources,
Aware of the request by the Legislative Council of St. Helena that the
administering Power conduct a constitutional review in the Territory,
Noting the statement of 1995 by the administering Power that the
Governor of the island would be ready to enter into debate on a constitutional
review of St. Helena,
Aware of the establishment by the Government of the Territory of the
Development Agency in 1995 to encourage private sector commercial development
on the island,
Also aware of the efforts of the administering Power and the territorial
authorities to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population of St.
Helena, in particular in the sphere of food production,
1. Notes that the administering Power has noted various statements
made by members of the Legislative Council of St. Helena about the
Constitution and is prepared to discuss these further with the people of St.
Helena, and also notes that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
recently sent a delegation to study the Constitution and its application with
the Legislative Council;
2. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
3. Requests the administering Power and relevant regional and
international organizations to continue to support the efforts of the
territorial Government to address the socio-economic development of the
Territory;
X. Turks and Caicos Islands
Noting the recent petition by the political leaders of the Turks and
Caicos Islands addressed to the administering Power to recall the Governor and
the decision by the administering Power to reject that petition,
Noting with interest the statement made and the information on the
political and economic situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands provided by
the Deputy Chief Minister of the Territory to the Pacific regional seminar
held at Port Moresby from 12 to 14 June 1996,
Taking note of the request by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Territory
addressed to the Special Committee to visit the Territory and ascertain the
wishes of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands with regard to preparing
themselves for self-government,
Noting the establishment in November 1995 of the Action Committee for
Political Independence, formed by prominent political figures from different
parties, and its stated goal of educating the population in the disadvantages
of the present colonial status and the benefits of independence,
Noting also the efforts by the Government of the Territory to strengthen
financial management in the public sector, including efforts to increase
revenue,
Noting with concern the vulnerability of the Territory to drug
trafficking and related activities, as well as its problems caused by illegal
immigration,
Noting the need for continued cooperation between the administering
Power and the territorial Government in countering drug trafficking and money
laundering,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Invites the administering Power to take fully into account the
wishes and interests of the Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos
Islands in the governance of the Territory;
3. Calls upon the administering Power and the relevant regional and
international organizations to continue to provide assistance for the
improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the
population of the Territory;
4. Calls upon the administering Power and the territorial Government
to continue to cooperate to counter problems related to money laundering,
smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking;
XI. United States Virgin Islands
Noting that general elections were held in November 1994 in the United
States Virgin Islands,
Noting also that 27.5 per cent of the electorate participated in the
referendum on the political status of the Territory held on 11 October 1993,
and that 80.4 per cent of those who voted supported the existing territorial
status arrangements with the United States of America, and that the referendum
left the status issue undecided,
Noting further the continuing interest of the territorial Government in
seeking associate membership in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
and observer status in the Caribbean Community,
Noting the necessity of further diversifying the Territory's economy,
Noting also that the question of Water Island is still under discussion
between the Government of the Territory and the administering Power,
Noting further the efforts of the Government of the Territory to promote
the Territory as an offshore financial services centre,
Noting with satisfaction that the Territory joined the International
Drug Enforcement Conference as a full member in 1995, which would strengthen
its capability to combat illegal drug trafficking,
Recalling the dispatch in 1977 of a United Nations visiting mission to
the Territory,
1. Requests the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the
people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the
Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people
regarding their future political status;
2. Also requests the administering Power to continue to assist the
territorial Government in achieving its political, economic and social goals;
3. Further requests the administering Power to facilitate the
participation of the Territory, as appropriate, in various organizations, in
particular the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean
Community;
4. Welcomes the negotiations between the administering Power and the
territorial Government on the question of Water Island.