Fourth Committee, 1st plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs, je déclare ouverte la première séance de la commission des questions politiques spéciales et de la décolonisation, quatrième commission, de la 81e session de l'Assemblée générale. Je tiens tout d'abord à souhaiter chaleureusement la bienvenue à toutes les délégations qui participent aux travaux de cette commission durant la présente session. Je profite de cette occasion pour exprimer ma profonde gratitude à tous les États membres pour le privilège et la distinction qu'ils ont accordée à mon pays et à moi-même en me lisant à la présidence de cette très importante commission de l'Assemblée générale. Je suis honoré de la confiance que vous m'accordez. Je suis sûr que je parle au nom de tous les membres de la commission.

In extending warm congratulations to Ambassador Jose Alberto Briz Gutierrez of Guatemala for the skillful and effective way in which he conducted the proceedings of the Committee at its 80th session.

I would also like to pay tribute.

To the other members of the outgoing Bureau for all their hard work in ensuring the success of last session.

As I assume my responsibility as chair of this unique.

Body, I know that I can count on the constant and unstinting support of other members of the Bureau. These are our vice-chairs, Mr. Fahad Mohammed Alajmi of Kuwait, Ms. Deborah Maria Borg of Malta, and Mr. Andrei Nicolenco of the Republic of Moldova, as well as our rapporteur, Mr. Matthew Moxey of the Bahamas.

All of these colleagues have already.

Demonstrated their unwavering devotion to ensuring the smooth functioning of the committee as we prepared this session.

I am convinced that our deliberations will be marked by a spirit of collaboration.

And understanding, and in this connection, I count on the goodwill and cooperation of all committee members. I wish to assure all delegations that I shall strive to do my utmost to ensure that our work is conducted efficiently and yields success.

I will now discuss the organization of work.

We will now turn to the organization of work of the Committee for this session. I wish to first draw your attention to document A/C4/81/1. This document informs the committee that the General Assembly, at its meeting on 11 September 2026, allocated 18 items to the Fourth Committee for its consideration.

We now move to programme of work and timetable.

I wish to draw the committee's attention to document A/C4/81/L1. This contains the Committee's programme of work and the timetable for this session. This document is based on the proposed programme of work approved by the General Assembly at its 80th session, as contained in document A/80/537. The Bureau and I have consulted on the programme of work which was circulated in table format on e-delegate on 10 August. I wish to take this opportunity to thank delegations for their feedback. Finally, I wish to add that, in line with standard practice, we shall have three additional meetings in spring of next year. These are not included in document L1. These are one informal dialogue concerning special political missions, a formal meeting to discuss the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, and a formal meeting to elect the next Bureau of the Fourth Committee. May I take it that the Committee approves the programme of work and the timetable contained in document L1?

I note

that no delegation is asking for the floor. It is so decided. We approve the programme of work and timetable. The organisation of work and timetable contained in document L1 is approved. Now, procedural remarks. I will make some procedural remarks now concerning the conduct of the Committee's work. On quorum, first of all, as in previous years, and as a waiver to rule 108 of its rules of procedure, the Assembly has decided for this session that meetings of the main committees can be declared open and debates proceed without the presence of at least one quarter of the members of the committee. To make use of the time and conference services allocated to the committee, I intend, with your cooperation and support, to convene our meetings of the committee at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM sharp, I consequently request all speakers to be present in the conference room on time. Similarly, I intend to adjourn the meetings on time. Turning now to draft proposals. Delegations wishing to convene informal consultations on their draft proposals are kindly requested to submit such requests in writing to the secretariat of the Fourth Committee for assistance from the secretariat with scheduling such consultations. Draft resolutions, draft decisions and amendments, as well as the names of all the co-sponsors of drafts, should be submitted through the e-sponsorship module of e-delegate before the relevant deadline published in document L1. Electronic copies of the final versions together with the contact information of the main sponsor should be sent to the Secretariat before the deadline for processing indicated in L1. I will now turn to statements for interpretation and publication. In order to facilitate the interpretation of statements into the six official languages, all speakers are encouraged to send their statements in advance to the address e-statements@un.org. The statements will also be published in the journal, unless they are clearly marked with "for interpretation only". to indicate that they are solely for interpretation. Turning now to lists of speakers, Member States wishing to participate in the general debate are urged to kindly inscribe their names as soon as possible and before the deadlines indicated on the respective list of speakers via the e-speakers module of e-delegate. As a reminder, the list of speakers for Today's item that we will consider, namely, eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, closes at 11 a.m. this morning. In line with established practice, the names of delegations will be called upon in the order of their inscription, with priority given to statements made on behalf of groups. Any changes in the order of inscription may be made only by mutual consent between delegations that agree to exchange

