(3rd plenary meeting) Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) - 2026 session

The third meeting of the 2026 session of the Committee on the Situation with regard to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is called to order. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all participants attending the June meetings of the Committee. I should also like to pay tribute to the members of the Committee for their remarkable work. I trust that our deliberations will continue to be guided by a spirit of consensus and understanding. I now draw your attention to the agenda for the June meetings, which was circulated via eDelegate last Friday. It was prepared in accordance with the program of work and timetable of the committee contained in document A/AC109/2026/L2/Rev1. May I take it that the committee wishes to adopt the agenda? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I would like to once again draw the attention of the Committee to Document A/AC.109/2026/L2/Rev.1 containing the program of work and timetable of the Committee for its 2026 session as adopted by the Committee at its organizational meeting on 16 February 2026. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed in accordance with the program of work on the understanding that further adjustments may be made as necessary during the course of the session? I hear no objection. It is so decided. May I further propose to consider the territories on our agenda for this morning in the following sequence: question of Tokelau, followed by the question of American Samoa, question of Anguilla, question of Bermuda, question of Gibraltar, question of the British Virgin Islands, question of the Cayman Islands, and question of French Polynesia. I hear no objections. It is so decided. At this juncture, I would like to advise the Committee of the time limits for statements in order to ensure that everyone has had the opportunity to be heard and that we are able to complete our work within the time available. Statements by the non-self-governing territories will be limited to 10 minutes. Interventions by speakers who have requested and been approved for a hearing will be limited to 4 minutes, except for Puerto Rico, for which interventions will be limited to 3 minutes owing to the high number of requests received. Statements by members of the Committee and observer member states will be limited to 5 minutes if delivered in a national capacity and to 7 minutes if delivered on behalf of a group. For members of the Special Committee, the time limits for the exercise of the right of reply will be 5 minutes for the first intervention and 3 minutes for the second. For observer member states, the time limit will be 3 minutes for the first intervention and 2 minutes for the second. Microphones will be automatically cut off when the speaking times have elapsed. Please submit your statements in advance to eStatements@un.org with a copy to the United Nations Decolonization Unit at dppa@un.org. These email addresses are also published in the UN Journal. I now give the floor to the Secretary of the Committee to report on the status of documentation and other arrangements in support of our work program. Madam?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to report that all official documents for this session were submitted and issued in all 6 official languages on time. Further, I would like to inform delegations that while the Official Document System, ODS, is currently unavailable, official documents related to the 2026 session of the Special Committee may, in the meantime, be accessed through the United Nations Digital Library. As indicated in the e-delegate announcement, circulated on Friday, the three draft proposals scheduled for consideration today, L.3 through L.5, are also available on the ePlace and may be accessed through the digital library in the six official languages. Furthermore, may I take this opportunity to remind delegations that states that are not members of the Special Committee and wish to speak speak under any of the items have first to register to participate in the 2026 session through the C24 module of the eDelegate portal so that the Committee may, in line with its established practice, consent to their participation and approve it. Inscription in the speakers list alone will not suffice. If you have any questions on this, I invite you to approach my colleagues on my left. And before concluding, as indicated by Madam Chair, please do send a copy of your statements before delivery to facilitate the work of our interpreters. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the Secretary. In addition to those United Nations member states who requested at our first meeting on 16 February and second meeting on 16 March to participate in the work of the Committee during this session as observers and who were admitted accordingly, I have subsequently received further requests from the following delegations to participate in this session as observers. Comoros, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Namibia, North Macedonia, Paraguay, Senegal, Suriname. With the consent of the Committee and in accordance with its established practice, I also invite those delegations to take a place at the Committee's table. Table. We will now turn to the next item on our agenda, request for hearing. These requests have been circulated in Aid Memoirs 01/26 through 09/26 relating to the questions of the British Virgin Islands, the Falkland Islands, Malvinas, Gibraltar, Guam, New Caledonia, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and Western Sahara, as well as to the Committee decision of 16 June 2025 concerning Puerto Rico. As indicated on our program of work and timetable, we shall take up the questions of the British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar and the related hearings this morning, and will proceed to address the questions of Guam, New Caledonia, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, as well as other related hearings this afternoon. The question of Western Sahara and the related hearing will be considered tomorrow, on Tuesday, 16th June, and on Wednesday, 17th June. [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] The Committee will consider the question of the Falkland Islands Malvinas and the related hearings on Thursday, 25th June. In accordance with the Committee's programme of work and timetable, the Committee will consider on Monday, 22nd June, the item entitled Special Committee Decision of 16th June 2025 Concerning Puerto Rico, hearing of petitioners. The Committee has received this year 73 requests to hear from interested organizations. I would like to suggest that these petitioners be heard on Monday, 22nd June. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed accordingly and to accede to those requests for hearings containing aid memoirs, before the Committee. I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee will now consider the item entitled Dissemination of Information on Decolonization. In this connection, I would like to draw the Committee's attention to the report of the Secretary-General covering an overview of activities undertaken by the Department of Global Communications to disseminate information on decolonization contained in Document A/AC.109/2026/18. I now give the floor to Mr. Robert Skinner, Deputy Director of the Outreach Division, Mr. Michael O'Leary, Director of the Department of Global Communications, to make a statement. Sir, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, good morning, and thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on being reelected as chair of this esteemed committee. It's a testament certainly to your leadership, dedication, and the confidence placed in your stewardship, and we look forward to working with you, Madam Chair, as well as with the members of the Bureau to advance the broader United Nations objective of eradicating colonialism. It is my honor to present the Secretary-General's Annual Report on the Dissemination of Information on Decolonization, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 80/104 of 5 December 2025. This report outlines the department's activities from April 2025 to March 2026. I would like to highlight selected activities from this reporting period. [SPEAKING FRENCH] The department issued a total of 23 press releases in English and French covering meetings and statements related to decolonization by the General Assembly, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, the Fourth Committee, and this special committee. Furthermore, to support the 2025 Pacific Regional Seminar held in Dili from 21 to 23 May, the department published a curtain-raiser press release in both English and French ensuring broader visibility across its channels. Our digital platforms continue to be the cornerstone for eradicating the global— I'm sorry, educating the global public on the options for self-determination and the history of the decolonization agenda. If I may, allow me to give a few examples. The Global Issues section of the United Nations website featuring content on the issue of decolonization in the organization's 6 official languages received more than 31,000 views between 1 April 2025 and 29 January 2026. The dedicated observance pages for the International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories garnered more than 6,600 views over that same period. Leveraging its nearly 70 million collective followers, the main United Nations social media accounts continue to promote this on the subject of decolonization in the 6 official languages, as well as Hindi, Kiswahili, and Portuguese, covering relevant observances and activities and channeling traffic to relevant United Nations web pages on decolonization. In 2025, the United Nations and Decolonization website, maintained by our colleagues in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, had more than 1,000— I'm sorry, 1,142,500 page views. On 11 December 2025, the Department of Global Communications launched a dedicated website for the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations in the 6 official languages. In advance of the General Assembly High-Level Plenary meeting to mark the first-ever observance of the day, the website received 4,905 views following its launch. Our United Nations News, operating in 10 languages, covered decolonization-related materials with particular emphasis on the commemoration of the First International Day, as well as the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. UN News French, for instance, produced a feature in April 2025 exploring the legacy of Haiti's colonial debt and renewed calls for accountability. And in December 2025, to mark the first International Day and the 65th anniversary of the Declaration, the Portuguese unit produced a photo story in December 2025 using United Nations archival images to depict Angola's independence in 1975. During the reporting period marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and its support for independence movements, The department published a video highlighting that in 1960, 16 of the 17 new states admitted to the United Nations were from Africa. UN Web TV continued to provide live and on-demand multilingual streaming coverage. During the reporting period, the team added 53 new videos covering meetings and events related to decolonization, including meetings of this special committee.

Thank you.

UN Photo, also continued to cover the issue of decolonization, adding about 60 images related to the subject matter, 20 of which were made available to the general public. Some 2,600 images are currently archived in the Photoarchive system. [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] UN Visitor Services across New York, Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi continue to educate the public on decolonization through guided tours, briefings, and lecture programs. Nearly 195,000 visitors participated in in-person guided tours at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, while an additional 540 visitors took part in virtual tours during the reporting period. Also in New York, a total of 272 visitors joined the in-person Black History Tour, which highlights the Ark of Return permanent memorial and the contributions of people of African descent. [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] The visitor service in Geneva reached approximately 47,000 visitors. The service in Vienna welcomed more than 50,000 visitors in 2025, and the service in Nairobi engaged approximately 11,700 visitors. During the reporting period, the Dag Hammarskjöld Library digitized a significant collection of more than 11,610 historic United Nations documents spanning approximately 206,000 pages. Notably, within this collection, over 3,500 documents comprising more than 126,700 pages specifically pertain to the subject of decolonization. Additionally, the Library continued to update and maintain the two research guides on decolonization supporting researchers worldwide. The two guides received approximately 17,000 views during the reporting period.

Thank you.

