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

“It is my sincere commitment to uphold the principles and objectives of our mandate and to ensure that the eradication of colonialism remains a priority of the United Nations."

- Ambassador Menissa Rambally (Saint Lucia), Chair of the C-24

 
Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Miroslav Jenča,
C-24 Chair Ambassador Menissa Rambally, and
Under-Secretary-General Mr. Movses Abelian,
at the opening session of the Decolonization Committee (C-24)
13 February 2025

Latest developments

Secretary-General's message

“The United Nations has been proud to accompany many Territories on their journey to decolonization and we pledge to continue that vital work.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres 
delivering a message at the C-24 Seminar
on Decolonization in Dili, Timor-Leste
21 May 2025
 

Women in the Territories: Highlights

  • Saint Helena Legislative Council: 40 per cent of the 15 seats are held by women, including the Deputy Speaker. 
  • In the Cayman Islands Government, the Gender Affairs Unit is the focal point for gender mainstreaming and is responsible for sector-specific gender training, public education efforts, and gender-awareness training.
  • In the British Virgin Islands, the 2022-2023 Constitutional Review Commission was led by Mrs. Lisa Penn-Lettsome and included women as 47 percent of its Commissioners.