Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Referendum on Self-Government in Tokelau

The Secretary-General has followed with interest the referendum that has just taken place in Tokelau. He is gratified that the conduct of this referendum was credible, and reflected the will of the people, as witnessed by a United Nations team deployed to monitor the vote. He takes note of the results and respects the decision of the people of Tokelau not to move to self-government in free association with New Zealand.

It is important that the people of Tokelau have had this opportunity. The Secretary-General commends the Government of New Zealand, as the administering Power, for its exemplary commitment and cooperation in this process. He also expresses his gratitude to the Special Committee on Decolonization, whose commitment to the principles enshrined in the 1960 United Nations Declaration on Decolonization made the referendum possible.

The United Nations will continue working to ensure that the people of the Non-Self-Governing Territories are afforded the opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination.