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United Nations and Decolonization: Past to Present

This animation video, produced in accordance with the mandate for dissemination of information on decolonization, highlights the UN’s path of decolonization since 1945, especially its commitment in eradicating colonialism towards our common future.

 

Since the birth of the United Nations, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence. At present, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, home to nearly 2 million people. Thus, the process of decolonization is not complete. 

Completing this mandate will require a continuing dialogue among the administering Powers, the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (also known as the "Special Committee on Decolonization" or the "C-24") and the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions on decolonization.

 
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In the Spotlight

“Time has come to renew our commitment and pursue the goal of decolonization even more than ever. Collectively, we shall achieve concrete results."

C-24 Chair Ambassador Keisha McGuire
at the opening session of
the Special Committee on Decolonization
18 February 2022

Secretary-General's message

"We must not forget the challenges facing the Non-Self-Governing Territories, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."

Chef de Cabinet Mr. Courtenay Rattray
on behalf of the UN Secretary-General at the
opening session of the Special Committee on
Decolonization
18 February 2022

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