The global network of 60 United Nations Information Centres continue to raise awareness on decolonization through outreach, information dissemination, support for United Nations observances, and targeted engagement with stakeholders at the national and regional levels. In accordance with Resolution A/RES/79/115, which mandates the Secretary-General to develop an outreach program to mobilize educational institutions and civil society to expand activities related to remembering colonialism, its root causes, and its consequences, the department will continue to draw on its diverse platforms and partnerships, including its networks of academic institutions, civil society organizations, UN Information Centres, and guided tour programs, to continue raising awareness and driving action on decolonization-related matters especially in the lead-up to and during the commemoration of the International Day. In closing, the Department will continue its efforts to raise awareness and promote action on the issue of decolonization, advancing the objectives of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. Through close collaboration with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Department continues to leverage its diverse multimedia and multilingual platforms to support the work of this special committee. This partnership remains essential to furthering the cause of decolonization and to emphasizing the urgent need for the immediate and full implementation of the Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. We thank you for your continued support.

I thank Mr. Robert Skinner, Deputy Director of the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications. Thank you. In accordance with the established practice on this item, a representative of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs will now address the committee on this issue. I give the floor to Ms. Josiane Ambel, Chief of the Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to make a statement.

Madam.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues in the Global Communications and Conference Management Departments, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor for me as Chief of the Decolonization Unit of the Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Department, DPPA, to address the Committee under the agenda item on the dissemination of information on decolonization, to report on work undertaken by DPPA in collaboration with the Department of Global Communications in fulfilling the mandate of the General Assembly. In light of the comprehensive overview of activities provided in the Secretary General's —General's report just introduced by my colleague from the Department of Global Communications, I will limit my remarks to highlighting selected items of DPPA's work. The Decolonization Unit continued to update the Secretariat working papers on each of the non-self-governing territories under the purview of this special committee. These updates are based on information transmitted under Article 73(e) 73(e) of the Charter of the United Nations and supplemented by information from official sources. In line with relevant General Assembly resolutions, particular attention continued to be given to cross-cutting issues, including gender disaggregated data as well as broader social economic developments in the territories. The Decolonization Unit also continued to maintain and update the website United Nations and Decolonization in all 6 official languages as a key platform to keep the public informed of developments relating to decolonization. During the reporting period, The website provided comprehensive coverage of activities of the Special Committee, the Fourth Committee, the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly. In 2025, the website attracted more than 1.1 million page views, over 770,000 sessions, and 424,000 users, underscoring sustained global engagement with and interest in the United Nations' work in this area. The dedicated section of the website entitled "Women in the Territories Highlights" was further updated to continue showcasing the roles, contributions, and achievements of women in the Non-Self-Governing Territories and the process of decolonization. Additionally, consistent with the Secretary-General's data strategy, the infographic UN Decolonization in Numbers continued to be updated, providing accessible and user-friendly data on key aspects of the decolonization agenda. The department has developed and maintained and implemented a multilingual digital awareness campaign aimed at enhancing public understanding of decolonization. Launched in December 2025 following the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 80/106, entitled International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, the campaign coincided with both the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, as well as the first observance of the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. Through a series of phased releases across social media platforms and materials produced in all 6 official languages, The campaign ensured sustained visibility and contributing to strengthening awareness of United Nations efforts to advance the decolonization agenda. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, in conclusion, I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the Decolonization Unit of DPPA to supporting the work of the Special Committee and to further strengthening the dissemination of information on decolonization in accordance with all relevant General Assembly resolutions. I thank you.

I thank Ms. Josiane Ambel, the Chief of Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for her statement. Does any delegation wish to make a statement or ask a question on the presentations just made? I see no request for the floor. The committee will now take up the text of the draft resolution submitted by the chair under this item, contained in document A/AC109/2026/L4. As you may recall, the committee adopts this draft every year. It contains previously agreed text with most of the changes made to ensure that the dates and references are current. The draft was circulated electronically among Committee members in advance. I now give the floor to members of the Committee wishing to explain their position before we take action on this draft resolution. I now give the floor to members of the committee wishing to explain their position or make general statements before we take action on this draft resolution. I recognize the distinguished representative of Cuba. Cuba, you have the floor, please.

Reconocemos la labor que desarrolla el Departamento de Comunicación Global, así como su red de centros de información de las Naciones Unidas, plataforma fundamental para difundir información sobre la descolonización. Los alentamos a seguir utilizando todos los medios a su alcance, tanto tradicionales como alternativos, para continuar avanzando en este empeño. Asistimos a un sistema internacional marcado por la retórica agresiva contra naciones soberanas y —y nuevas prácticas neocolonialistas. En este contexto, resulta aún más pertinente la cobertura informativa que realiza el Departamento de Comunicación Global sobre reuniones y declaraciones vinculadas a la labor de las Naciones Unidas en materia de descolonización, en particular en la Asamblea General, su Comisión Política Especial y de Descolonización, y el Comité Especial de Descolonización. La promoción de contenidos en esta materia en los 6 idiomas oficiales en las cuentas principales de las Naciones Unidas, en redes sociales y en el sitio web Las Naciones Unidas y la Descolonización contribuyen a que la información sea más accesible y alcance a un público más amplio y diverso. Al propio tiempo, deben mantenerse los esfuerzos para evitar un tratamiento lingüístico desbalanceado sobre la descolonización como tema primordial para la organización y sus miembros.

Thank you.

Señora Presidenta, 17 territorios no autónomos y otros que sin estar registrados como tales, como Puerto Rico, continúan sufriendo esta anacrónica forma de dominación. El pueblo cubano reconoce por experiencia propia las consecuencias del colonialismo y se solidariza profundamente con los países y pueblos que aún padecen este flagelo. El colonialismo no es algo del pasado. Nuestro país continúa enfrentando una arremetida imperial sin sin precedentes del gobierno de los Estados Unidos con el objetivo de restaurar su dominio neocolonial sobre Cuba. Sus pretensiones hegemónicas e intereses de dominación sobre Cuba quedan deliberadamente expuestos con el cerco energético, la guerra económica combinada con la guerra cognitiva y la amenaza permanente de agresión militar contra nuestro pueblo. Cuba no representa una amenaza para país alguno y defenderá a cualquier precio su soberanía, su independencia y su derecho a la libre determinación. Señora Presidenta, en el marco del Cuarto Decenio Internacional para la Eliminación del Colonialismo, consideramos impostergable fortalecer las acciones comunicativas que informen a los pueblos de los territorios sobre sus opciones de libre determinación e independencia. Desde nuestra propia historia de lucha por la independencia y la defensa de la soberanía, consideramos relevante continuar divulgando el trabajo de este Comité Especial. Esperamos que la crisis financiera de las Naciones Unidas, derivada de la falta de voluntad de un Estado miembro para honrar sus compromisos financieros, no nos conduzca a años de retroceso en este importante ámbito. La visibilidad de estos temas a través de los medios de información y comunicación, además de visibilizar nuestra labor, constituye una herramienta para generar conciencia y movilizar el compromiso político hacia la erradicación del colonialismo en todas sus formas y manifestaciones. Reiteramos que los esfuerzos políticos diplomáticos encaminados a poner fin al colonialismo deben acompañarse de un fuerte componente comunicacional que permita elevar la conciencia colectiva y aunar voluntades. Le agradezco, señora presidenta.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. I now recognize and give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor, please.

[SPEAKING RUSSIAN] [SPEAKING RUSSIAN] and the process of colonization is similar to some other territories, Puerto Rico.

[SPEAKING RUSSIAN] [SPEAKING RUSSIAN] [SPEAKING RUSSIAN] [SPEAKING RUSSIAN] [SPEAKING RUSSIAN]

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I see no further requests for the floor. I have no further requests for the floor. We will therefore proceed to take a decision on draft resolution L.4, and I propose that the committee adopts it without a vote. I see no objection. It is so decided. Draft resolution L.4 is adopted. I will now give the floor to members of the Committee wishing to explain their position after the decision on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of this item. I thank you. The Committee will now begin its consideration of the next item on its agenda entitled information from non-self-governing territories transmitted under Article 73(e) 73(e) of the Charter of the United Nations. In that connection, I wish to draw your attention to the report of the Secretary-General contained in Document A/81/63, which pertains to the transmission of information by the administering powers in accordance with Article 73(e) 73(e) of the Charter of the United Nations. The Committee appreciates receiving such important information. Does any delegation wish to make a statement on this item? I recognize the distinguished representative of Cuba. You have the floor, Madam.

