Right of peoples to self-determination – GA resolution

3070 (XXVIII). Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights

The General Assembly,

Faithful to its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,

Mindful of the importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples,

Bearing in mind the Political Declaration adopted by the Fourth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Algiers from 5 to 9 September 1973,1/

Recalling its resolutions 2588 B (XXIV) of 15 December 1969, 2787 (XXVI) of 6 December 1971, 2955 (XXVII) of 12 December 1972 and 2963 E (XXVII) of 13 December 1972, as well as resolution VIII adopted by the International Conference on Human Rights held at Teheran in 1968,2/

Noting with satisfaction the Secretary-General's re-port of 21 September 197322 and the assistance being given to dependent Territories by certain Governments, specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations,

Disturbed at the continued repression and inhuman treatment inflicted on peoples still under colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation, including inhuman treatment of people imprisoned because of their struggle for self-determination,

Recognizing the imperative need to put an early end to colonial rule, foreign domination and alien sub-jugation,

1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of all people under colonial and foreign domination and alien sub-jugation to self-determination, freedom and independence in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 2649 (XXV) of 30 November 1970 and 2787 (XXVI) of 6 December 1971;

2. Also reaffirms the legitimacy of the peoples' struggle for liberation from colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation by all available means, including armed struggle;

3. Calls upon all States, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and with relevant resolutions of the United Nations, to recognize the right of all peoples to self-determination and independence and to offer moral, material and any other assistance to all peoples struggling for the full exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination and independence;

4. Strongly condemns the Governments of Portugal and South Africa, as well as all others which continue to disregard United Nations resolutions bearing on the right of all peoples to self-determination and independence;

5. Further condemns the policies of those members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries which assist Portugal and other racist regimes in Africa and elsewhere in their suppression of peoples' aspirations for, and enjoyment of, human rights;

6. Condemns all Governments which do not recognize the right to self-determination and independence of peoples, notably the peoples of Africa still under colonial domination and the Palestinian people;

7. Expresses its appreciation for the efforts of Governments, United Nations agencies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations which have extended various forms of assistance to dependent Territories and appeals to them to increase further such assistance;

8. Welcomes the initiative taken by the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in appointing a Special Rapporteur 3/ at its twenty-seventh session to prepare a detailed study on the historical and current development of the right of peoples to self-determination, on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations and other instruments adopted by United Nations organs, with particular reference to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

9. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to assist the specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system in working out measures for the provision of increased international assistance to the peoples of colonial Territories;

10. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the General Assembly at its twenty-ninth session.

2185th Plenary meeting

30 November 1973

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1/ A/9330 and Corr.l, p. 3.

2/ Final Act of the International Conference on Human Rights (United Nations publication. Sales No.: E.68.XIV.2), p. 9.

3/ A/9154.