High-level plenary meeting to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples - General Assembly, 80th session

Good morning. I call to order the high-level plenary meeting on the General Assembly to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People. This meeting is convened pursuant to resolution 80/106 of December 5, 2025, and will consist of an opening segment and a plenary segment. I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Your Excellency, Lok Bawdui Thapa, President of ECOSOC, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Eighty years ago, the United Nations was forged from the wreckage of war. to prevent future conflict and to confront the legacies of the past. And a few legacies were as bitter or as pervasive as colonialism. When we enshrined the principles of self-determination in the UN Charter, we made a radical break from history. We declared that the era of ruling people without their consent was over. In doing so, we lit a path to freedom for more than 750 million people. a third of the world's population back then, who in 1945 were still living under the shadow of foreign rule, including across more than 50 African countries that would go on to achieve independence in the decades that followed. Think of what this meant on the ground in societies where generation after generation had never known what it meant to be governed by their own people. For young persons coming of age in New Delhi, in Accra, or Jakarta, this promise marked a profound turning point. They could look forward to something their parents or grandparents may have had only dreamt of, a future shaped by their own choices, not by a distant capital. For a young person in Kingston, Port of Spain, or Suva, independence stopped being an abstract dream and became a horizon within reach. That expectation, shared across oceans, marked a global turning point. To turn that hope into reality, in 1960, this Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People. This text did more than affirm the rights of nations large and small. It spoke of dignity. It spoke of social progress. And it placed decolonization firmly where it belongs, as a shared responsibility of the whole international community. I was reminded myself of the weight of that responsibility last year while reflecting on what marked 140 years since the Berlin Conference of 1884, when European powers, including my own country, violently divided an entire continent without the presence or consent of its people. As I said at that time, we cannot undo what happened in the past. But we can work together to build a better future. To do so, it is crucial to identify and acknowledge injustice. For that injustice did not end with the closing of that conference over 100 years ago. It shaped borders, divided whole communities, fueled conflicts, and entrenched inequalities whose consequences remain with us today. And therefore, we have a common responsibility to address these consequences together. Today's meeting, following General Assembly resolution 80/106, which proclaimed 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, honors the declaration we committed to 65 years ago. By doing so, the General Assembly is underlining our shared responsibility to carry forward the work the Declaration sets in motion. That responsibility is especially urgent in the light of the fact that some global challenges, like climate change, economic fragility, and limited access to finance, place additional strain on some of the former colonialized societies. These issues remain also relevant for those non-self-governing territories who remain on the agenda of the Special Committee on Decolonization. As said, we cannot undo what we did in the past, but we can work together to build a better future. The eradication of colonialism in all its forms 55 years ago was this promise. by the Common Declaration, realizing that the promise remains our enduring responsibility. I now give the floor to His Excellency Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council.

President of General Assembly, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am honored to join you for this high-level plenary meeting to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the declarations on the granting of the independence to the colonial countries and peoples and mark the observance of the International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. The Economic and Social Council engagements on these issues date back to the late 1960s. Allow me to share some examples of ECOSOC action on these important issues. First, At the request of the General Assembly in its resolution 2426 of 1968, and in consultations with the Special Committee on the Situation of the Declarations on the Granting of Independence to the Colonial Countries and Peoples, ECOSOC took up the issue. The Council began considering appropriate measures to coordinate the policies and activities of the specialized agencies in implementing relevant General Assembly resolutions. Second, annually, the Economic and Social Council has before it an agenda item on implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to the Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions. associated with the United Nations. Under this item, the Council will consider a report of the President of the Council on activities with regard to the implementation of the declarations by the specialized agencies and international institutions associated with the United Nations. In this regard, our draft resolution on the UN Support to UN non-self-governing territories was introduced by the Chair of the Special Committee and adopted by a vote during the Council management segment in July this year. Third, the latest information submitted to the Council, contained in the report of the President of the Council, E/2025/56, shows that the specialized agencies and international organizations associated with the United Nations have provided support across a range of areas. These included economic governance and public financial management, trade and customs systems, data and statistical capacity for SDG monitoring, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, food security, nutrition, health and education. Funding remains a major challenge for some entities. as resources are often limited and unpredictable. This affects the scale, continuity and long-term impact of the UN support programmes. Fourth, in its latest resolution 2025/32, Economic and Social Council requested the specialized agencies and other organizations and bodies of the United Nations system and regional organizations to strengthen existing support measures. The Council requested them to formulate appropriate programmes of assistance to the remaining non-self-governing territories on a case-by-case basis, consistent with their mandates to accelerate economic and social progress. The Council further urged those agencies and organizations that have not yet extended such assistance to do so. as soon as possible on a case-by-case basis. Excellencies, the specific and structural challenges faced by small island non-self-governing territories need dedicated attention. These territories have limited development pathways. They have a fragile and externally dependent economies and are highly vulnerable to environmental and climate impacts. The Economic and Social Council has underscored the need for disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures. Furthermore, the Council has requested the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to provide information on environmental challenges, natural disaster impacts, crime prevention measures, and the exploitation and sustainable use of natural resources, in these territories. Excellencies, today's commemorations is an opportunity to mobilize actions for the full and effective implementations of the declarations, including through the work of organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations. Their continued cooperation and assistance are critical for advancing sustainable development in the non-self-governing territories to ensure no one is left behind. As President of the Economic and Social Council, I will continue to maintain close contact with the Chair of the Special Committee and to report thereon to the Council. I thank you.

I thank the President of ECOSOC. I give the floor to Ms. Elizabeth Spearhaw, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, to deliver remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we gather today to mark a historic milestone. the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. And for the first time, we also observe the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. In 1960, the General Assembly spoke with clarity and courage. Colonialism must end fully and without delay. 43 Asian and African nations co-sponsored the declaration, including all 17 territories that gained independence and joined the United Nations that same year. It was a turning point, the largest expansion of membership in our history, a moment of unity that lit a path for millions. The declaration became a compass for freedom. Guided by the Charter, the United Nations helped more than 60 territories, home to over 80 million people, pursue self-determination and emerge as independent states. Today's membership of 193 Member States is, in large part, the legacy of that process. But let's tell it like it is. that legacy is unfinished. 17 non-self-governing territories remain. And beyond that, the vestiges of colonialism persist, not only on maps, but in the architecture of global power. Institutions built in another era still reflect the inequalities of that era. The Security Council, the international financial system, and other pillars of global governance bear the imprint of a world that no longer exists, a world of empires, not of equals. This imbalance undermines trust. It stifles progress. It denies the very principles on which our organization was founded, equality, sovereignty, and the right of all peoples to shape their own destiny. 80 years ago, the United Nations was created to save succeeding generations from war, to uphold human rights, and to advance progress in larger freedom. Today, on this first International Day Against Colonialism, let us renew that promise, not only by ending colonialism in its traditional forms, but by dismantling its remnants wherever they endure. Let us act with clarity and conviction to build a world where power is shared, not hoarded, where institutions serve all, not the few, and where freedom is not a privilege, but a universal right. I thank you.

I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. The Assembly will now begin the plenary segment to allow maximum participation by all. Members are requested to limit their interventions to seven minutes when speaking on behalf of a group and five minutes when speaking in national capacity. Time limit will be strictly enforced through an automatic microphone cut-off. A timer will be projected to the screen. Having said this, I would appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to facilitate interpretation into the six official languages. Statements may be submitted to estatements@un.org and will be posted in the United Nations Journal. I thank you for your cooperation. I now give the floor to the first distinguished representative, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter to the UN.

