Non-Self-Governing Territories are those whose peoples have not yet attained full self-government under the United Nations Charter. Since 1946, the UN has worked with administering Powers to promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of these territories and to support their progress toward self-government and free political institutions. The Organization also emphasizes the protection of the peoples’ rights to their land and natural resources. Each year, the UN observes the International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories (25-31 May).

When the United Nations was founded in 1945, nearly a third of the world's population lived in territories dependent on colonial rule. Today, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain and fewer than 2 million people live in them. The wave of decolonization was born with the UN and represents the world body’s first great success. In its continued efforts towards the eradication of colonialism, as well as racial discrimination and violations of basic human rights, the UN observes the International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories on 25 to 31 May.

The Special Committee on Decolonization was established in 1961 by the General Assembly as its subsidiary organ, to examine the application of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and to make suggestions and recommendations on the progress and extent of the implementation of the Declaration. It annually reviews the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories to which the Declaration is applicable. It also hears statements from representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories at its annual sessions, dispatches visiting missions to Non-Self-Governing Territories and organizes regional seminars. The committee opens its annual session this week.