Señora Presidenta, muchas gracias. Naciones Unidas posee un rol esencial en la lucha contra el colonialismo. Desde la creación del Comité Especial de Descolonización, han transcurrido más de 65 años de trabajo intenso e intercambios sistemáticos. Como parte de su relevante labor, el C-24 ha contribuido al examen de acontecimientos políticos, económicos y de otra índole que tienen lugar en los territorios no autónomos. Mientras permanezca un pueblo sometido al colonialismo, los esfuerzos de descolonización de las Naciones Unidas derivados del principio de igualdad de derechos y de la libre determinación de los pueblos, permanecerán inconclusos y, por tanto, la labor de este comité seguirá siendo igual o más pertinente que en noviembre de 1961, cuando la Asamblea General acordó su creación en virtud de la Resolución 1654, Romanos XVI. El mundo se enfrenta hoy a una crisis multidimensional —derivado de un orden internacional, incluso en su parte económica, injusto y excluyente, y una arquitectura financiera mundial también absolutamente desigual. El aumento de la pobreza, la inseguridad alimentaria y energética, la brecha digital, la degradación ambiental, así como los efectos nocivos del cambio climático, entre otros, son desafíos crecientes que afectan el progreso de la humanidad cuyo impacto repercute también en los territorios no autónomos. La descolonización debe ser un compromiso colectivo de toda la comunidad internacional y una prioridad irrenunciable de esta organización. Para avanzar en esta causa se requiere de un accionar constructivo, sostenido y de voluntad política real y de todos. La información proporcionada en cumplimiento del artículo 73, inciso e) de la Carta constituye una herramienta necesaria y fundamental para que este comité y la unidad de descolonización del Departamento de Asuntos Políticos y de Consolidación de la Paz puedan realizar una evaluación exhaustiva, integral, cuidadosa y equilibrada de la condición y situación particulares en cada uno de los TNA. Asimismo, contribuye a que el comité plantee recomendaciones más ajustadas a las realidades específicas y aspiraciones de los pueblos de estos territorios. Nuestra delegación desea expresar nuevamente su preocupación debido al hecho de que no todas las potencias administradoras cumplen con sus obligaciones en virtud de la carta de esta organización. Ello se constata en los informes que presenta el secretario general sobre este tema cada año. De igual forma, mi delegación subraya el llamado de la Asamblea General en reiteradas resoluciones Sobre la concesión de la independencia a los países y pueblos coloniales, mediante la cual se exhorta a las potencias administradoras de cada uno de los TNA que figuran en el programa del Comité Especial a que cooperen plenamente con su labor y participen oficialmente en sus periodos de sesiones y seminarios. La cooperación y el diálogo respetuoso y constructivo entre las partes involucradas así como el envío de información oportuna en este ámbito de trabajo de las Naciones Unidas contribuirá necesariamente a la implementación efectiva del mandato de este Comité Especial. Muchas gracias, señora presidenta.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. I now recognize and give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji. Fiji, you have the floor, please.

Madam Chair, at the outset, Fiji extends its warm congratulations on your reelection. We remain confident in your leadership as you guide this committee in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to us by the General Assembly. We thank the Secretariat for the informative presentations from the Department of Global Communications and the Decolonization Unit, and we acknowledge with appreciation the continued support of DGACM. Madam Chair, the rights of the peoples of the non-self-governing territories are clearly affirmed in Articles 1, subsection 2, and 73 of the UN Charter. These provisions must remain the moral compass of our work. Fiji reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the 17 remaining territories in accordance with Resolution 1514 and reiterates the inalienable right of their peoples to benefit from and access their natural resources for present and future generations. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the government of the people of Nicaragua for hosting the recent Caribbean regional seminar and for enabling open and constructive dialogue among the Committee, the territories, administrating powers, and other stakeholders. Madam Chair, as we enter the 4th International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, Fiji remains deeply concerned by the limited progress achieved. In this context, we offer 2 observations. First, with reference to the Committee's report contained in Document L.2/Rev. 1 and consistent with paragraph 7, subsection (d), Resolution 80/105, it is important that the Secretariat advance without delay the development of the work program for the NSGTs on a case-by-case basis. We would appreciate clarification on the proposed timeline and whether the program will be presented first to this Committee or to the Fourth Committee. Second, Fiji notes with concern that the voices of the 17 Territories have not been equally represented over the years. Several reports contained outdated information. For example, the Committee last heard from Pitcairn in 2004, and its demographic situation, where 80% of the population will soon be over 65, underscores the urgencies of obtaining updated views. We We therefore ask what efforts are being undertaken to engage directly with the Territories and ascertain the wishes of their peoples. Should any Territory no longer wish to remain on the List, what role would this Committee play in facilitating that process? These are preliminary observations, and Fiji looks forward to constructive engagement throughout this session. Finally, Madam Chair, we must continue to prioritize decolonization and elevate its visibility across the UN system. This includes enhancing awareness of the full range of political status options and clearly mapping the way forward. Fiji will continue to advocate for the committee's essential role and for ensuring it is adequately supported and financed despite liquidity challenges and the ongoing UNAD reform process. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. I have no further request for the floor. I now draw your attention to the text of a draft resolution contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L3 submitted by the Chair under this item. The Committee adopts this draft every year, and it contains text that was previously agreed by the Committee. All the changes made are technical updates to ensure that the dates and references are current. This draft was circulated electronically among Committee members in advance. I will now give the floor to members of the Committee wishing to explain their position before we take action on this draft resolution. I see no request for the floor. We will therefore proceed to take a decision on draft resolution L.3, and may I propose that the committee adopts it without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.3 is adopted. I now give the floor to members of the Committee wishing to explain their position after a decision on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of this agenda item. The Committee will now take up the next item on its agenda entitled the question of sending visiting and special missions to territories. Does any delegation wish to take the floor on this item at this point? I have no request for the floor. I now wish to draw your attention to the text of a draft resolution contained in document A/2017. AC 109/2026/L5, submitted by the Chair under this agenda item. This is another draft which the Committee adopts annually and which also contains text previously agreed by the Committee with a few changes. The draft was circulated in advance among Committee members. I now give the floor to the members of the Committee wishing to explain to explain their position before we take action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. We will now proceed to take a decision on draft resolution L.5, and I propose that the committee adopts it without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Thank you. Draft Resolution L.5 is adopted. Thank you. I now— I will now give the floor to members of the committee wishing to explain their position after the decision on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. This means the committee has thus concluded its consideration of this item. The committee will now begin its consideration of item entitled Question of Tokelau. In that context, I wish to draw your attention to the working paper on this item prepared by the Secretariat and contained in Document A/AC109/2026/14. I was informed that the Uluru Otokelau would not attend this year. Next, and in line with the established practice, I now give the floor to the Interim Administrator of Tokelau, Mr. André van der Walt, to make a statement on behalf of the administering power. Sir, you have the floor, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Distinguished members of the Bureau, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, tēnā koutou katoa, māloni. I have the honour today to address you on the question of Tokelau. Madam Chair, 2026 is an important year in the New Zealand-Tokelau relationship, marking the centenary of New Zealand's administration. Tokelau has previously indicated its intention to begin a new conversation on the question of self-determination, with the 100-year anniversary of New Zealand's administration acting as a key milestone for further reflection on this very important question. New Zealand welcomes this development and remains committed to supporting Tokelau to address this question. As and when requested by Tokelau and in consultation with the United Nations. Madam Chair, Tokelau's traditional atoll-based governance structures continue to reflect the challenging and unchanging geographic realities of Tokelau. It's a population of some 1,500 people spread evenly across 3 atolls, 60 to 90 kilometers apart, and 500 kilometres from Samoa. This effectively requires each atoll to be self-sustaining. Indeed, in practice, Madam Chair, Tokelau has largely been self-governing for several decades. It therefore remains important, Madam Chair, that the people of Tokelau are enabled to consider these questions at their own pace and in their own way. Thank you. Madam Chair, New Zealand's financial envelope to support Tokelau over the last 3 years within this planning period through to June 2027 is around $80 million US dollars. This funding enables Tokelau to receive capacity and capability expertise, technical assistance, and training across a range of priority sectors, including health, education, Governance, Public Financial Management, and Maritime Transport. A wide range of New Zealand Government agencies and Pacific regional agencies work alongside Tokelau to provide much of the support. Madam Chair, infrastructure remains a key area of focus. For example, improving connectivity on atoll and reducing reliance on imported fuels by upgrading and expanding renewable energy systems. We are pleased to say that by the end of this year, Tokelau will have most of its electricity generated by solar energy. Alongside this, we continue to support Tokelau to prepare and to adapt to the effects of climate change and to protect the unique culture and language of Tokelau. In response to the impact of the Middle East conflict in the Pacific region, we are working closely with Tokelau to manage and mitigate potential fuel crises. This includes through practical support to increase Tokelau's reserve fuel supplies on each atoll. Madam Chair, New Zealand is a Pacific country, and as previous administrators have mentioned here in this forum, we have a direct stake in the region's peace, stability, prosperity, and resilience. Challenges facing the Pacific region continue to grow. These challenges are multifaceted and complex. Tokelau is not immune to these challenges. Indeed, all Pacific nations are impacted. Madam Chair, in conclusion, New Zealand will continue to work closely, purposefully, and in partnership with Tokelau in addressing these regional challenges, including the question of self-determination. Together, we will support each other. Nā mihi nui, kia koutou, whakawhetai, lahilele. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the Interim Administrator of Tokelau. Does any delegation wish to make a statement or address a question Any discussion on this item? I recognize the distinguished representative of New Zealand. You have the floor, please. I give the floor to the— Apologies. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji. Fiji, you have the floor, please.