Madam President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honor to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. and we welcome the convening of this high-level meeting in accordance with the resolution sponsored by our group and adopted by the vast majority of the international community. Madam President, 65 years ago, this General Assembly proclaimed that all peoples have the right to self-determination. and that the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination, and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights. That declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples helped many trust territories and non-self-governing territories to attain independence and join this organization. However, 17 non-self-governing territories and others which have not yet attained independence in accordance with resolution 1514, including Palestine and Puerto Rico, still await the full realization of their inalienable rights. We therefore reiterate our unwavering adherence to that historic declaration to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination. this General Assembly has recognized that the continuing forms of colonialism is incompatible in all of its forms of manifestations incompatible with the Charter of the UN the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the declaration on the granting of independence colonial countries and peoples as it impedes social cultural and economic development and undermines the United Nations ideal of universal peace at present colonial domination of operates through more subtle but equally pernicious methods. These include economic coercion and the unfair use of structural power in global finance and trade, the application of illegal unilateral coercive measures that inflict collective punishment and seek to dictate the sovereign choices of peoples, conditions attached to development assistance and lending that erodes policy space and entrench dependency. illicit or exploitative appropriation of natural resources, restriction on access to markets and services, particularly to technologies, humanitarian goods, and medical equipment, interference in internal affairs, including electoral processes and information spaces, as well as the instrumentalization of human rights, through country-specific mechanisms established without the due consent of the state concerned. Many members of our grouping know from direct experience how media campaigns, financial pressure, unilateral coercive measures, and politicized use of international institutions can be used to destabilize sovereign states whose only fault is to pursue independence. These are contemporary avenues of colonialism and neocolonialism. We reiterate our solidarity with all of those who are living under the subjugation of foreign domination, including non-self-governing territories. We encourage the occupying powers to respect the inalienable rights of peoples in these territories under their responsibility, respect of their land and their natural resources. They must respect this. They must abstain for economic and military activities that violate these rights. They should not alter the demographics and they must take up and assume their responsibility over the economic and social cultural responsibility through reparations. Today, the member states of our grouping reaffirmed that the existence of colonialism in all of its forms and manifestations is incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations and must end. We condemn the crimes committed during the colonial era and the modern practices that perpetuate this domination and inequality and that seek to limit sovereignty and independence. Madam President, A world free of colonialism is one where every nation, large or small, can choose its own path without fear, coercion, or tutelage, where independence is not just a legal status, but a lived reality of political, economic, and cultural sovereignty. Madam President, allow me now to deliver a few remarks in my national capacity. On the 16th of December of this year, the President of the United States of America announced to the world that Venezuelan lands and oil belong to it, and that they should be handed over immediately. And if these orders were not followed, the most powerful navy in history would proceed to blockade all of Venezuela by land and sea. By this public confession of this criminal act, the President of the United States of America intends to turn back the clock of history some 200 years to transform Venezuela into a colony. There is no legal instrument that holds up in the face of this monstrous declaration. not the Charter of the United Nations, customary international law, the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, the jurisprudence and case history of international courts, the Convention on the Law of the Sea. This is a hideous violation of all norms of civilisation. This is what colonialism is, a crime of aggression. The United States of America are imposing chaos and destruction on international relations in the same way that nefarious actors did worldwide in the Second World War. Gunboat diplomacy has no place in the 21st century. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and independence. wherever necessary in order to maintain the peace and security of the nation and to restore international norms. The scourge of colonialism is still here and it must be toppled for the protection of all peoples of the world. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Madam President, I deliver this statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, representing 121 Member States, united by a shared history of struggle against colonialism, domination and racial discrimination. The 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples takes place at a moment when the General Assembly has just adopted resolution 80/106 on the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. The declaration and the resolution 1541 on its principles which should guide members on determining whether or not an obligation exists to transmit the information called for under Article 73 of the Charter stand as noteworthy documents in the history of the United Nations. They provided the legal and political foundation for the liberation of many nations that subsequently attained independence, many of which are today proud members of NAM. Their adoption not only helped redefine the global political landscape, but also shaped the very identity, principles, and mission of our movement rooted in the Bandung a spirit of solidarity, sovereign equality, and resistance to all forms of domination. Yet, despite the profound changes ushered in by the declaration, colonialism has not been relegated to history. As the United Nations observes the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, for the first time ever, the movement welcomes this opportunity, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 80/106, to reaffirm our determination to eradicate colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and however it persists. The UN General Assembly in its Resolution 81/06, establishing this International Day, reaffirmed that continued existence of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, both traditional and contemporary, is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations the declaration, the granting of independence, colonial countries and peoples, the universal declaration of human rights, and the pursuit of universal peace and sustainable development for all. Madam President, in this context, the movement underscores that new and emerging forms of colonialism have taken different manifestations over years, perpetuating patterns of domination, dependency, and inequality. These include, among others, the promulgation and application of universal coercive measures, which impede the development of states and violate, inter alia, the principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention. B, the threat of use or use of force or the interference in the internal affairs of states in a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Economic, C, economic pressures, political conditionalities, and other practices that undermine national decision-making and impede the ability of nations to freely determine their political, economic, and social systems. These contemporary manifestations echo the very structures of domination that the international community played to dismantle and contradict NAMO's longstanding defense of sovereignty, independence, and the right of each nation to choose its own path. In reaffirming NAMO's principled approach, we emphasize, on one hand, the principle of territorial integrity and national unity, which must be upheld in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, and which shall not be undermined by any attempt to disrupt the sovereignty and political independence of Member States. And on the other hand, the equally important inalienable right of self-determination of peoples under colonial or alien domination or occupation, which remains essential to eradication of these situations. In this regard, the question of Puerto Rico remains a matter of long-standing United concern for the movement, namely affirm the right of the people of Puerto Rico of self-determination and independence in accordance with Resolution 1514, and call for the comprehensive examination of this question within the UN, with UN framework including continued consideration by the Special Committee on Decolonization, C-24, The movement reiterates it is an overwhelming support for the relevant resolutions and urges, therefore, an expeditious implementation. The movement also reaffirms its steadfast solidarity with the people of Palestine, whose struggle for self-determination remains central to the global decolonization agenda. NAM will continue to support the realization of their inalienable rights, including to the independence and sovereignty of their State of Palestine, based on the pre-1965 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and on the basis of the two-state solution. We call once again for the elimination of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, particularly within the context of the current Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples, and in this In this International Day Against Colonialism, in all its forms and manifestations, NAM underscores the need to address the enduring consequences of colonialism, including economic, cultural, social and environmental impact, and advance initiatives and efforts in the field of reparations. Finally, Chair, the movement pays tribute to the generations that resisted colonial rule. colonial rule and inspired our collective commitment to independence, dignity, and sovereign equality. Their legacy requires us to remain vigilant not only against traditional colonialism, but also against its contemporary forms, those that manifest through coercion rather than occupation, deprivation rather than administration, and interference rather than overt control. The movements, Madam President, They reaffirm that it is unwavering commitment to the complete and unconditional and speedy eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, guided by the Bandung principles, the Charter of the United Nations, the historical resolution 1514, 15, the historical resolution 1541, and the legitimate aspiration of our peoples. The movement will continue to work so that all nations may fully exercise their sovereign right to self-determination. free from external pressure and interference. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I now give the floor to Angola. Speaking time limit is five minutes now. There's a timer and a yellow light will come up before the last minute.

Your Excellency, Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, thank you for giving me the floor. Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement, and I will make some remarks on my national capacity. Madam President, Angola welcomes the organization of this high-level meeting, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. The United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights recognize the inalienable rights of people to independence and self-determination. They also stress that eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations is essential for achieving true global justice, equality, and self-determination. The purpose of the United Nations will not be fully achieved while there are still non-governing territories. The world will not be free until all forms of colonialism are eradicated from the face of the earth. Social justice will not be completed until economic exploitation cultural omission, and systemic difference rooted in colonial legacies are fully addressed. We must stand firm to say no to colonialism and any new forms of colonialism or cultural domination. While we remember colonialism as one of the darkest chapters of human history, we must commit to work together, foster unity and cooperation, for a common and more prosperous future for all. Excellencies, like most of other African countries, Angola also suffered the scourge of colonialism and for almost 500 years. As we acknowledge, for the first time, the International Day Against Colonialism and All its Forms and Manifestations, Angola is celebrating 50 years as free sovereign, and independent nation, reaffirming its principal position of strong rejection of colonialism and all practices of segregation and discrimination associated therewith. We defend the right of people to self-determination and the independence of territory that remain under any form of colonial rule.

The 2001 Durban Declaration.

Acknowledge colonialism as crime against humanity. The African Union 2025 theme of the year, Justice for Africans and Peoples of African Descent through Reparations, address the historical injustice that Africa endured through slavery and colonization. It is a global reminder of their consequences that continue to persist today, manifested in the form of economic inequalities, long-term social economic disparities, and the lack of a just representation of Africa in the decision-making forums within multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council, whose composition challenges its own legitimacy and mission of maintaining international peace and security. The team underscores, once again, the African collective resolve to transform past injustice into relations based on human dignity and respect, solidarity and cooperation, thus contributing to a multilateral framework more capable of addressing contemporary global challenges. Mr. President, as the United Nations celebrate this special day for the first time, Angola supports and encourages the work of the Special Committee on Decolonization, C-24, and its coordination with the Member States and non-self-governing territories to further advance the UN decolonization agenda. We call on the C-24 to continue facilitating and supporting the right to self-determination through transparent and inclusive processes, enabled the non-self-governing territories to determine their own political status and future governance arrangements. Decolonization and self-determination are not a favor to anyone, but a right that must be granted to all peoples in the world. To conclude, the history of colonialism cannot be erased.

I thank the distinguished representative of Angola. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua, followed by Sierra Leone and.

Grenada.

Madam President, Nicaragua aligns itself with the statements by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the United Nations Charter. Sixty-five years have passed since that act of profound historic justice, the adoption of Resolution 1514. That is a fundamental milestone in the history of the United Nations and the peoples of the world. We would like to express our gratitude to the C-24, the committee that has assisted the peoples that were living under the vestiges of colonialism and helping them to exercise their right to self-determination and independence. On this day, Nicaragua honors all of the peoples that won their liberty. in this epic struggle of self-determination and sacrifice. We celebrate every flag raised, every ounce of sovereignty recovered, with the clear understanding, nevertheless, that this decolonizing mission of the United Nations remains as yet incomplete. There are still seven non-self-governing territories and other peoples that are still struggling to exercise their inalienable rights to liberty, self-determination and independence. Nicaragua reiterates its permanent solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico, a sister nation subjugated to a colonial status that prevents it from truly deciding sovereignly on its future, as well as with the Sahrawi people, the Palestinian people, and all the peoples that are victims of oppressive colonialism. Madam President, this anniversary is particularly relevant given the recent and historic establishment for the first time of the International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. This day is a unfailing guiding light that reminds us that the struggle continues and that victory is certain. We express our commendation and respect to the national liberation movements of Africa, Asia and our great Caribbean that in the 20th century stood up in liberty, won glory and victories and expelled European colonizers. While we recognize the validity and victories in the face of previous colonial situations, we firmly denounce the fact that the vestiges of colonialism remain, mutating and developing into new forms of neocolonialism. These are chains forged in economic coercion, illegal unilateral coercive measures, interference in the internal affairs of states, acts and campaigns of destabilization that are poisoned with imperial Western double standards, exceptionalist policies, arrogant and false regional security measures that aim to subdue the will of sovereign nations and of legitimately constituted governments. Nicaragua firmly denounces these practices, these aggressions, which aim to subdue the will of free peoples and control their resources. This is the 21st century face of neocolonialism, a direct attack on the United Nations Charter and international law. Nicaragua denounces new forms of colonial aggression being exercised against our Latin America and the Caribbean in a gross attempt to revive doctrines of domination and occupation that they said had been left in the past. We condemn the imperial expansionist aggression on our continent. We reaffirm that Latin America and the Caribbean is a zone of peace, and we do not accept foreign interference in our free and sovereign territory. Nicaragua denounces the continued aggression by the government of the United States against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in their eagerness to gain control of the natural resources that belong to the Venezuelan people alone. Our region has declared itself a zone of peace and we will not yield in the face of any attempt at recolonization. We demand the immediate cessation of all illegal unilateral coercive measures.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Special Committee on Decolonization.

