Special Committee on Decolonization Adopts Resolution on Organizational Matters, Approves Report on Pacific Regional Seminar

Special Committee on Decolonization

10^th Meeting (AM)

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON DECOLONIZATION ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS,

APPROVES REPORT ON PACIFIC REGIONAL SEMINAR

The Special Committee on Decolonization continued its 2012 substantive session today with the approval, without a vote, of a draft resolution containing its report on decisions concerning organizational matters,   as well as the report of the Pacific Regional Seminar on the Implementation of the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, held in Quito from 30 May to 1 June 2012. 

The organizational resolution (document A/AC.109/2012/L.14) contains decisions taken by the Special Committee following its consideration of matters related to its work during its current session.  It covers the question of holding of a series of meetings away from Headquarters; representation at seminars, meetings and conferences of inter-governmental and other organizations; pattern of conferences; control and limitation of documentation; and questions on the list of territories to which the Declaration is applicable.  It also covers regional seminars and the participation of representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the work of the Special Committee.

A highlight of the draft text is the decision by the Special Committee to organize a regional seminar in the Caribbean in 2013, to be attended by representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories.  According to the text, the regional seminar would be conducted in such a way as to allow for the hearing of the views of the representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, including those of non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations.

Another recommendation included in the text is that the participation of the representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the work of the Committee at Headquarters should continue to be facilitated through the reimbursement of their participation-related expenses by the United Nations.

The report on the Pacific regional seminar (document A/AC.109/2012/CRP.1) focused on the role of the Special Committee in:  developing innovative approaches and new dynamics; reinforcing constructive involvement between the Committee, administering Powers and the Non-Self-Governing Territories; and the current realities and prospects in the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Pacific, Caribbean and other regions.

Among the recommendations from the seminar is that, in view of the cross-cutting nature of the challenges faced by some Non-Self-Governing Territories, efforts should be made for the continued strengthening of their administrative capacity, good governance and economic sustainability.  The seminar also expressed concern over the impact of a planned military build-up in Guam on the cultural identity of the people and on the use of land by the indigenous people.

Other recommendations include a request to the parties in Western Sahara to continue to show political will and to work towards intensive and substantive negotiations and an invitation to the Special Committee to develop a specific proposal, such as the holding of an informal, working-level dialogue with administering Powers, to enable a better assessment of the current stage of decolonization and self-determination in each Non-Self-Governing Territory.

Procedural statements were made by the representatives of Chile and Costa Rica.

The Special Committee will meet again at 10 a.m., Friday, 22 June, to take up the questions of New Caledonia and Tokelau and to conclude its session.

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For information media • not an official record