Madam Chair, I thank you for the floor. I wish to speak on the question of Tokelau. Fiji wishes to recognize and express our appreciation for the update provided by the interim Tokelau Administrator, Mr. Andre Walt. We warmly welcome his presence with us today. We also wish to congratulate the people of Tokelau for the peaceful general elections in March this year that led to the appointment of the new ulu o Tokelau, Mr. Alapati Tavite. As a Pacific territory with whom we share not only the blue Pacific continent but also deep social and cultural ties, Fiji values the commitment demonstrated by the administrating power, New Zealand, an important member of our Pacific family, in its continued social, political, and economic support for Tokelau. It is unfortunate that the newly elected ulu o Tokelau, is unable to join us this year. However, we are reassured by the statement delivered today by the interim administrator that Tokelau and its people remain well supported. We recall in May 2022, Tokelau's General Fono undertook to begin a renewed conversation on the question of self-determination in the lead-up to the 100-year anniversary of New Zealand's administration over Tokelau in February this year. We note that this decision was welcomed by New Zealand, which reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tokelau as it considered this important question. Madam Chair, regardless of how long this process may take, whether sooner or later, it is essential that this committee continue to support Tokelau and the administrating power, New Zealand, in ensuring a peaceful and inclusive political process that reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people of Tokelau. Allow me also to acknowledge and thank New Zealand for all it has done and continues to do for the people of Tokelau. The New Zealand Government has invested significantly in the islands over many years, despite the exceptional challenges posed by limited transport connectivity and the provision of basic services. The primary mode of transport remains by sea, requiring 23 to 36 hours to reach the nearest island, Samoa, depending on weather conditions. These challenges have been further compounded by the effects— impacts of climate change and sea level rise. Despite this, New Zealand has remained a steadfast and critical development partner for Tokelau. Madam Chair, as the transition process continues, it is important that New Zealand as the administering power maintains its support until a mutually agreeable political pathway is established. As panhandle for the resolution on the question of Tokelau, Fiji extends its appreciation to the Ulu o Tokelau and the representative of administering power for the close collaboration this year, which enabled a fundamental review of the resolution. We look forward to updating the resolution this year to better reflect the at political developments that have taken place. The revised resolution will be updated shortly. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. I have no further request for the floor. I see no further request for the floor. The Committee will consider the text of a related draft resolution and take action on it during the plenary meetings scheduled on Friday, 26 June. The Committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of the item Question of Tokelau. The Committee will now begin its consideration of the item entitled Question of American Samoa. In that context, I wish to draw your attention to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat for Information and contained in Document A/AC.109/2026/1. The Committee will now listen to the speakers who have requested the floor under this item and take action on the related draft resolution during the plenary meetings scheduled for on Friday, 26th June. I have no request for the floor on this agenda item. The committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of the item Question of American Samoa. The Committee will now begin its consideration of the item entitled Question of Anguilla. In that context, I wish to draw your attention to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat for Information and contained in Document A/AC109, 2026/2. The Committee will now listen to the speakers who have requested the floor under this item and take action on the related draft resolution during the plenary meetings scheduled on Friday, 26 June. Does any delegation wish to make a statement on this item? I have no request for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of the item Question of Anguilla. The Committee will now begin its consideration of the item entitled Question of Bermuda. In that context, I wish to draw your attention to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat for information and contained in Document A/AC109/2026/3. The Committee will today listen to the speakers who have requested the floor under this item and take action on the related draft resolution during the plenary meeting scheduled on Friday, 26 June. Does any delegation wish to make a statement on this item? I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of the item Question of Bermuda. I now invite the Special Committee to begin its consideration of the next item on its agenda entitled Question of Gibraltar. Under this item, the special committee has before it a working paper prepared by the secretariat and contained in document A/AC 109/2026/8. Before we proceed, I would like to remind the committee that the delegation of Spain had indicated its wish to participate in the committee's deliberation on this item as an observer. And that I had informed the Committee during our organizational meeting on 16 February accordingly. With the consent of the Committee and in accordance with established practice, I now give the floor to the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Mr. Fabian Picardo. Sir, you have the floor, please. Thank you.

Madam Chair, 80 years ago, in 1946, we were listed as a non-self-governing territory. 80 years ago. That is more than the lifetimes of many of our people. So it is clear, Madam Chair, that the arc of decolonization is long. But in the case of the Gibraltarians, it will bend only towards our just self-determination whoever tries to pull it away from us. It was in 1963 that Gibraltarians first came here to speak for our people. 63 years later, also a lifetime, we are still here, still speaking, still waiting for you to act. I am the fourth Chief Minister of Gibraltar to have addressed this committee. No Chief Minister of Gibraltar has addressed you more often than I have. Today, I address you for the last time as Chief Minister. It may be my last time, but I will not be the last. There will be more, a never-ending flow if necessary. Until you finally act, we will be here. Until you delist us, we will persevere. Thank you. Until you do the right thing, we will come. Because future generations of Gibraltarians will come to this committee, year after year, decade after decade, if that is what it takes, until the day you finally do what law, logic, and justice demand of you: remove Gibraltar from the list of non-self-governing territories. Because only that will reflect the freely and democratically expressed wishes of its people. The self-determination of our people writ large. Because we will never give up our rights. Never. I have come here consistently with one message, and I will not change it now. The right of the people of Gibraltar to self-determination is inalienable. It is a right enshrined in Articles 1 and 55 of the Charter. It is a right proclaimed in Resolution 1514 of 1960, which applies to all peoples of all self-governing territories without distinction, and the people of Gibraltar are exactly such a people. In the language of Resolution 1541 of 1960, we have a status separate and distinct from that of the administering power. Our right is universal. It is unconditional. It is not subject to the veto of any state. Against that right, what is raised to delay our delisting? Two resolutions of the 1960s procured by the relentless lobbying of the murderous dictatorship of General Franco. Think about it, Excellencies. The case against the Gibraltarians rests on texts lobbied through this organization by a tyrant whom modern Spain herself disowns. Those resolutions are not merely outdated. In international law and in universal morality, they are worthless. No foundation whatsoever on which to deny a people their fundamental rights. Nothing more than the discredited residue of a dead, disgusting dictator.

Thank you.

The Gibraltarians defied Franco. His response was to try to strangle us, to try to throttle us by closing the land frontier in 1969. It did not fully reopen for 16 long years. Families divided, relatives shouting news of births and deaths across a no man's land. Franco believed he could besiege the Gibraltarians into submission, but he failed. He failed because he had not reckoned with the will of the Gibraltarians. I am the son of that generation. I was born behind that closed frontier. Our parents and grandparents stepped forward so that our community could survive. War told our grandparents' evacuated generation to leave forever, but they did not leave forever. A dictator told our parents' closed frontier generation to despair, but they did not despair. This committee has told our defiant generation nothing, but we will not be ignored. The future may tell our children's hopeful generation to forget, But they will not forget. That is the steel from which the Gibraltarians' resolve is made. So let no one in this room ever make the mistake of believing that the resolve of the Gibraltarians can be bent. It cannot. It will not. No frontier closure bent it. No campaign of pressure bent it. No passage of time will ever erode it. Yet, Madam Chair, I do not come here today in anger. I come here in hope, because something historic has happened since I last addressed you. The United Kingdom and the European Union have now concluded a treaty in respect of Gibraltar, a treaty negotiated at the request of the people of Gibraltar and by the government of Gibraltar. It is a treaty that will sweep away the physical barriers of a bygone era. It delivers fluidity for the hundreds of thousands of human beings, Gibraltarians and Spaniards alike, whose loves, lives, and livelihoods cross that frontier. A better modus vivendi between neighbors who share a future. And it does so while leaving sovereignty aside and untouched. And it does so while leaving self-determination entirely uncompromised. Article 2 of the treaty makes clear that nothing in it and nothing done under it affects the respective legal positions on sovereignty and jurisdiction. It is the tightest without prejudice clause in the history of documentation on Gibraltar. Because the government of Gibraltar has negotiated the treaty for Gibraltar, and the UK will only sign and ratify the treaty because the Gibraltar Parliament has called upon it to do so. A concordat between Gibraltar and the UK sets out that implementation of the treaty is Gibraltar's responsibility. Indeed, Madam Chair, it seems that everyone is prepared to recognize our right to self-determination except the committee that was set up precisely for that purpose. The treaty proves what I have told this committee for 14 years, that the Gibraltarians are not the obstacle to good neighborly relations. We are its greatest champions. Thank you. We can build prosperity with Spain. We can build friendship with Spain. We want to. We are doing so. But we will never, in exchange, give up our right to self-determination. Cooperation, yes, always. Capitulation, no, never. But let us now build bridges of prosperity where a dictator slammed closed gates of iron. Knowing that none of this will be finished in my lifetime as Chief Minister, nor perhaps in the time of my successor, but knowing also that we have begun. So, Madam Chair, I leave you with 3 final asks and 1 promise. First, come to Gibraltar. Send a visiting mission. See our self-governing, democratic, prosperous, proudly diverse people. Thank you. And you will not be disappointed. Second, stop doing nothing. 63 years of silence is not neutrality. It is a failure of this Committee's most basic duty, which is to the people of the territories, not to the claims of states. Third, once you have seen that we are self-governing, recommend our delisting to the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly. And finally, my promise. This is my last address to you as Chief Minister. As the curtain falls on the last of my interventions before you, do not imagine that you have heard the last of me. I reserve the right to seek to return to this table, if necessary, as a petitioner speaking for the civil society of my homeland. The times change, Madam Chair. Our people will not. Our rights will not. 80 years have passed since we were listed. 4 chief ministers of Gibraltar have come before you. More will keep coming. So, Madam Chair, let the word go forth from this chamber to friends, to foes, and to neighbors alike. The torch of our political freedom is passing to a new generation of Gibraltarians. They will not ask this committee for permission to be who we are. They will ask this committee only when you finally intend to honor your own responsibilities under the charter. So ask not whether the Gibraltarians will ever give up their right to self-determination. Ask only how long you will make them wait to recognize it, because you can wait out a chief minister. but you cannot wait out the Gibraltarians. Thank you, Madam Chair, and goodbye for now.

I thank the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Mr. Fabian Picado. Thank you, sir. I now invite the distinguished representative of Spain to make a statement. Excellency, you have the floor, please.