I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the chair of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regards to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. As we gather to commemorate the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted 65 years ago, we affirm its historic and continued significance. This declaration is not merely a document of the past. It is a living commitment to decolonization. It reminds us that the continued existence of colonialism is incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its principles are as relevant today as they were in 1960. The declaration remains a guiding light to our collective efforts to eradicate colonialism, which continues to be one of the priorities of the United Nations. Over the decades, the Special Committee on Decolonization has played a leading role in advancing this agenda. Pursuant to our mandate, the C-24 actively advances the decolonization agenda through monitoring conditions in non-self-governing territories, organizing regional seminars, dispatching visiting missions, as well as providing the space for dialogue for relevant stakeholders, thereby ensuring that decolonization remains firmly on the UN's agenda. Yet, more than 16 years after the adoption of the declaration, its provisions have not been fully implemented. As we approach the end of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, we must acknowledge that progress has been too slow. And this reality compels us to create new momentum, revitalizing the role of the Committee. The General Assembly's recent adoption of resolution 80/106 is a milestone in this regard. The resolution proclaims 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, to be observed annually beginning in 2025. This solemn decision underscores the urgency of bringing colonialism to a speedy and unconditional end. To succeed, we need the active engagement of all actors, administering powers, the territories themselves, the UN system, and all member states. Constructive dialogue and cooperation are indispensable. In this regard, annual regional seminars and visiting missions remain vital tools for fostering understanding, building trust, and identifying practical solutions. Equally important is the provision of well-targeted support and assistance to non-self-governing territories, addressing their specific socioeconomic and environmental challenges. This support should be linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future, ensuring that our efforts to end colonialism also advance global development goals. Madam President, the Special Committee must work with renewed determination and creativity if it is to deliver concrete and meaningful results. The time for declarations alone have passed. What is needed now is cooperation and action. In this spirit and in line with resolution 80/106, I call upon all Member States, the UN system, regional organizations and civil society to actively observe the International Day Against Colonialism on 14 December each year and to use this occasion to reaffirm our shared commitment to the complete eradication of colonialism. Let us seize this opportunity marked by the first observance of the International Day, to bring the era of colonialism closer to its end. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Grenada on behalf of the Caribbean community.

The honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member state of the Caribbean community. CARICOM, thank you for convening this high-level meeting and expresses its appreciation to the Secretary General and the President of the Economic and Social Council for their important contributions to today's discussions. Madam President, CARICOM attaches high priority to all efforts aimed at full implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People, adopted 65 years ago. We therefore welcome the designation of 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, as one avenue to advance the objectives of the declaration. CARICOM deeply regrets that almost seven decades since the adoption of the declaration, the populations of several territories have not been able to exercise their right to self-determination and these territories remain non-self-governing. We call on the powers administering these territories to ensure that they are fully compliant with their international legal obligations in relation to these territories. Among those are the obligations to ensure that the natural resources of the territories are utilized for the benefit of the peoples of the territories, that the territories are assisted to fight drug trafficking, money laundering and other illegal and criminal activities, and that they are supported in efforts to confront the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, and other environmental problems. Caricom underscores that administering powers engagement with non-self-governing territories should be along the trajectory of strengthening the capacity of these territories to self-govern if they so choose and to promote the socio-economic development of the territories. Madam President, having lived the experience of colonialism and slavery for decades, CARICOM Member States are intimately acquainted with their direct impact legacy, which we continue to encounter even today. This legacy is a political feature in a region with non-self-governing territories in the Caribbean. Indicators of economic underdevelopment, such as food insecurity, inadequate social services, including public health services and education delivery, and lack of economic diversity of all are all attributable wholly or in part to colonialism and slavery. For this and other reasons, CARICOM continues to advocate for the payment of reparations by the governments of all the former colonial powers and the relevant institutions of those countries to the nations and people of the Caribbean community for the crimes against humanity of native genocide. the transatlantic slave trade and a racialized system of chattel slavery. It is a question of justice for the centuries of lost development, where the wealth of our countries were transferred to enable foreign prosperity. Madam President, CARICOM stands resolutely with all people who are still under the weight of colonialism against their will. We recall the words of the United Nations Charter, where member states determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom and pledge to continue contributing to international efforts to achieve this freedom for all people everywhere. We thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Grenada on behalf of the Caribbean community. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of God, the compassionate and merciful. Mr. President, my delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by Uganda on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement, Venezuela on behalf of Group of Friends in Defense of Charter of the United Nations, and Sierra Leone on behalf of Special Committee on Decolonization. We welcome the convening of this high-level meeting pursuant to the resolution 80/106 as an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to the complete eradication of colonialism and to acknowledge the unfinished nature of decolonization and its contemporary manifestations. Mr. President, as we mark today the first commemoration of this International Day My delegation recalls that colonialism has not disappeared, but has instead transformed into insidious and harmful forms of subjugation, manifested through unjust political, economic, and social pressures that steadily erode the sovereignty of the independent states. These practices, which is rooted in the legacy of former colonial powers and perpetuated by their followers, assert illegitimate dominance and advance narrow interests at the expenses of justice and multilateralism. In our time, colonialism reveals itself not only through military aggression and foreign occupation, but also through economic coercion and the manipulation of structural power in global finance and trade. It is featured in the form of imposition of conditionalities on development assistance, restrictions on access to markets and essential services, and exploitation of natural resources. It further appears in interference in the internal affairs of states and in the politicization of human rights, particularly through country-specific mechanisms. While reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sovereign equality and respect for territorial integrity, the Islamic Republic of Iran stresses that all forms of colonialism, whether through economic exploitation, restrictions on development, denial of resources, or the imposition of unilateral coercive measures must be unequivocally condemned and rejected. Finally, Mr. President, my delegation reiterates that conflicts rooted in the colonial and occupational policies gravely threaten international peace and security. This reality affects not only the peoples of remaining non-self-governing territories, but all peoples subjected to such policies, above all the Palestinian people. In this vein, we stress that resolving the question of Palestine must remain the central UN priority as long as occupation endures and legitimate struggles are suppressed. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