Señora presidenta, deseo comenzar esta intervención agradeciendo al comité su labor y compromiso con la defensa de la Carta de Naciones Unidas y, en particular, con el cumplimiento de la Resolución 1514. España agradece esta dedicación e impulso y seguirá apoyando de manera activa la labor de este órgano. En particular, mi país desea agradecer la reciente celebración del Seminario Regional del Caribe, celebrado el pasado mes de mayo en Managua. Señora presidenta, España cree en un orden internacional basado en el respeto y cumplimiento de las normas. Que son la base de la acción de esta organización y que han sido creadas por sus propios miembros. Puesto que España sigue siendo víctima de una situación colonial que afecta gravemente a nuestra integridad territorial y que consideramos una rémora contraria a la legalidad internacional, debemos reiterar nuestra posición sobre el territorio no autónomo de Gibraltar. Destacando la mencionada Resolución 1514, en su punto 6 declara: Todo intento encaminado a quebrantar total o parcialmente la unidad nacional y la integridad territorial de un país es incompatible con los propósitos y principios de la Carta de Naciones Unidas. Por su parte, la Resolución 2353 de 1967 relativa al territorio de Gibraltar insta a su descolonización, precisamente en función de ese principio esencial de la integridad territorial. Se trata de una larga historia iniciada tras la conquista militar por parte de una escuadra anglo-holandesa en 1704, la expulsión de la población autóctona de Gibraltar y la cesión española mediante el Tratado de Utrecht en 1713 de la ciudad y el castillo de Gibraltar junto con su puerto, defensas y fortalezas. No así las aguas alrededor del Peñón ni el istmo, ocupado ilegalmente en el siglo XIX, ni el espacio suprayacente. Esta situación colonial está además directamente ligada con el uso militar por parte de la potencia administradora del territorio autónomo. La resolución 3163 de la Asamblea General requirió la retirada de las bases e instalaciones militares ubicadas en territorios no autónomos, como hizo también la resolución 79105 del pasado 5 de diciembre. Permítame ahora, señora presidenta, hacer un inciso para referirme al acuerdo de la Unión Europea y el Reino Unido con respecto a Gibraltar, que ha ocupado mucho espacio en la prensa recientemente. Los intereses de los habitantes del territorio de Gibraltar fueron afectados por la decisión británica de abandonar la Unión Europea, al arrastrar la potencia administradora a dicho territorio a una situación muy compleja desde un punto de vista legal, que la Unión Europea y España, de un lado, y Reino Unido, de otro, hemos intentado paliar sin causar perjuicios ni a los habitantes del territorio no autónomo ni a la zona española vecina, afectados por la pervivencia de una situación colonial que genera graves desequilibrios e inequidad. Para paliar el impacto del Brexit en la zona, se han iniciado ya los respectivos procedimientos de ratificación del acuerdo entre la Unión Europea y el Reino Unido con respecto a Gibraltar. Su aplicación provisional está prevista para el próximo 15 de julio. El objetivo principal de dicho acuerdo es garantizar la convivencia y la prosperidad en toda la región. Con este objetivo, se eliminarán la totalidad de las barreras físicas cayendo la verja. Con ello se garantiza la libre circulación de personas y mercancías entre el territorio de Gibraltar y la zona circundante, lo que redundará en beneficio de las decenas de miles de personas que se desplazan diariamente en ambas direcciones. Se abrirá además el aeropuerto a vuelos tanto británicos como ciudadanos de la Unión Europea, entre ellos españoles. Se trata, en definitiva, de un acuerdo dirigido a mejorar la vida de los más de 300.000 habitantes de la zona y, en especial, a los miles de trabajadores transfronterizos. Cerrando ya este inciso, quiero destacar que el acuerdo entre la Unión Europea y el Reino Unido con respecto a Gibraltar salvaguarda las respectivas posiciones jurídicas de España y el Reino Unido en materia de soberanía y jurisdicción. Por ello, España reitera su llamamiento al Reino Unido a abordar la descolonización de Gibraltar con pleno respeto a la integridad territorial y, por tanto, cumplir con las conclusiones de los seminarios regionales, como el del pasado Mes en Managua en los que se recuerda la necesidad de poner en práctica el llamamiento formulado por las Naciones Unidas a España y Reino Unido a celebrar conversaciones sobre la cuestión de Gibraltar con el fin de llegar, con el espíritu de la Declaración de Bruselas del 27 de noviembre de 1984 y atendiendo a los intereses de la población de Gibraltar, a una solución negociada y definitiva de la controversia a la luz de las resoluciones pertinentes de la Asamblea General y los principios aplicables de conformidad con el espíritu de la Carta de Naciones Unidas. Recordemos que los llamamientos tienen su precedente en la Resolución 2070 de 1965 y, posteriormente, en la Resolución 2231. Señora presidenta, confiamos en que el acuerdo mencionado en el marco de la Unión Europea sirva para crear un nuevo modelo de convivencia entre los habitantes de Gibraltar y sus vecinos del Campo de Gibraltar y atajar los desequilibrios derivados de la situación colonial. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Spain. Does any delegation wish to take the floor for a general statement or address a question on this item? I have no request for the floor. In accordance with a request for a hearing, which the committee granted at the beginning of our meeting this morning, as listed in the aid memoire 03/26, I would like to invite the petitioner, Mr. Richard Buttigieg, to take a seat at the petitioner's table. I kindly remind to limit the statement to no more than 4 minutes as announced earlier. In this regard, I would like to inform that the red light on the microphone will begin to flash when there is 1 minute left before the end of the 4-minute speaking time. Once the end of the 4 minutes is reached, the sound on the microphone will be cut off and it will no longer be possible to be heard. The full statements may be submitted to e-statements@un.org with a copy to the Decolonization Unit at dppadecolonizationunit@un.org. I also wish to remind petitioners to limit their statements strictly to the territory under which they have been approved to be heard. Having said this, I now give the floor to Mr. Richard Buttigieg to address the committee. Sir, you have the floor, please.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the committee, and thank you for the opportunity to address you all. Most of you will be aware that a Brexit-related agreement has been reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom in respect of Gibraltar. The starting point of that agreement is simple but critical. Gibraltar has been treated as requiring a bespoke international agreement— separate from both the United Kingdom and the European Union's general framework. We have therefore been recognized because we could not be ignored. The structure of the agreement confirms it. The parties are defined as the European Union and the United Kingdom in respect of Gibraltar. That formulation acknowledges that this agreement operates through Gibraltar's own institutions, Gibraltar's own laws, and Gibraltar's own lived reality. Indeed, the agreement expressly recognizes that the Party's laws includes the laws of Gibraltar. This is not the language of administration. It is the language of a jurisdiction. It is the language of a people governing themselves. They are the everyday expressions of what Gibraltar is: a society that makes its own decisions, takes responsibility for its own future and protects its own way of life. Thank you. On the issue of sovereignty, Article 2 of the treaty makes clear that nothing in the agreement affects the positions of the United Kingdom or Spain. Some might say that this limits the significance of the agreement. But for us, it does something far more important. It sets that dispute aside and allows the reality of Gibraltar today to speak for itself. Because once sovereignty is set aside, what remains? What remains is Gibraltar as it actually exists: a community with its own institutions, its own laws, its own responsibility and its own voice. And that is where the real significance lies. Gibraltar is treated as a jurisdiction with its own legal and regulatory systems, a body exercising real control over its borders, its economy and its administration, a participant in structured international cooperation and the focal point of a bespoke international agreement designed around its needs. That is not theory. It is the evidence that is before us. And for the people of Gibraltar, it resonates at a deeper level, because we know, not from reading a treaty but from living it, that we are not a relic of the past. We are not an unresolved footnote of history. We are a modern, self-governing community. We have voted time and again for our future. And we have forged an identity that is both British and uniquely Gibraltarian. And now, in this agreement, that lived reality is reflected back to us, quietly, implicitly, but unmistakably. The treaty reflects a relationship based on cooperation, not control; on capability, not dependency; on respect, not assumption. And so we are left with an important question: not just for lawyers, not just for government, but for the international community and this Committee in particular. If Gibraltar governs itself, regulates itself, sustains itself, and is treated in international agreement as a distinct and capable jurisdiction, on what principle basis can it still be described as a colony? That is not an emotional question. But a deeply human one for us, because behind every article of this agreement are the people of Gibraltar, our families, our histories, and our future. We do not ask for special treatment. We ask for honest recognition. We ask that the lived reality of our people be given the legal weight it deserves, because the question is no longer whether Gibraltar has evolved. The question is whether the international community,, and this Committee is prepared to recognize that it has. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Richard Buttigieg. Taking into account our deliberations and in accordance with the Committee's established methods of work, I would like to suggest that the Committee continue its consideration of the question of Gibraltar at its next session. Subject to any directives which the General Assembly may wish to give it at its 81st session. In order to facilitate the consideration of this item at the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, Fourth Committee, I trust that all relevant documentation on the item would be transmitted to the 81st session of the General Committee. May I take it that the committee wishes to proceed accordingly? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of this item. Before proceeding to the next item, I wish to inform the Committee that I have received further requests from the following delegation to participate in this session of the Committee as observer: Belize, Belarus. With the consent of the Committee, And in accordance with established practice, I also invite those delegations to take a place at the Committee's table. The Committee will now begin its consideration of the item entitled Question of the British Virgin Islands. In that context, I wish to draw your attention to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat for information and contained in Document A/AC109/2026/4. The committee will now listen to the speakers who have requested the floor under this item and take action on the related draft resolution during the plenary meetings scheduled for Friday, 26 June. With the consent of the committee and in accordance with established practice, I will now give the floor to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Mr. Natholio D. Whitley, to address the Committee. Sir, you have the floor, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I bring you warm greetings from the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands. I would like to sincerely thank the Special Committee for granting me this opportunity to address you today. Excellencies, our quest for the total and unequivocal decolonization of the BVI continues and is at a critical stage. We are poised for constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom government next month. In which we are seeking a pre-independence constitution that provides for full internal self-government, a bicameral legislature, and a referendum in 2031 to complete the decolonization process. The House of Assembly in April unanimously approved an official negotiating position. [SPEAKING CREOLE] that reflects the unified position of all political parties in the legislature. I would like to set out for you the key constitutional provisions we are seeking that are preparatory steps for full measure of self-government. The Premier should chair Cabinet instead of a UK-appointed Governor, continuing to attend this core decision-making body of the executive branch of government. This is already the case in Gibraltar, Bermuda, and the Crown Dependencies. Why not the BVI? A Senate should be created to establish a bicameral legislature. This is already the case in Bermuda. Why not the BVI? Responsibility for the public service should be devolved to the elected arm of government under the authority of a minister instead of a UK-appointed governor. This is already the case in Gibraltar, Bermuda, and the Crown Dependencies. Why not the BVI? Responsibility for internal security should be devolved to the elected arm of government under the authority of a minister instead of a UK-appointed governor. The current delegated areas of external affairs should also be devolved to the elected arm of government, which is already the case in practice. The unilateral authority of the UK to suspend or remove the democratic rights of the people of the BVI should be eliminated altogether, even just on moral grounds. There should be a referendum in 2031 to fully decolonize the territory in the exercise of the right of the people of the BVI to self-determination. Madam Chair, Excellencies, friends, these are the core constitutional provisions we are seeking and we now need your support. The Special Committee has already been tremendously helpful through your good offices and a visiting mission in 2024. But we now need you to fully engage as we take this next step in charting a responsible constitutional path toward full sovereignty. Your advocacy makes a real difference. Our case is buttressed by the fact that the BVI has been financially self-sufficient since 1978 and receives no financial assistance from the United Kingdom. Thank you. We also recently completed the most comprehensive governance reform in the history of the Territory. As we continue to position the society for self-determination, we are taking steps on the ground to help prepare the public for meaningful engagement, including setting up a Decolonization Commission that will help educate the local population on the UN-sanctioned options for decolonization with respect to integration, free association, and independence. My government will certainly ensure that the public is aware of the obligations and responsibilities of independence so that this option is approached responsibly from an informed perspective. Madam Chair, turning to the relationship between the BVI and UK, I take this opportunity to acknowledge that in March, the UK lifted the order in council that hung over the BVI like the sword of Damocles, with the looming threat of the democratic rights of the people of the territory being stripped from us. We do not accept the authority of the UK to wield such power over our people, but it is a positive development that the threat has been removed. The BVI is grateful to the Special Committee for its steadfast support and extends a very special thanks to our Caribbean family, CARICOM, the OECS, and the Caribbean territories for their solidarity. In particular, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, and Belize for their consistent support for our cause. Thank you as well to the governments from across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean for your continued support to the BVI in our struggle for freedom. We will continue to engage constructively with the C24, the UK, and all our partners until we achieve our ultimate goal of a full measure of self-government. Madam Chair, I thank you.

Thank you.

I thank the Premier of the British Virgin Islands. Does any delegation wish to take the floor at this time to make a statement or address a question on this item? I recognize and give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda. Excellency, you have the floor. Please.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, at the outset, my delegation wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the government and people of the Republic of Nicaragua for their wonderful hosting and coordinating of the Caribbean Regional Seminar. Madam Chair, my delegation also extend our appreciation to you and the members of your Bureau for your steadfast leadership of this Committee, and we pledge our continued support in the process. Turning to the British Virgin Islands, for Antigua and Barbuda's interest in this matter, Madam Chair, is rooted in our shared Caribbean history, culture, family ties, longstanding economic and social relationships with the people of the British Virgin Islands. As a nation that emerged itself from colonial rule, we remain deeply committed to supporting all peoples in their legitimate quest of self-determination and self-government consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the General Assembly resolutions 1514/15 and 1541/15. We continue to regard the decolonization process as one of the United Nations' most important responsibilities. While significant progress has been achieved globally, the continued existence of Non-Self-Governing Territories reminds us that our collective work remains unfinished. Madam Chair, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the progress currently being made in the British Virgin Islands on constitutional advancement, governance reform. We note with encouragement that the constitutional negotiations between the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom are on the way, and that the constitutional negotiating process— Thank you. Composition received unanimous support in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands. This broad political consensus demonstrates both democratic maturity and shared national vision for the territory's future. We further note that the people of the—

Govern people.

—and the government of the British Virgin Islands continue to pursue a modern constitutional framework that will provide a greater measure of international self-government— sorry, self-government aimed at engaging local authority over governance and public services. And international affairs, representing the important— the legitimate steps in the political evolution of these territories. Antigua and Barbuda commends the elected government of the British Virgin Islands for its commitment to governance, governance reform, and institutional strengthening. The extensive, the extensive program of legislative and administrative reform undertaken in recent years demonstrates the Territory's determination to strengthen transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. We also welcome the progress made in implementing the recommendations arising from the Commission of Inquiry, and the process notes positively that these efforts contribute to the withdrawal of the order in the Council that had provided for the possible suspension of the institution and the imposition of direct rule. This development reflects confidence in the territory's institutions and its capacity to govern its own affairs.

Thank you.

Madam Chair, Antigua and Barbuda further acknowledges the increasing leadership of the role of the British Virgin Islands in regional and international forum. Its active engagement in the regional institutions and broader international processes demonstrates growing institutional capacity and readiness to assume greater responsibility for its own affairs. Antigua and Barbuda remains, Madam Chair, a close friend of the United Kingdom and recognizes the constructive partnership that continues to exist between the administrative powers and the elected government of the British Virgin Islands. We encourage both parties to continue engaging— engaging in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation as they advance the constitutional development of the territory. At the same time, we reaffirm the inalienable right of the people of the Virgin Islands to self-determination as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirmed in the General Assembly resolutions of the— of this assembly. The aspirations, wishes, and freely expressed expressed by the people of the Virgin Islands must be paramount in this process.

We invite you to wrap up, Excellency.

In closing, Madam Chair, in closing, Antigua and Barbuda calls for continued dialogue amongst the government of the United Kingdom, the elected government of the Virgin Islands, and the United Nations and its institutions, and we recognize and continue to reaffirm our commitment in supporting the rights of the people of the Virgin Islands for self-governance and self-determination. I thank you.