President, we endorse the statements delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and by Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, and by Sierra Leone on behalf of the Special Committee on Decolonization. My delegation is honoured to be co-author of resolution 80/106, pursuant to which this meeting has been convened. Cuba's voice rises from a national history marked by resistance as a nation that suffered and under the yoke of colonialism, we cannot remain silent for as long as this scourge persists in any corner of the world. The adoption of the historic declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples 65 years ago represented an act of justice and hope for the peoples oppressed by this unjust and degrading form of domination. Honouring this declaration requires more than words. It requires collective action, political will and definitive eradication of colonialism in all of its forms and demonstrations, including economic blockades, unilateral coercive measures and new hegemonic practices that seek to impose economic models, political systems, regime changes and cultural patterns that are alien to the will of the peoples. after centuries of anti-colonial struggle, the renewed colonialist claims of the outdated Monroe Doctrine are looming over our region today and threaten the tenets of the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. In this context, we categorically reject the threats and use of force by the government of the United States against Venezuela. including the extraordinary and offensive military deployment in the Caribbean Sea under the false pretext of the fight against drugs, the persistent interference in Venezuelan airspace and the psychological war against the Venezuelan people. All of these constitute flagrant violations of the United Nations Charter and of international law. We also reject the naval blockade against Venezuela announced by the government of the United States. This is a very serious violation of international law and a further escalation of the aggression against the Bolivarian government. They come in addition to the unilateral coercive measures, attempts to suffocate the economy and campaigns to discredit the country. And we stand in solidarity with their people and government. We reaffirm our full support for the President, Nicolas Maduro, and to the Bolivarian and Chavista revolution and to the military and people's union and we reject in the strongest terms the aggressive and neo-colonialist actions of the United States. We also reiterate our unwavering solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico who continue to be denied their right to self-determination. We can no longer hide the colonial reality that prevails on this Caribbean and Latin American island. Cuba will continue to support its brothers in their legitimate struggle for independence. We support the legitimate and sovereign right of Argentina over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas. We advocate for a just, lasting and stable political solution that is mutually acceptable and that will lead to the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with Resolution 1514. We are not in favour of unilateral decisions that disregard the interests and rights of the Sahrawi people, which includes autonomy without sovereignty, which in fact is a violation of international law, the UN Charter and resolutions 1514 and 2625 of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Humanity has an unpayable debt to the Palestinian people. They have suffered for decades from Israel's illegal colonizing policies and practices. Every child killed, every family displaced, every hospital destroyed is irrefutable proof that the genocide must stop now. President, colonialism is not a vestige of the past. It is an open wound for the people who suffer under it. Our sister nations of the Caribbean and Africa deserve reparations for the horrors of colonialism and stravenery. It is urgent that we repay this historical debt. The causes of colonization will continue, and Cuba will continue to defend the rights of peoples to freely decide their destiny and build a future of well-being, socioeconomic progress, independence, sovereignty, and dignity for as long as it does. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Mr. President, 60 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 1514, a landmark declaration that affirmed the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination and sovereignty and called for an unconditional and an end to colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. It was a turning point in international law and global governance, signaling that foreign domination and exploitation are incompatible with the principles of human rights and the United Nations Charter. For Namibia, this declaration was a beacon of hope. Our struggle for independence was long and arduous. marked by sacrifices of countless heroes and championed the cause of our liberation. It was equally marked by decades of petitions to this Assembly, international solidarity and unwavering commitment of the United Nations. From resolution 2145, which terminated external domination, to the implementation of resolution 435, that paved the way for free and fair elections the United Nations stood firmly with the Namibian people. Our liberation and subsequent joining the family of nations as a free and sovereign state is proof that multilateralism and international law can deliver justice. Yet the work of the decolonization remains unfinished. 17 non-self-governing territories still await self-determination. and new forms of domination, economic, political and technological, continue to undermine sovereignty. Colonialism in any form hinders development, fuels inequality and contradicts the ideals of global peace and justice enshrined in the United Nations Charter. As we reflect on the progress made since the adoption of this declaration, Namibia speaks not only from its own history, but also from the moral obligation to stand with all oppressed peoples still grappling with the shadows of colonialism and yearning for freedom. We fully agree with the words of General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock this morning when she said, "The era of ruling people without their consent is over." As such, we recognize the continued plight of the Palestinian people who endure the harsh realities of Israeli occupation. The occupation of Palestinian territories is a grave injustice in the violation of international law. It is not just a regional concern, but a universal issue that resonates with all who value justice, equality, and human rights. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the denial of Palestinian statehood represent a moral failure of our time. We therefore unequivocally demand the immediate end to occupation and full respect of international humanitarian law and the realization of the two-state solution, and imperative and urgency for the pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. In parallel, we cannot forget the situation in Western Sahara, a land still caught in the grip of colonialism decades after Resolution 690 promised a referendum of self-determination. Namibia acknowledges the urgency to address this last vestige of colonial rule in Africa and supports the role of the UN mission for the referendum in Western Sahara, a United Nations mandated mission. We call upon the international community to reaffirm its commitment to facilitating a fair and just referendum that will allow the Sahrawi people to determine their own future. This is not merely a political necessity, it is a fundamental human right whose fulfillment is integral to both African unity and global pursuit of justice. In conclusion, Namibia stands firm in its belief that true justice can only be achieved when all peoples are free, justice is served, and multilateralism and international cooperation take precedence over the anachronic principle of might makes all. Let us collectively honor the promise of the declaration of 1960 by completing the unfinished mandate of decolonization and reaffirm our shared commitment to avoid to a world where sovereignty, equality, and dignity are not privileges, but universal rights. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Mr. President, the words of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples did not simply mark the transformation of this General Assembly or accompany the wave of decolonization that reshaped the world. Those words shaped history. The declaration did not create new rights. It affirmed natural and binding law. It gave voice to this critical principle: all human beings are born and remain free and equal in dignity and rights. The right to self-determination stands among the purposes of the United Nations. It stands at the top of the two international human rights covenants. It is the most decisive right in our international social contract. For many countries represented in this hall, the declaration is remembered for its historic significance. for how it amplified their struggle for liberation, and for how it accompanied their accession to independence. For the Palestinian people, however, this declaration remains an unfulfilled promise, a pledge yet to be honored, delayed for far too long with unbearable human consequences. Its words resonate deeply across occupied Palestine and among millions of Palestinians scattered around the world. They are a reminder of the injustice they continue to endure and for their faith that freedom shall eventually prevail. The declaration recognizes the passionate yearning for freedom and affirms that the peoples of the world ardently desire the end of colonialism in all its manifestations. It declares that all peoples have the right to self-determination and that the subjugation of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitute a denial of of fundamental human rights is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and cooperation. These are not abstract principles. In its 2024 advisory opinion on Palestine, the International Court of Justice determined that In cases of foreign occupation such as the present one, the right to self-determination constitute a pre-emptory norm of international law. The court further stated that the sustained abuse by Israel of its position as an occupying power through annexation and an assertion of permanent control over the occupied Palestinian territory and continued frustration of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination violates fundamental principles of international law and renders Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful. This illegal colonial occupation must now come to an end, and our people must be masters of their fate. Madam President, I have been around long enough to remember as many countries in this hall finally acceded to their independence and became member of the United Nations. The Palestinian people have stood at the doorstep for far too long, awaiting our turn, pursuing a legitimate struggle for liberation against an anachronistic ill. This injustice must end. The declaration states, and I quote, that the process of liberation is irresistible and irreversible. The time for Palestine's freedom is long overdue. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

President, China aligns itself with the statement by Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the UN. The International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations aims to urge the international community to remember the harm of colonialism, accelerate the ongoing decolonization process, and end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. This year's GA meeting to commemorate the first International Day is of great significance. Today, despite the end of colonial occupation and the collapse of colonial system, the world has yet to emerge from the shadow of colonialism. Hegemonism, unilateralism, and power politics as legacies of colonialism remain rampant. The international community needs to resist the colonial mentality in ideological, political, economic economic, cultural and educational domains, eradicate the remnants of colonialism, uphold international fairness and justice, and promote greater democracy and rule of law in international relations. President, the history of the World Anti-Fascist War teaches us that peace needs to be striven for and safeguarded. Following the victory in World War II, the trials of war criminals at the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and the International Military Tribunal for the Far East ensured that the principal perpetrators of the war of aggression, whose hands were stained with the blood of people of many nations, received the punishment they duly deserved and condemned the convicted war criminals to perpetual infamy. The justice and the integrity of the trials is unshakable and beyond challenge. In history, Japan invaded China, Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia and imposed horrendous colonial rule there. Japanese aggressors committed innumerable crimes and atrocities in Taiwan, killing over 650,000 Taiwan compatriots, forcibly recruiting 200,000 young people to serve in the military, forcing 2,000 Taiwan women to become comfort women, occupying 70% of Taiwan's land, destructively exploiting natural resources, including coal and gold mines. That was the darkest page in Taiwan's history. We must resolutely defend outcomes of the victory of the Chinese people's war of resistance against the Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war, and resolutely defend the post-war international order. We must never allow the denial or the distortion of the history of aggression, never allow the revival of militarism, and never allow the repetition of historical tragedies. Any words or deeds that challenge or seek to subvert the post-war international order may create instability in the world and bring immense suffering to humanity, the community with a shared future. We must remain highly vigilant and firmly oppose them. As a defeated country in World War II, Japan must do serious soul-searching on its crime of aggression and responsibilities, abide by the political commitments it made on the Taiwan question. immediately stop provocative actions that cross the line and retract its erroneous remarks. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Russian Federation.

Mr. President, Russia aligns itself with the statement by Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. September 1960, colonial empires were coming apart at the seams, and one after another, new states in Africa were declaring independence. French Dahomey, Upper Volta, the Belgian Congo. These names, it seems, have been left in the distant past, but they are not forgotten, and the consequences of the colonial past are making themselves known in new ways. It was 65 years ago that the Soviet Union proactively put decolonization at the top of the agenda of the 15th session of the UN General Assembly and pushed for the adoption of the resolution that, on the 14th of December, became the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. On that day, the General Assembly demonstrated that it could not only acknowledge reality, but also shape its course. The declaration became a true milestone in the process of dismantling the system of Western colonial domination over the countries of Africa and Asia, giving a powerful impetus to their liberation from the shackles of European metropoles. Our country not only led the fight against colonialism in the international arena, but also actively assisted the peoples of the Global South in their struggle for independence, supported their national liberation movements. and was among the first to establish diplomatic relations with newly independent states. Today, we are celebrating not only the 65th anniversary of the Declaration's adoption as one of the most significant achievements in the history of the United Nations, the proclamation of a new international day in accordance with resolution 80/106, that was proposed by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, will allow us to give priority attention to the eradication of colonialism on an annual basis. This day should not be just a ceremony or a recollection of the past, but a call to action. Because with countries and peoples attaining political independence, the process of decolonization, unfortunately, did not come to an end. The reluctance of former Western metropoles to relinquish global dominance has evolved into a neo-colonial policy toward the countries of the global majority. Using a wide arsenal of military, political, economic, cultural and ideological tools, they are continuing to exploit their former colonies. Neocolonial practices include unilateral sanctions and debt bondage, military political pressure and interference in electoral processes, the politicization of humanitarian aid and human rights, rewriting history, and imposing a so-called rules-based order. Despite these new methods, the goals of the former metropoles remain the same as they were decades ago. plundering less developed countries and exploiting their natural, human and other resources for their own interests. Right now, a vivid example of neocolonial approaches is the escalatory actions by the United States against Venezuela. Starting with false pretexts of combating drug trafficking and terrorism, Washington has moved now to open threats of military aggression and the seizure of the territory and natural resources of a sovereign state. We also see manifestations of neocolonialism in many African countries. Despite the persistence of colonialism and its modern forms, today the countries of the global majority are increasingly shaping their own agenda with confidence and asserting their right to an independent path of development. Naturally, there is a growing demand for a restoration of justice and for reparations for the crimes of the colonial era. And we fully support the relevant initiatives of the African Union and CARICOM. Together with a broad group of like-minded partners, Russia continues to fight colonialism in all of its forms on the international stage, primarily through the construction of a truly multipolar world and establishing equal and mutually beneficial relations that have no place for diktats or external interference. Active work on the anti-colonial track is being carried out by the Forum of Supporters of the Fight against Modern Neocolonial Practices entitled "For the Freedom of Nations", that was created by the initiative of the United Russia party.

I thank the distinguished representative of Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

President, itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the non-aligned movement. At the outset, Malaysia thanks the president for convening this historic meeting pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 80/106. 65 years ago, this assembly adopted the declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. The declaration redefined the global political landscape, provided the legal foundation for political liberation, and affirmed the inalienable right to self-determination for millions of people. Building on this legacy, Malaysia supports the proclamation of 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. The continued existence of colonialism is incompatible with the UN Charter. It obstructs economic, social and cultural development, limits meaningful participation in international cooperation, and leaves lasting consequences until today. President, despite notable progress, the work of decolonization remains unfinished. We must therefore remain vigilant against new and emerging forms of colonialism. Practices such as unilateral coercive measures, economic pressures, and political conditionalities violate the principles of sovereign equality and undermine national decision-making. Malaysia calls upon Member States to dismantle structures of domination that disproportionately marginalize the Global South. In this regard, Malaysia remains steadfast in supporting international efforts to advance decolonization through peaceful means. we believe that the promotion of justice and human rights is essential to fulfilling the aspirations of colonized people Malaysia stands ready to contribute through capacity building initiatives under the Malaysian technical cooperation program which aim to support sustainable development reconstruction and long-term Nation building president At the core of these efforts, Malaysia reaffirms that the question of Palestine remains the longest standing unresolved colonial issue of our time. Malaysia reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose struggle remains central to the global decolonization agenda. While noting the recent development, Malaysia underscores the importance of the New York Declaration. The declaration reflects the overwhelming support for the two-state solution as the only credible path toward a just and lasting peace. It reaffirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, independent state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. President, in conclusion, Malaysia calls on the international community to renew its collective commitment to the complete eradication of colonialism. Decolonization is not only a historical obligation, but a continuing responsibility to uphold justice, equality, and human dignity for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

President, my delegation aligns itself with the statements made by Uganda and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

On behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, respectively. President, 65 years ago, UN General Assembly adopted a declaration on granting of independence to colonial countries and people by reflecting unanimous will of the majority of the member states to bring about a speedy and unconditional end to colonialism.

However, despite of the international community, the colonialism has not been eradicated.

On contrary, new forms of the colonialism are increasingly emerging across the world.

Colonialism is not simply about territorial occupation.

It constitutes a comprehensive system of political, economic, cultural, and military control designed to exploit wealth, suppress sovereignty, and deny people their right to self-determination.

My delegation firmly believes that decisive actions are required to end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

Above all, international community must seriously address and resolve the legacy of the colonialism in Africa and the other regions.

That was subjected to the colonial rule. For many African countries, political independence did not lead to genuine economic sovereignty.

Colonial exploitation drained natural resources, distorted national economies, dismantled indigenous governance system, and inflicted deep human suffering, the consequences of which persist to this day.

Redressing this historical injustice require concrete actions, more than expression of regret.

It demand practical actions, including minimal reparation justice, debt relief, return of stolen cultural artifacts, and.

Equitable access to the global market.

At the same time, international community must resolutely oppose.

Modern forms of the colonial.

Domination, particularly unilateral coercive measures imposed by United States and Western country, which run counter to the basic principle.

Enshrined in the UN Charter, namely sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and self-determination, and frequently accroach upon the sovereignty.

And the right to life and development.

These measures are often justified under the pretext of the political pressure.

And moral authorities, but in reality, they serve as instruments of collective punishment.

Such practice represent contemporary manifestation of the colonial rule.

If colonialism were once enforced through military conquest, today it is imposed through unilateral economic coercive measures.

The form has changed, but objective remain the same.

To constrain independence and undermine sovereignty.

No nation has a right to act as judge or jury of other sovereign states.

The International Day Against Colonialism is not merely occasion to recall the former end of the colonial rule in many.

Parts of the world.

It is a solemn reminder of the unfinished task before us to eradicate all forms of colonialism, domination, and structural subordination that still persist in contemporary international relations. In conclusion, the DPRK will make a contribution.

To the efforts of the international community to oppose domination, hegemony, and high-handedness, and realize genuine international justice and equity.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Madam President. South Africa welcomes the convening of this important plenary session commemorating the 65th anniversary of the declaration of granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. and enabling the General Assembly to bring to bear the ongoing challenges that persist as a result of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Similarly, we are grateful to Venezuela and its core group for championing a resolution on an International Day Against Colonialism, during a time when it remains difficult to consolidate progress and gains made through multilateralism with the UN at its core. The adoption of General Assembly resolution 8106 is an important reminder that the journey against colonialism is far from over. In fact, the manifestations of colonialism remain ever present, and the sentiments that sustain the colonial project persist, as can be witnessed in the ongoing struggles for self-determination in Western Sahara, Palestine, and the remaining 17 non-self-governing territories. Furthermore, despite many positive gains made against the negative legacies of colonialism, these non-self-governing territories and other geographic spaces that are affected still remain on the agenda of the Special Committee set up to implement the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Resistance and obstacles to self-determination are unacceptable. If individual Member States cannot fully realize decolonization in all its forms and manifestations, the United Nations remains obligated to support processes until decolonization is no longer required and further colonial projects prohibited and prevented. The work done by the Secretariat under the Political Affairs Programme, Subprogramme 4, needs to reflect the urgency of addressing these persistent manifestations of colonialism. It is a contradiction for administrative powers to advocate for the necessity of human rights, democracy and many other modern freedoms in some platforms, while in the Committee on Decolonization, the C-24, they are either silent or defensive about maintaining control over their territories. These territories still serve the interests of a colonial structure, which is antithetical to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. specifically the principle of equal rights and the self-determination of peoples. Petitioners from the non-self-governing territories attend the C24 and the Fourth Committee every year in the hope that administrative powers would see the value in decolonization. We stand in solidarity with these petitioners in the hope that one day, like us, they will be enabled to exert their self-determination and free themselves of the antiquated rule of former colonial powers. Madam President, South Africa is particularly concerned about the plight of the people of Western Sahara, the last remaining colony on the African continent. South Africa maintains that the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara is paramount. We will support any final decision that is taken by the Sahrawi on this issue. No solution can be imposed on the people of Western Sahara. We sincerely call on the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front to engage in direct political dialogue without any preconditions to reach a just and lasting political settlement. Furthermore, we remain concerned about the continued colonial oppression of the Palestinian people by Israel through an apartheid system that inhibits the self-determination of Palestine and violates the human rights of all Palestinians. In addition, new colonial projects continue to emerge, such as can be seen in the illegal settlements of the West Bank by Israeli settlers, which is the most brazen example of colonialism in the modern age, in wanton disregard for international law, which aims to preserve the equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Ending colonialism would not only ensure freedom of those striving for self-determination, but would also free up time and resources within the UN system, and empower the voices and unleash the dynamism of the people still suffering under this anachronistic form of oppression. These resources could then be redirected to ending conflicts, peacebuilding, and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, colonialism itself remains morally repugnant, Yet we must be vigilant not to turn a blind eye when imperialist and colonial projects threaten to unravel all that we worked for, a world which respects human rights, dignity and the fundamental freedoms of all without discrimination. We thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative.

Of Nigeria Mr. President my delegation aligns with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of non-allied movement and have this following remarks in our capacity in our national capacity 65 years ago the landmark declaration on the granting of Independence to Colonial countries and peoples through the GS resolution 1514 in 1960 illuminated the path to freedom for millions across the globe. It was a clarion call that declared unequivocally that the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination, and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights and is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations. Nigeria, having itself experienced the journey from colony to sovereign nation, stands here today as a testament to the power of that resolution and your yielding human spirit of self-determination. While we celebrate the significant strides made, the dissolution of vast empires and the creation of independent nations, we must also be brutally honest. The process of decolonization is not yet complete. The flame of self-determination must continue to burn brightly for the remaining not self-governing territories. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of these peoples for full self-governance are realized without delay, in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the people concerned. Furthermore, our solemn duty today is to look beyond the traditional definitions of colonialism. As we commemorate the 65th anniversary, Nigeria commends the General Assembly's recent and crucial adoption of resolution 80/106 proclaiming the International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. This resolution provides a vital modern lens through which we must assess the current geopolitical landscape. Colonialism does not always wear the uniform of the past. Today, it can manifest as economic subjugation, unfair trade practices, debt traps, and the systematic exploitation of resources that hinder true economic independence. The imposition of foreign narratives and values that erode indigenous identity and knowledge systems. The exertion of undue political and strategic influence that undermines the sovereignty of independent states. The International Day against Colonialism challenges us to fight these subtle, yet equally damaging forms of domination. We must protect the sovereign space of all nations, especially developing countries, to pursue development paths that are truly their own. On this significant anniversary, Nigeria calls on all member states to fully implement the remaining decolonization mandate and conclude the work of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. Uphold and respect the principles enshrined in the GA Resolution 80/106 by actively resisting the dismantling neocolonial structures that impede the true sovereignty and development of nations and support the efforts of developing nations to build robust, resilient, and independent economies, ensuring that the wealth of a nation truly benefits its people. The dream of a world free from all forms of domination, where every nation is truly the master of its own destiny, is a legacy we must strive to protect and complete. Nigeria remains steadfastly committed to the principles of self-determination, sovereignty, and the complete eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Mr. President, India has been a global champion and leading voice in the struggle against colonialism.

In 1962, India was elected as the first chair of the Decolonization Committee, which was established to monitor.

The implementation of the 1960 Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonized Countries and Peoples, the 65th anniversary of which we are observing today.

Since the establishment of the Decolonization.

Committee, India has been actively contributing towards its functioning and working constructively on the decolonization agenda in the Fourth Committee. India reaffirms its commitment to work.

Tirelessly alongside the Decolonization Committee as well as the Fourth Committee in their endeavors to address this important issue.

And eliminate colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. The fight against colonialism has been arduous. Since the creation of the United Nations, more than 80 former colonies were able to break free from the shackles of colonialism and gain independence. These former colonies are now members of the United Nations family. The process, however, remains unfinished.

17 non-self-governing territories remain on the agenda of the Fourth Committee. These territories are in various stages of the decolonization process, even as we mark the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. Concerted action is required to conclude this process.

The principle of self-determination is on the agreed agenda of this Committee.

It, however, needs to be underlined that the United Nations has established the principle.

Of self-determination as a vehicle for the worthy cause of decolonization of the 17 non-self-governing territories, and the same should not be used to undermine the territorial integrity.

Of Member States.

Mr. President, in closing, India reiterates its firm belief that pursuing a pragmatic approach towards decolonization.