I thank the Permanent Representative Representative of Antigua and Barbuda. I now recognize and give the floor to the Representative of Saint Lucia. You have the floor, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, since this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor during this substantive session, I wish to first convey my delegation's appreciation to the government and people of Nicaragua for hosting the 2026 Caribbean Regional Seminar. In addition, my delegation acknowledges and welcomes the participation of the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, and we thank him for the presentation made today. Madam Chair, we are gathered here once again in the Committee's substantive session, which serves as an opportunity to assess the state of play of the contemporary decolonization process. In so doing, we are reminded of the many challenges faced in bringing an end to contemporary colonialism. We recall that most of the remaining non-self-governing territories are small islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific. They share with neighboring island states similar conditions relative to their size, economies of scale, and their susceptibility to threats and challenges brought about by climate change. Saint Lucia reiterates its commitment to the C24 and thus has a particular interest in the successful decolonization of the small island territories in our region. Who enjoy significant economic and social integration in Caribbean institutions. These territories are integral parts of the economic, political, and social fabric of the Caribbean civilization. As a matter of fact, some of the territories are part of our sub-regional institution, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, as well as the wider regional institution, the Caribbean Community. Similar integration of territories exists in the Pacific Islands Forum. Thank you. [MASKED] Madam Chair, Saint Lucia commends the elected government of the British Virgin Islands for the progress achieved in the review of its constitutional order by the territory's Constitutional Commission and recent public meetings held in advance of discussions with its administering power on constitutional advancement as a precursor to an act of self-determination. Moreover, we also commend the commencement of negotiations between the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom on a new constitution. Saint Lucia congratulates the duly elected government of the British Virgin Islands on its comprehensive legislative reform in the territory, which has led to the lifting of the Order in Council. Moreover, we commend the BVI for the leadership role it has played within the region through the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. My delegation also commends the elected governments of the British Virgin Islands for commissioning official independent self-governance assessments These assessments provide useful analysis on the level of preparation for full self-government in these territories. Madam Chair, many countries throughout the Caribbean have benefited from UN efforts in the political and constitutional development process until the full measure of self-government had been achieved. This goal was accomplished in large measure because of the adherence to the parameters of self-determination set forth in the Principles Providing the Minimum Standards of Full Self-Government set forth in Resolution 1541. Saint Lucia reaffirms that the principles of Resolution 1541, along with the Decolonization Declaration, must continue to be the guiding standards applicable to Small Island Territories, just as they were the measure earlier used to decolonize former territories. The principle of political equality should and must remain universal. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saint Lucia. I now recognize and give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belize. You have the floor, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Microphone, please, for Belize.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I also would like to join in thanking you and your bureau in the wonderful stewardship of this process. Madam Chair, Belize welcomes the opportunity to address the question of the British Virgin Islands. We do so guided by a firm and principled commitment to the rights of all peoples to self-determination as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. For Belize, this is not an abstract principle. Our own national history reminds us that self-determination is founded on dignity, democratic choice, national development, and the right of a people to determine their future. It is in that spirit that Belize reiterates its support for the legitimate aspirations of the people and elected government of the British Virgin Islands to achieve a full measure of self-government in accordance with their freely expressed will. Belize takes note of the continued engagement of the British Virgin Islands with the Special Committee and welcomes the information shared during the 2026 C24 Caribbean Regional Seminar in Managua. That engagement demonstrated that the Territory is approaching its political future in a structured and serious manner, including through governance reforms, constitutional review, public discussions, and efforts to define a negotiating position with the administering power. We further note the importance of the 2024 C24 visiting mission to the British Virgin Islands. Visiting missions are among the most practical tools available to the United Nations in the decolonization process. They allow the Committee to hear directly from the people of the territory, assess conditions on the ground, and support case-specific recommendations that can move the process beyond procedure towards tangible progress. Chair Belize encourages the administering power to engage constructively and in good faith with the elected government of the British Virgin Islands in the constitutional negotiating process. Such engagement should be treated by respect for the freely expressed will of the people of the territory, the need for political education, and the objective of strengthening local capacity for a full measure of self-government. Madam Chair, the fourth International Decade must be measured not only by renewed commitments but by progress that is practical, visible, and responsive to the realities of each territory. On the question of the British Virgin Islands, Belize urges continued dialogue, the implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions, and sustained cooperation between the territory, the administering power, and the UN. Belize remains steadfast in its commitment to the people— to the commitment— to the complete eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. We reaffirm our support for the people of the British Virgin Islands as they continue to pursue their political future with dignity, confidence, and in accordance with their freely expressed will. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belize. I have no further requests for the floor. I would like to remind the committee that it had acceded earlier this morning to the request of a petitioner To speak under this agenda item as contained in Aid Memoir 01/26, I invite Mr. Benito Whitley to take a seat at the petitioner's table. As announced earlier, I kindly remind petitioners that statements are limited to 4 minutes. The red light on the microphone will flash when 1 minute of speaking time remains, And the microphone will be automatically cut off once the allotted time has expired. I now give the floor to Mr. Benito Whitley to address the committee. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Madam Chair, the special committee has deliberated extensively on the question of the British Virgin Islands. For over 7 years. You can be proud of your role in the continuation of democratic governance in the territory, as well as the visiting mission to the islands that assessed the situation on the ground. These were indeed important steps, but you must now go further in fulfilling your mandate. The Premier of the BVI has today set out very clearly the constitutional advancements necessary necessary for a responsible path to full sovereignty. What the BVI needs now is the expressed support of this Committee to help secure those advancements and a referendum in 2031 to decolonize the territory, as he has stated. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Special Committee to use your moral, diplomatic, and political authority to help deliver on the decolonization agenda. You have the combined influence of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the Pacific that can move the process forward. There are only 4 years left to make meaningful progress in this 4th International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, and the Global South must must do its part. The BVI has the potential to be one of the crowning achievements of this Committee if you are able to sustain your support and have the courage of your convictions. This is not about embarrassing the UK or damaging any member of the Committee's relationship with the UK. It is about encouraging the BVI and UK to work together to decolonize the territory, which is an obligation on all parties under international law. There's also an opportunity for concrete action on the decolonization of a territory in the Caribbean, which remains the most colonized region in the world. We must make further progress if this committee is to remain relevant. Madam Chair, I thank the committee for this opportunity to make this intervention. I thank you.

I thank Mr. Benito-Whitley. The Committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of the item "Question of the British Virgin Islands." The Committee will now begin its consideration of the item entitled "Question of the Cayman Islands." In that context, I wish to draw your attention to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat for information and contained in Document A/AC 109/2026/5. The Committee will listen today to speakers who have requested the floor under this item and take action on the related draft resolution during the plenary meeting scheduled for Friday, 26 June. Does any delegation wish to make a statement on this item? I have no request for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of the item Question of the Cayman Islands. The Committee will now take up the item entitled Question of French Polynesia. In that context, I wish to draw your attention to a working paper prepared by the Secretariat for information on this item and contained in Document A/AC109/2026/7. The Committee will listen today to speakers under this item and take action on the related draft resolution at its plenary meeting scheduled on Friday, 26 June. With the consent of the Committee and in accordance with As is established practice, I now give the floor to the delegate for International European and Pacific Affairs of French Polynesia, Ms. Marvia Lichat-Kitalong, to address the committee. Madame, you have the floor. Please go ahead.

Madame la Présidente, Vos Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs les représentants des États membres du Comité spécial de décolonisation de l'ONU, Et autres représentants des États membres de l'ONU présents, Monsieur le représentant de la puissance administrante, chers représentants des territoires non autonomes à décoloniser, yaorana, bonjour. Permettez-moi tout d'abord d'exprimer ma profonde gratitude au gouvernement et au peuple du Nicaragua pour l'accueil chaleureux qui nous a été réservé lors du séminaire régional de décolonisation organisé il y a quelques semaines à Managua. Je remercie également les membres du Comité spécial de décolonisation qui poursuivent inlassablement leur travail année après année. Par leur engagement constant, ces États démontrent que la décolonisation n'est pas un sujet du passé. Elle demeure une responsabilité inachevée des Nations unies afin de maintenir la paix dans le monde. Enfin, je souhaite remercier l'ensemble des États membres des Nations unies qui ont soutenu en assemblée générale la réinscription de la Polynésie française sur la liste des territoires non autonomes en 2013. Cette décision historique a redonné espoir à tout un peuple. Elle a rappelé que la question de la décolonisation de la Polynésie française n'était pas réglée. Elle a réaffirmé que le peuple maori possède un droit inaliénable à l'autodétermination et à l'indépendance, mais aussi un droit de propriété sur ses ressources naturelles. Thank you. Madame la Présidente, 13 ans plus tard, une question s'impose: qu'avons-nous fait de cet espoir? 13 années se sont écoulées, 13 années d'amendements d'une résolution dont la rédaction est aujourd'hui riche, 13 années de recommandations, 13 années de pétitions, plus d'une centaine de pétitionnaires, essentiellement indépendantistes. Et pourtant, 13 ans après notre réinscription, le dialogue de décolonisation n'a toujours pas commencé. Car la question fondamentale posée par l'assemblée générale demeure sans réponse. Quand la puissance administrante acceptera-t-elle enfin d'ouvrir le dialogue de décolonisation demandé par les Nations Unies? Quand acceptera-t-elle de mettre en œuvre une des nombreuses procédures que le droit international lui propose? Que ce soit s'asseoir autour d'une table pour parler d'un programme d'éducation, que ce soit s'asseoir autour d'une table afin de mettre en place un programme de travail, travaille en faveur de la décolonisation, menant notamment un référendum d'autodétermination, accepter une mission de visite en Polynésie française ou bien encore accepter l'organisation d'un séminaire de décolonisation à Tahiti que le gouvernement lui propose. Pendant de nombreuses années, la France quittait l'hémicycle quand la question de la Polynésie française était abordée. Depuis 3 ans, elle prend la parole, mais pour faire résonner depuis un discours de déni,— un discours reniant la décision pourtant prise démocratiquement par l'Assemblée générale de l'ONU, une institution dont elle est un des principaux représentants. Un discours contradictoire avec les valeurs que porte le peuple français, les valeurs de liberté, d'égalité et de fraternité héritées de la Révolution française. La France utilise notamment dans cet hémicycle le terme trompeur d'autonomie. L'autonomie administrative à laquelle est réduite La Polynésie française n'est pas l'autonomie politique prônée par l'ONU. Les lois continuent d'être débattues et votées à Paris. La Polynésie française ne dispose pas d'une souveraineté législative. Elle ne dispose pas de la maîtrise de l'immigration non plus. Les lois électorales sont votées à Paris, même quand notre assemblée délibérante de Polynésie française donne un avis défavorable à l'unanimité. Ainsi, de nombreuses compétences fondamentales restent entre les mains de l'État. Les compétences dites régaliennes. Les compétences accordées à la Polynésie française en matière de santé, d'économie, d'éducation ou autres peuvent quant à elles être modifiées, limitées ou reprises par la puissance administrante quand ses intérêts ne sont plus servis. Nous l'avons vu durant la pandémie de COVID, nous le voyons au quotidien dans l'application de notre statut, nous l'avons entendu dans divers témoignages de pétitionnaires depuis 13 ans. Thank you. La puissance administrante met également en avant les transferts financiers qu'elle réalise chaque année vers la Polynésie française. La décolonisation n'est pas une opération comptable. Le droit des peuples à disposer d'eux-mêmes ne s'achète pas. Par ailleurs, ces chiffres sont souvent présentés sans rappeler notre réalité historique. Pendant 30 années, la Polynésie française a porté le poids de 193 essais nucléaires français. Notre peuple et notre océan continuent d'en assumer et en assumeront pendant encore longtemps les conséquences sanitaires, environnementales, économiques et sociales. La dette nucléaire demeure immense. Si la France est membre du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, c'est notamment grâce à la Polynésie française, mais aussi à l'Algérie avec qui elle partage le fardeau des conséquences des essais nucléaires français. L'Algérie où le président Macron a prononcé en 2017 un discours puissant, énonçant que: La colonisation est un crime contre l'humanité. C'est une vraie barbarie. Cette réalité universelle ne peut faire l'objet d'une application à géographie variable. Madame la Présidente, nul ne peut davantage prétendre que la présence française en Polynésie française relève uniquement de la solidarité. Notre pays représente plus de 5 millions de kilomètres carrés au cœur du Pacifique, plus près de la moitié de la zone économique exclusive française, un espace maritime qui contribue directement à la puissance, à l'influence et au rayonnement rayonnement mondial de la France, un comptoir économique qui rapporte à la France et enfin un immense espace maritime qui recèle de minerais marins dont les terres rares et autres nodules polymétalliques qui sont tant convoités par les plus grandes puissances du monde. Madame la Présidente, la puissance administrante met également en avant son soutien à l'intégration régionale de la Polynésie française, mais les progrès accomplis ces dernières années résultent avant tout du dynamisme politique, du gouvernement de la Polynésie française. C'est le gouvernement polynésien qui a choisi de replacer notre pays au cœur de son environnement régional grâce à une participation active au sein du Forum des îles du Pacifique, par exemple. Pourtant, même dans les domaines où la Polynésie française exerce un leadership reconnu, les limites de nos droits apparaissent clairement. La Polynésie française gère Tainuiatea, la plus grande aire marine protégée de la planète. La Polynésie française plaide pour la protection de l'océan Pacifique de Moananui à Riva. Elle a plaidé pour que les États signent et ratifient le traité BBNG, ce qu'elle ne peut pas faire elle-même. Mais a-t-elle pris la parole lors des séances plénières des séquences onusiennes pour parler de son océan? Non. Seule la France le fait. La Polynésie française, comme les nombreux autres territoires d'outre-mer, n'ont pas voix au chapitre. Madame la Présidente, le président Oscar Temaru a consacré plusieurs décennies de sa vie à défendre une voie pacifique. Le président Brodersen s'inscrit dans cette continuité. Une voie fondée sur le dialogue, sur le droit international, sur les Nations unies. Pendant des décennies, il a demandé au peuple maori de croire dans les mécanismes pacifiques prévus par la charte. Aujourd'hui, cette patience est mise à rude épreuve. Au séminaire du Nicaragua, j'étais la seule représentante de notre territoire. Aucun pétitionnaire pour la première fois depuis plus de 10 ans. Je le dis avec gravité devant ce comité, l'absence de dialogue nourrit les frustrations, l'absence de dialogue nourrit les incompréhensions, l'absence de dialogue fragilise progressivement la confiance. Et lorsqu'un peuple commence à perdre confiance dans les voies pacifiques qui lui sont proposées, les risques augmentent. L'histoire récente du Pacifique nous rappelle qu'il est toujours préférable d'ouvrir le dialogue avant qu'une crise ne l'impose. Il est toujours préférable de prévenir les fractures plutôt que d'en gérer les conséquences. Nous appelons aujourd'hui la France à ouvrir d'urgence un véritable dialogue de décolonisation sous les auspices des Nations unies. La France porte aujourd'hui une responsabilité particulière, celle de choisir l'ouverture d'un véritable dialogue politique avant que les frustrations accumulées ne conduisent certains à sortir des sentiers démocratiques. Nous appelons à la mise en œuvre effective des résolutions de l'Assemblée générale. Nous appelons simplement à l'application du droit international. Le peuple maorais ne demande aucun privilège. Il demande un droit, un droit reconnu par les Nations unies, un droit attendu depuis 13 ans et bien plus, un droit qui ne peut plus être repoussé. Madame la Présidente, je vous remettrai un projet de résolution amendé avec l'espoir que cette résolution ne reste plus une simple déclaration de principe sans mise en œuvre. La mise en œuvre de ce processus de décolonisation permettra le maintien de la paix dans notre pays, dans notre région Pacifique et finalement dans le monde. Maururu roa. Je vous remercie pour votre attention.

I thank the delegate for International, European, and Pacific Affairs of French Polynesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative of France, to address the committee on behalf of the administering power. Excellency, you have the floor, please.

Merci, Madame la Présidente, et merci au comité. Je salue la représentante du président de la Polynésie française, Madame Mareva Lechaky-Talon, dont j'ai écouté l'intervention avec la plus grande attention. Madame la Présidente, La Polynésie française jouit d'une autonomie très forte au sein de la République française, autonomie fondée sur la Constitution. Ce régime d'autonomie spécifique s'est construit sur le fondement d'un dialogue étroit et de long cours entre les instances polynésiennes et le gouvernement français, dialogue basé sur la confiance et le respect mutuel. Ce dialogue régulier se tient à tous les niveaux, dans tous les domaines concernant la Polynésie française. Il est constant et direct. Il ne prévoit aucun rôle pour les Nations unies. Notre participation à la réunion aujourd'hui témoigne de ce dialogue de confiance et du respect de la France pour les Nations unies. Cette participation ne constitue en aucun cas un changement de notre position. Madame la présidente, grâce à son statut d'autonomie particulier, la Polynésie française a compétence en tant que telle en toutes matières: économie, éducation, santé, tourisme, travail et culture. Seules les fonctions régaliennes ou celles que la Polynésie française lui demande d'accompagner sont assumées par l'État, toujours au service de la population polynésienne. Cette autonomie avancée est adaptée aux caractéristiques géographiques d'un territoire étendu sur 118 îles. Il répond aux demandes exprimées par la population polynésienne et tient compte de l'histoire et de la diversité culturelle du territoire. Thank you. Territoires. La politique d'insertion régionale de la Polynésie française s'est développée autour des principales organisations régionales d'Océanie. La Polynésie française est ainsi membre à part entière, au même titre que la France, la Nouvelle-Calédonie et Wallis-et-Futuna, de la Communauté des États du Pacifique et du Programme régional océanien pour l'environnement. Signe de cette autonomie renforcée, la Polynésie française est membre de plein droit du Forum des îles du Pacifique. Dans ce cadre, elle échange directement avec les partenaires du Pacifique sur les enjeux régionaux comme la protection de l'environnement et les défis climatiques. L'État soutient pleinement la participation de la Polynésie française à ces forums et l'accompagne. dans l'organisation de grands projets comme l'organisation des Jeux du Pacifique en 2027. L'État poursuit son accompagnement de la Polynésie française pour la soutenir dans son développement. Les financements de l'État en faveur de la Polynésie représentent chaque année près de 2 milliards d'euros, soit 30 du PIB du territoire. Ces dépenses augmentent chaque année pour s'adapter à la conjoncture et répondre aux besoins réels de la population polynésienne. Et c'est bien sûr en ayant à l'esprit, entre autres, la Polynésie française, que la France a développé les positions et le leadership qui furent les siens dans l'adoption du traité BBNG et dans la réunion du sommet de Nice sur les océans. Madame la présidente, pour conclure, la France est attachée au dialogue direct avec la Polynésie française française dans le respect des aspirations des peuples polynésiens en matière de gouvernance. Ce dialogue se poursuivra avec tous les acteurs politiques concernés. L'État est au service de tous les citoyens. Il est à l'écoute des ambitions des Polynésiens pour que l'avenir de l'archipel continue de s'inscrire dans la prospérité, le respect de ses traditions et de son identité, et la paix. Je vous remercie.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished permanent representative of France. Does any delegation wish to take the floor to make a statement or address a question on this item? I have no request for the floor. Apologies. I recognize and give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji. You have the floor, sir. Please.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Madam President. It would just be remiss of Fiji not to acknowledge the presence of our colleagues from the Pacific here in the room, in particular, Ms. Maria Vakithulong, for her dedication and commitment, in particular, to the question on Friends for Oceania before us. Thank you so much. I also just want to also take this time to also appreciate the response from the distinguished Permanent Representative of France and the collaboration that continues to prevail, in particular between French Polynesia and the administering power, France. For Fiji, we will continue to do our part. French Polynesia is an important territory in the Pacific. We have engaged with them through the Pacific Islands Forum process, and we also value French Polynesia's close collaboration with the Pacific on a number of issues, in particular on cultural diplomacy and very familiar to us is sports competition where French Polynesia is a very genuine and tough competitor over the years, as you have noted, in the South Pacific Games where they play a very critical role in our region. But when it comes to the political situation of the territory, Fiji remains guided by the wishes of the people of French Polynesia and also in close collaboration with the administering power of France, as we have heard today. And any collaboration and political process will remain guided by the UN Charter, the international law, and of course Resolution 1514. And we respect the wishes of both territories— of the territory and also administering power of France that the collaboration will continue in this manner. Thank you. And this has been our stance for very long and also in line with the Pacific Ocean of Peace collaboration to ensure that we continue to sustain peace in the region in line with the Pacific Way. In relation to the report of French Polynesia as presented to us, probably I would have missed the Fourth Committee 27 petitioners last October. In case you wish any summary, Maybe I'll talk separately in case if there's any summary to those 27 participants on the French Polynesia question last October. I'll really appreciate. But as far as we look into the report, we couldn't really— I, in particular, I couldn't find it. But in case if there's any, I'll really appreciate that summary. Thank you so much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. I'm looking around to see if there's any delegation— other delegation requesting the floor. Nope. We have no further requests for the floor. This means the Committee has concluded this stage of its consideration of the item, question of French Polynesia. We have now come to the end of this meeting. The next formal meeting of the Committee will take place at 3:00 PM this afternoon in this conference room to consider the questions of Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, St. Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. This meeting is adjourned.