Would lead to fulfillment of the legitimate wishes of the people of the non-self-governing territories. The Committee also needs to strive towards enhancing cooperation with international agencies and actors and channelizing resources for the 17 non-self-governing territories. Such an approach would help to build capacities of the 17 territories and pave the way for their just a noble quest towards achieving their long-cherished goals. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

Mr. President, my delegation welcomes this high-level meeting convened to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and to observe for the first time the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statements delivered by Uganda on behalf of the non-aligned movement and Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. I will add the following reflections in a national capacity. Mr. President, today marks a significant milestone in the global struggle against colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. When the United Nations was founded, nearly a third of humanity lived under colonial rule. Today, fewer than 2 million people live under colonial rule in the remaining 17 non-self-governing territories. This progress reflects collective multilateral efforts, particularly through the work of the Special Committee on Decolonization. Zimbabwe stands as a beneficiary of these efforts. having attained its independence after a protracted struggle guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Yet, Mr. President, 65 years after the adoption of Resolution 1514, the promise of independence remains unfulfilled. Colonialism persists in both overt and subtle forms. Zimbabwe joins other nations in condemning the crimes of the colonial era and in affirming that the continued existence of colonialism and neocolonial practices are incompatible with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These practices constrain economic sovereignty, distort development paths, and undermine social and cultural progress. It was in this context that the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations championed the annual observance of the International Day to be marked each year on 14 December. This initiative, aligned with the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, must move beyond symbolism. It must mobilize concrete action to bring colonialism to an unconditional end and to ensure the full and expeditious implementation of relevant General Assembly resolutions. Mr. President, Zimbabwe supports the call for broad participation by member states, United Nations entities, regional organizations, and civil society organizations in commemorating this day. In implementing resolution 80/106, we must prioritize education and public awareness to create a greater understanding of the history and consequences of colonialism. In doing so, we will reaffirm the Church's promise of freedom, justice, and dignity for all, and strengthen our collective resolve to build a truly decolonized international system. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique.

Mr. President, Mozambique is honored to participate in this historic commemoration, marking the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the first observance of the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Mr. President, Resolution 1514 stands as one of the most consequential acts of this Assembly, providing legal and moral weight to the decolonization process, impacting millions of lives and reshaping the international order. Its deeper significance lies in how it fundamentally transformed the role of the General Assembly itself, affirming that peace and security are inseparable from justice and that this chamber must remain a space where people, peoples long silenced, may find voice, dignity and redress. The adoption in 2020 of resolution 75/123 declaring 2021 to 2030 the fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism serves as a stark reminder that colonialism is not merely a historical injustice to be studied. It is a present and persistent reality demanding our urgent attention. It is in this connection that Mozambique is deeply concerned that 17 territories remain listed as non-self-governing, their people still awaiting the fulfilment of promises made decades ago. We are equally troubled that the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara continue to be denied their inalienable right to self-determination. We also welcome the recent adoption of the resolution 18/106, establishing 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism. This is an important milestone in the UN's longstanding commitment to bring colonialism in all its forms and manifestation to an unconditional end. Mr. President, the African Union's 2025 theme, justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations, underscores the global imperative that the need to confront and address enduring wounds of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and genocide. Mozambique's own history reminds us that colonial legacy casts long shadows, the inequalities and divisions that persist are not mere accidents of history, but inheritance of systems designed to exploit and subjugate. However, we also reject the prevailing narrative of post-independence Africa that remains too often steeped in pessimism, ranging from activism, to self-negation and self-flatteration, ignoring the complexity of our realities and the urgency of our people. The post-colonial project of genuine sovereignty does not end with the raising of a flag or casting of a vote. It is a daily, complex, and cumulative endeavor involving the building of institutions, managing diversity, educating the youth, and shaping rules around capital and technology that serve the common good. Mr. President, that is why Mozambique supports meaningful discussion on compensation and reparatory justice, not as a call for pity or charity, but as essential components of the broader global architecture of peace, fairness, and genuine reckoning with the past. I thank you, Mr. President.

Muito obrigado, distinguished representative of Mozambique. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Mr. President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. 65 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 1514, adopted the historic declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. The declaration recognizes the fundamental human rights of all people, the right to self-determination, the inalienable rights of people's freedom, the exercise of their sovereignty, and the integrity of their national territory. The declaration also gives recognition to the social, cultural, economic impacts of colonialism and its impediments to development. The declaration gave momentum to great wave of independence that transformed Africa in the 1960s and the 1970s. Newly sovereign states joined this assembly, bringing with them the collective vision of a free and united Africa. The Pan-African spirit was not only about political independence. It was about solidarity, dignity, and the determination to build a continent free from exploitation and external domination. Ethiopia, as part of the Pan-African family of nations, played a pivotal role in this process. Ethiopia, as one of the few African nations never colonized, became a symbol of resilience and independence. And in 1960, It proudly co-sponsored resolution 1514. The adoption of this Declaration had obviously helped dismantle formal colonial systems. However, the fact that there are so many territories still listed as non-self-governing indicates to the unfinished business of decolonization. For these people, the promise of self-government is still deferred. We must therefore use today's anniversary to renew our collective commitment to ensure that these communities enjoy the freedom and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development without undue external interference. The commemoration of the declaration also coincides with the fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, proclaimed for the year 2021-2030. It reminds us that the agenda of decolonization must get closure in the spirit of the principles of this declaration. In the meantime, lingering injustices originating from colonialism, such as non-representation of Africa in the permanent category of the UN Security Council, must be addressed without delay. Mr. President, the International Decade urges the need to accelerate progress, strengthen the role of the United Nations, in supporting self-determination and ensure that no territory or people are left behind in the march towards achieving the development objectives. As has been rightly stated by the Secretary General in his April 2025 report on the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, fostering on a case-by-case basis transparent and constructive dialogue among non-self-governing territories, administering powers, Member States and other stakeholders is crucial. In conclusion, Ethiopia reiterates its commitment to the implementation of the International Decade and ensure that no people or region is left behind in achieving a dignified life free from all forms of colonialism, in all its forms and manifestations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.

Mr. President, we align with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of NAM. Pakistan joins Member States in commemorating the 65th anniversary of the adoption of General Assembly resolution 1514, the historic declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. The declaration unequivocally affirmed that the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination, and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, and poses an impediment to the promotion of world peace and cooperation. It also established the right to self-determination as an inalienable and universal right. As the United Nations continues to serve as a beacon of hope and justice across the world, it must ensure the consistent and non-selective implementation of its resolutions, and uphold international law without exception. The implementation of the Declaration and the decolonization agenda is not confined to the non-self-governing territories alone. It also encompasses people living under alien occupation and foreign domination. The overarching objective, therefore, remains to ensure that all such peoples are enabled to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. Mr. President, while the decolonization process stands among the United Nations' notable achievements, this anniversary also compels us to acknowledge that the promise of Resolution 1514 remains unfulfilled, posing a continuing challenge to the maintenance of international peace and security. The realization of self-determination is not merely a historical aspiration; it is an enduring obligation. Recent developments in the Middle East demonstrate that lasting peace cannot be achieved through the continued denial and suppression of the legitimate right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Similarly, the UN Security Council has, through several resolutions, recognized the legitimate right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains central to the establishment of durable peace in South Asia. As we mark this solemn anniversary, Pakistan calls for renewed international resolve to fully and unconditionally eradicate colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Mr. President, for more than 800 days, Israel has said one thing clearly and consistently. The war in Gaza is not over until all the hostages are home, every last one. That is not a slogan. It is a promise. One name remains. Ran Gvili, murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7th while defending innocent civilians. His body was abducted into Gaza, where it is still being held. Against all odds, Israel has brought 254 out of 255 hostages, we brought them back home. Some of you in this hall tried to move on from the hostages. You thought it's over. Israel refused to forget them. That is why 254 are home today, celebrating Hanukkah with their families. Let there be no doubt, we will not stop until we will bring Ran home. President Trump's plan said it very clearly. that all of them must come back home. Hamas chooses to blatantly violate the terms of the plan. Israel has acted in good faith. We have worked with the mediators. We have provided intelligence showing that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, they know exactly where Ran's body is being held. They can bring him back home immediately. On October 7th, Ran Gvili was 24 years old. When the massacre began, he left his home and bravely went out to confront the terrorists. As innocent people fled, he went toward danger. That choice defines who he is. On October 8th, Ran would have turned 25. Last week, I traveled to Israel. I met with Ron's family. I saw, I felt their pain. I also saw the strength and the resilience. They are still waiting for Ron to be returned to them so he can come home and be laid to rest with dignity. They do not stand alone. Our entire nation stands behind them, united in one demand: Bring Ron home. Today, with us, Ron's younger sister, Shira Gvili, is here with us at the United Nations. She has come with a message. Do not let the world accept a reality where even one hostage is left behind. A few nights ago, Shira stood at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on her way to the UN. In our airport, until recently, you had a hall filled with the posters of the hostages. Today, only one poster remains, runs. When Shira returns home, let us pray she does not have to see that poster again. No, let us do more than pray. Let us put pressure where it belongs, on Hamas, on Palestinian Islamic Jihad, so that she never has to see that poster again. Shira, we tell you this today, we will not rest until your brother is returned home. Let me be very clear, we are committed to bringing Gran home no matter what, because when we make promises, We keep them. For more than 800 days, I have worn a hostage pin on my lapel. I have waited for the day I could remove it and stand here without it. That day has not yet come. As long as Ran Gvili has not been returned, it remains. Ran is not just a number. He is not a bargaining chip. is the test of whether this Chamber insists on basic humanity. Bring him home. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you, the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Mr. President, I wish to start by quoting the first part of the preamble of Indonesia's national constitution. "Independence is the right of all nations, and therefore colonialism must be abolished in this world, as it is not in conformity with humanity and justice." This constitutional mandate is the one we always carry in our beliefs that colonialism has no place in our shared future. Therefore, it is in Indonesia's DNA to always be committed to the UN decolonization agenda. Our commitment has been reflected through the formulation of the 10 principles of Bandung, or Dasar Sila Bandung, adopted in 1955. Born in Bandung 60 years ago, those principles reflected the collective voice of newly independent nations in Asia and Africa that no people should live under subjugation, domination or exploitation. The spirit of Bandung helped shape a global political momentum that, five years later, culminated in the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The Declaration marked a watershed moment in the history of the UN, and therefore, all Member States must demonstrate their unwavering political commitment and collective resolve for the implementation of the Declaration. Mr. President, today's commemoration of the Declaration must be more than a symbolic observance. It should be a renewed call to action. Millions of people in 70 non-self-governing territories continue to face marginalization, economic dependency, and constraints on their ability to determine their future. The full implementation of the Declaration thus remains a collective responsibility of the UN. This responsibility includes strengthening the role of the Special Committee on Decolonization, ensuring that the voices of the people concerned remain at the center of our efforts, and providing assistance and support aimed at achieving sustained and durable solutions in specific territories. At the same time, Indonesia wishes to underscore that the noble cause of decolonization must always be guided by the principles of the UN Charter that gives respect to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity of member states. Mr. President, as we also observe the first International Day Against Colonialism this year, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to a world free from all forms of colonialism. Let us seize this momentum to strengthen our resolve to ensure that decolonization remains a force for peace, justice, and dignity for all people. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Cambodia aligns itself with the statement of the Non-Aligned Movement, and I wish to deliver this statement in my national capacity. The spirit of the International Days Against Colonialism in all its form and manifestations resonates profoundly with Cambodia's nation-building journey and coincides with our celebration of the 70th anniversary of our membership in the United Nations. For these past decades, Cambodia's position has remained consistent and principles. We strictly adhere to international law and United Nations charters, uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect territorial integrity and national sovereignties. These commitments are not only foundational to our national development, but also essential to the effective pursuit of peace and justice among all nations. We also recognize that the legacy of colonialism continues to shape societies and economies across the globe, underscoring the need for collective actions. Addressing these enduring impacts requires not only remembrance, but also a renewed commitment to dialogues, reconciliations, and cooperations. Cambodia, therefore, welcomes regional and international effort to build trust among nations, foster solidarities, and ensures that all countries can prosper together on an equal footing. This International Day is not only about reflecting on the past, but also about shaping our common futures. By commemorating it, we strongly We strengthened the foundation of multilateralism and reaffirmed our determination to confront and continue the impacts of colonialism. In doing so, we advanced the promise of equal rights, justice, and sustainable development for all peoples and territories subjected to colonial rules, as enshrined in the declaration adopted by this General Assembly 65 years ago. Mr. President, in closing, Cambodia affirms its readiness to work with Member States, the UN system, the relevant stakeholders to constructively contribute to UN initiatives and to support collective measures that build a world where Every nation can strive for peace, dignity, and full sovereignty. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President and Excellencies, as we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Timor-Leste approaches this high-level plenary meeting with deep respect and with gratitude for a declaration that reshaped history and restored dignity to millions, including us Timorese. Adopted in 1960, this landmark declaration ignited the global movement and affirm a simple yet profound truth. All peoples have the right to determine their own future. For Timor-Leste, a young nation shaped by colonial rule, prolonged occupation, and extraordinary international solidarity, this anniversary is not a distant milestone. It is a living principle. Our independence, restored in 2002 after decades of resistance, reflects the declaration core promise that the imposition of external will should not in any way deny the destiny of the people. The right to self-determination remains a cornerstone of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirmed by this Assembly on numerous occasions. It is an inalienable and universal human right not a concession to be granted or withheld according to shifting geopolitical interests. 65 years on, we must acknowledge a troubling reality. In several non-self-governing territories, most notably the Western Sahara, this right continues to be delayed, diluted, or denied. People who seek to freely decide their political status and future face obstacles rooted in strategic calculations economic dependency, and misinformation. Such practices run counter to the spirit of the 1960 declaration and weaken our credibility when we speak of justice, equality, and the rule of law. Timor-Leste understands the struggle at human level. Our people paid a devastating price, life lost, families torn apart, communities displaced, and resources exploited for asserting rights that should never have been questioned. It was the United Nations' principled engagement through popular consultation and subsequent peacekeeping efforts that finally enabled our people to express their will and reclaim their sovereignty freely. That experience obliges us to speak with clarity today. The ambitions of powerful actors must never eclipse the legitimate aspirations of peoples in non-self-governing territories. Self-determination is not a negotiable privilege. It's a non-derogable right. When it is ignored or obstructed, instability deepens, injustice persists, and the foundation of the post-colonial international order are eroded. As we reflect on six and a half decades of progress, Timor Leste calls on the Assembly to renew its resolve. The international community must strengthen its support for the decolonization process and ensure that the Special Committee on Decolonization, C-24, is politically and institutionally equipped to fulfill its mandate effectively. Let us honor the 1960 Declaration not only in words, but through actions, by facilitating genuine and transparent self-determination processes, by protecting the voices of indigenous and local communities, by holding accountable those who seek to obstruct the processes through coercion, pressure, or disinformation. In doing so, we affirm the dignity of all peoples and move closer to a world free from the shadows of colonialism. Mr. President, Timor-Leste remains firmly committed to the principles of the United Nations and to the unfinished work of global decolonization. On this anniversary, we reaffirm our solidarity with all peoples who continue to seek independence and self-governments. We do so with confidence that together we can realize a future in which self-determination is not deferred, denied, or diminished, but fully realized everywhere. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago.

Thank you, Chair. Trinidad and Tobago aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the CARICOM member states and the statement on behalf of the non-aligned movement. We are honored to join this commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the historic declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. This landmark resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 1960, affirmed the inalienable rights of all peoples to self-determination and independence, a principle that transformed the global order and gave hope to nations like ours, which achieved independence in 1962. The resolution signaled a turning point in the global struggle against colonialism and a cornerstone of the United Nations' commitment to equality, sovereignty, and human dignity. It gave voice to the aspirations of peoples long denied their rights and provided a framework for dismantling of colonial systems. Today, we pay tribute to those who fought tirelessly for freedom and to the United Nations for its unwavering support of decolonization. Yet, as we mark this anniversary, we must acknowledge that the work remains unfinished. There are still non-self-governing territories who await the full realization of their right of self-determination. The international community must renew its commitment to completing the decolonization agenda guided by the principles of dialogue, respect for the wishes of the peoples concerned, and adherence to international law. Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its solidarity with all peoples striving for independence and calls for strengthened cooperation between member states, the Special Committee on Decolonization, and the administering powers to accelerate progress. We also underscore the importance of addressing the lingering legacies of colonialism, economic dependence, structural inequities, and cultural erasures, which continue to impede sustainable development. As we look ahead, let us recommit to the vision enshrined in the declaration, a world where all nations, large and small, exercise sovereignty, free from domination, and where the principles of equality and justice prevail. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, President. Algeria aligns itself with the declaration made by the Non-Aligned Movement. But we want to add on our national capacity the following. President, we meet today to commemorate the International Day for the eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. A day that compels not only remembrance, but reckoning. Colonialism was never merely a political or a military enterprise. It was a comprehensive system of domination, of oppression, designed to erase identities, to erase cultures, to dismantle civilizations, and to exhaust the capacities of colonized people. As Frantz Fanon so powerfully described it, colonialism is, I quote, "violence in its raw state." Africa has suffered the most of colonialism. In this sense, The International Conference on the Crimes of Colonialism in Africa, held in Algiers just recently, marked a major step in addressing historical justice, as reflected in the Algiers Declaration. Mr. President, when General Assembly Resolution 1514 was adopted, one must ask whether its architect could have imagined that more than six decades later, we would still be debating the persistence of colonialism. We will still confronting the reality that entire peoples remain denied their inalienable rights to self-determination, to freedom. Yet, here you are. 65 years later, some peoples continue to endure grave violations of their fundamental rights and human dignity, conditions that represent not only an affront to international law, but a profound regression in human history. Mr. President, today's commemoration is, first and foremost, an occasion to honor the struggle of people living under foreign occupation, to remember their suffering, and to reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with them in Palestine, in Western Sahara, and elsewhere in all remaining non-self-governing territories. But it must also be a moment of collective courage, a moment to honestly ask ourselves difficult, questions. Why has the decolonization process remained unfinished?

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. It has been cut automatically. It has been determined that we have time limit, Ambassador. It has been determined that we have time limit, five minutes. I thank you, the distinguished representative of Algeria. Apologies for the automatic cut. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, Japan would like to emphasize one of the purposes of the UN enshrined in Article 1 of the Charter, to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. In this spirit, in 1960, the General Assembly proclaimed in its resolution the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional end colonialism in all forms and manifestations. Since then, friendly relations declaration and international covenants on human rights were adopted. Through these developments, the colonial people's right of self-determination to seek liberation from imperialist states governing them and attain independence or separate political status has been legally established. We shall abandon colonial rule forever and respect the right of self-determination of all peoples throughout the world. Japan will continue to make unceasing efforts towards the full realization of this right within the international community. Mr. President, it is regrettable that the Chinese delegation made a groundless statement against Japan. Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of peace-loving nation and made innumerable contribution to the peace and prosperity of international community. With respect to China's unsubstantiated claims regarding history, I will refrain from refuting each one individually. The current administration has upheld in its entirety the positions of previous Japanese cabinets on history and will continue to do so. On China's claim on Japan's defense posture, Japan's position is already stated in my letters dated November 24 and December 4, addressed to the Secretary General and also circulated to the member states in response to the two letters from the permanent representative of China. Japan's fundamental defense policy is the posture of passive defense strategy, which is exclusively defense oriented. China's assertion that Japan would exercise the right of self-defense even in the absence of armed attack is erroneous. I would like to reiterate Japan's fundamental stance regarding Taiwan, which is articulated in the Japan-China Joint Communique of 1972. we reiterate our consistent position of expecting that issues concerning Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue. To conclude, Japan believes the differences of views should be addressed through dialogue, for that is an core of the spirit of UN Charter. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

President, the Argentine Republic is pleased to participate at this high-level meeting to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1514 by the General Assembly. This resolution stated the need to bring a swift and unconditional end to colonialism in all of its forms and manifestations. It made clear that there is more than one form of colonialism, and it established different principles such as self-determination and territorial integrity to address different cases. It also established that total or partial violation of the territorial integrity of a country contravenes the purposes and principles of the Charter. President, this very week, on Tuesday, December 16, there was also another anniversary, the 60th anniversary of resolution 2065, the first resolution adopted by this organization relating to the question of the Malvinas Islands. It applied the tenets of resolution 1514 to this specific and particular colonial situation. In 1965, the General Assembly determined that the decolonization of this territory should be tackled through negotiations between Argentina and the United Kingdom to resolve the sovereignty dispute over the islands, and that the principle of self-determination was not applicable to this case. Since then, the United Nations has renewed this call multiple times, and it remains in force today. We regret that, despite the amount of time that has passed and Argentina's total willingness to comply with this mandate, the United Kingdom persists in its attitude of ignoring the call to return to the negotiating table. The failure to resolve this dispute is compounded by the unjustified and disproportionate military presence and the illegal and unilateral exploitation of renewable and non-renewable natural resources in the area claimed by the United Kingdom. Such actions are in breach of resolutions 41/11 and 31/49 of this Assembly. Just a few days ago, on December 11, the Argentine Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting the final investment decision announced by the illegitimate licensees, Rockhopper Exploration PLC, a British entity, and Navitas Petroleum, an Israeli entity, to develop the Sea Lion field in the North Malvinas Basin without Argentina's authorization. The Argentine Republic reserves the right to apply all measures available to prevent this and to defend its sovereign rights and interests. President, I wish to reiterate my country's full readiness to resume negotiations and to seek a solution that will allow us to bring an end to this protracted sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina. Distinguished delegates, we have four remaining speakers on the list. I hereby close the list of speakers. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Republic of Tanzania.

President, esteemed delegates, the United Republic of Tanzania is proud to join the global community to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and people. President, Tanzania's own history is a testament to the power of decolonization. We recall the tireless effort of our founding father who fought against colonial rule to birth a nation built on unity, equality, and justice. Today, we stand in solidarity with the peoples around the globe. and all non-self-governing territories who still yearn for the same freedoms we enjoy. On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People, we reflect on the progress made towards decolonization and challenges that remains. The declaration adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 1960 marked a significant milestone in the struggle for independence and self-determination of colonial territories. It recognized the right of the peoples to freedom, independence, and self-governance. Six decades later, much has been achieved. Many countries have gained independence, and colonialism is no longer the dominant global system it once was. However, there are still territories and people under colonial rule, and the legacy of colonialism continues to adversely impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of the Declaration and the UN Charter, which emphasize the right to self-determination, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We acknowledge the importance of addressing the ongoing challenges faced by colonial territories, including economic underdevelopment, social inequality, and environmental degradation. As we commemorate this anniversary, we call for renewed effort to support decolonization process, promote self-determination, and address the legacies of colonialism. We recognize the importance of international cooperation, dialogue, and solidarity in achieving these goals. Let us work together towards a future where all peoples can exercise their right to self-determination, live in dignity, and enjoy the benefits of independence and prosperity. Thank you, President.

I thank you, the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Today, as we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the International Day against Colonialism, Knowledge Forms and Manifestations, We are reminded that decolonization process is not only a historical achievement, but a living symbol of the United Nations' enduring commitment to the principle of self-determination. It is in this principle that guarantees that non-self-governing territories have the right to decide their own political, economic, social, and cultural future. The rights of these territories are enshrined in Article 1, number 2, and Article 73 of the United Nations Charter, which must remain a moral compass guiding our collective work. On this basis, Fiji reaffirms its unwavering commitment to addressing the pending questions in support of the inalienable rights of the peoples of non-self-governing territories. As a member of the Special Committee on Decolonization of C-24, Fiji values the transparent process that enables dialogue between non-self-governing territories, administering powers, and the Member States. Yet we recognize that each situation is unique, requiring a tailored case-by-case approach. Some are politically sensitive and demand direct bilateral consultations. While such process may take longer, we must not lose momentum. climate change, natural disasters, access to finance, among others, is increasingly a need for these mostly small island states or small island territories. Fiji will remain active on this issue in C24 and in the Fourth Committee. Mr. President, the United Nations has achieved tremendous success in liberating more than 80 former colonies, who have since gained independence. It is imperative that our collective effort remains steadfast to dismantle the last remnants of colonialism in the 17 countries that remain, 17 territories. This requires meaningful dialogue, open and inclusive communication, and constructive collaboration to ensure peaceful transitions and to safeguard the rights of people, self-determination, free from external manipulation or coercion. In the Pacific region, where nearly a quarter of the remaining non-self-governing territories are situated, Fiji will remain guided by the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Communique and the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders Communique. We will continue to play our part in ensuring that sustained and inclusive political dialogue remains the pathways chosen by the people of these territories. To conclude, Fiji reiterates its commitment to defend the principles of the United Nations and to uphold the promise of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. On this 65th anniversary, let us renew our pledge to ensure that the unfinished mandate of decolonization is fulfilled and that all peoples may live in dignity, freedom, and self-determination. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

President, allow me to begin by thanking you for convening this meeting, which invites us to consider the subject of decolonization, which is not a closed chapter in history. Rather, it is an unresolved task that requires consistency, constance, and political will. Colombia aligns itself with a statement by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. And I would like to make the following comments in my national capacity. President, Sixty-five years have passed since the historic resolution 1514, which adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Nevertheless, colonial situations and contemporary manifestations of domination persist. These run counter to the spirit of the United Nations Charter. President, Colombia rejects and unreservedly condemns all forms of colonialism, neocolonialism or imperialism. We oppose any narrative that normalizes structural inequalities and colonial hangovers in economic policies that perpetuate dependence. as well as policies that reproduce subordination, as well as threats or the use of force, non-consensual exploitation of resources in non-self-governing or disputed territories, unilateral coercive measures, which have affected millions of people around the world. Also, the perpetuation of inequalities through the international financial architecture, All of these are historic and contemporary manifestations of colonialism. Colombia unambiguously defends the right of all peoples to self-determination, the right to freely determine their political condition and to achieve their economic, social and cultural development. In that regard, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Charter, to resolution 1514 and supports the role of the Special Committee on Decolonization, the C-24. We hope that its work will once again demonstrate concrete progress. President, allow me to conclude by citing President Gustavo Petro. "Liberty, dignity and the rights of peoples cannot be taken away in America or in any part of the world. In Colombia, we are builders of life, of democracy, of liberty, and of humanity. In that spirit, Colombia raises its voice so that, for once and for all, the dream of justice, peace, and self-determination for all peoples can be a universal reality, a humanity that is free, and that allows for all of our differences to exist, which in actual fact represent our greatest source of wealth. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Thank you, President. The Kingdom of Morocco has constructively committed, along with engaged with the co-sponsors during the negotiations and resolutions of the resolution 80/106 that convened this meeting. The Kingdom of Morocco voted in favour of that resolution, which called for the organization of this commemorative meeting. However, during this process, we were clear on the following points. our refusal to see this initiative be used against Member States, their territorial integrity and their national unity, in accordance with the spirit of the very declaration that we are commemorating today. the need for this initiative to be part of a thematic framework, bringing together Member States and not creating dangerous divisions among the members of this Assembly. Even the resolution convening this meeting reaffirms that any attempt to partially or fully break the national territorial integrity and unity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles outlined in the Charter. Morocco will remain in its Sahara, and the Sahara will remain in its Morocco until the end of time. Decolonization has already been carried out in Moroccan Sahara. The Security Council has already decided on the path to be followed to close this file in the context of the Moroccan autonomy initiative and Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara in accordance with Resolution 2797 of the 31st of October 2025. President. Resolution 1514 was adopted in a particular context, marked by the world independence movement of the 1950s and 1960s, in order to respond to the concerns of states to avoid the blind use of the provisions of resolution 1514. The resolution was followed immediately after its resolution by resolution 1541. which determined the three options for the application of self-determination, namely independence, association with a state, or integration within a state. It was subsequently added to by resolution 2625, which clearly stipulates that any attempt to partially or totally destroy the national unity and territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter, Mr. President. self-determination and its legal reference point are unfortunately the subject of flawed interpretations by some states in violation of the letter and spirit of international law enshrining this right. The first function of this principle was to dismantle colonial empires by acceding to independence in the year 1960. Today, it has taken on the function of democratizing through autonomy nation states to avoid the balkanization of them and to guarantee regional peace and stability and international peace and stability. To address this scourge, which as well interventionism and separatism driven by terrorism and other harmful manifestations, it is important to preserve the unity of Member States and their territorial integrity. My delegation would also like to remind all of those that stubbornly say that the Kingdom of Morocco submitted the Moroccan autonomy initiative that was supported by more than 120 states. This initiative is enshrined in international law, in particular through the recent resolution 2797 of the Security Council, which enshrines Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara and decides to close this file in the framework of the Moroccan autonomy initiative. Mr. President, I would like to conclude in the context of today's debate by underscoring that in order to address separatism, which unfortunately constitutes a new form of colonialism, autonomy is a solution. Autonomy is a form of self-determination in accordance with international law. It is essential that we move beyond the exclusive concept of separatist ideologies and that we open ourselves up to new forms of self-determination that allow populations to fully enjoy their rights, their development and their well-being. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you. Thank you. My staff send me a smiley.