places on the list.

Turning now to time limits for statements, I also wish here to draw your attention to paragraph 4 of General Assembly resolution 49/221. Here, the General Assembly requested chairpersons to propose to Member States at the beginning of each session, the adoption of time limits for speakers. In this connection, I suggest that in line with standard practice, during the general debates, member states limit their statements to 10 minutes when speaking in the national capacity and to 15 minutes when speaking on behalf of a group of states. Statements by representatives of the non-self-governing territory should not exceed seven minutes. Elsewhere, statements made by petitioners should be limited to three minutes in the same connection. Interventions by member states during the hearing of petitioners should not exceed three minutes. After consultation with the Bureau, and in line with standard practice, I further propose the following time limits for other categories of statements. Explanations of vote and general statements before and after action on draft proposals, five minutes. The first intervention in the exercise of the right of reply, five minutes, and the second intervention, three minutes. Points of order, three minutes. statements made by those introducing draft proposals, five minutes. These time limits will be strictly enforced with automatic microphone cut-off, as in the past. Consequently, I appeal to all delegations to kindly cooperate in this regard. I invite delegations with longer statements to read out an abbreviated version and to send the full statement to the address e-statements@un.org for posting in the UN Journal. Are there any comments? That does not appear to be the case. It is so decided. I now draw your attention to document A/C4/81/INF/1. This contains the list of documents before the committee for information purposes. All other committee documents, including draft resolutions, will be posted online as we move along on the Fourth Committee website, as well as on the iGov.un.org website and on the Fourth Committee place on e-delegate as soon as issued. I turn now to the Working Group of the Whole on Outer Space. Here, I further draw your attention to agenda item 46A, entitled International Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. As in previous sessions, the Committee will establish a working group of the whole, open to all members, to consider the proposals submitted under this item. In order to expedite our work, I propose that the Committee establish this working group now, so that it might begin its work without delay. May I take it that the Committee wishes to establish this working group of the whole? It is so decided. Delegations will recall that this working group is traditionally chaired by the Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, that will be hereafter referred to as COPUOS. May I take it that it is the wish of the Committee to elect Mr. Mario Cospit of Italy, Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, as Chair of the Working Group of the Whole on Outer Space. It is so decided.

By approving the programme of

work and timetable, the committee has decided to hold one general debate covering the cluster of decolonisation agenda items 52 to 56. This decision will enable committee members to speak on all items or on any specific item at any given meeting. during our consideration of those items from the 2nd to the 13th of October. As indicated in L1, the list of speakers for the decolonization cluster has been open. It is open and will close on Friday, the 9th of October at 6:00 PM. In accordance with the committee's practice, the representatives of non-self-governing territories and petitioners will be heard during the committee's consideration of the related territory, namely at its meetings between the 5th and 9th of October. In this regard, I wish to draw your attention to the aide-memoire that has been circulated. It contains the list of petitioners who have requested to address the committee. We have received a total of 247 requests relating to the questions of Gibraltar, Guam, Falkland Islands/Malvinas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Western Sahara, Saint Helena, and American Samoa. In this connection, I wish to inform the Committee that petitioner number 110 under the question of Western Sahara has withdrawn her request after the circulation of the aide-memoire via the e-delegate portal. Are there any comments on this aide-memoire? That does not appear to be the case. In accordance with the Committee's practice, may I take it that these requests can be circulated as Committee documents and be considered at our next meeting tomorrow, Friday 2 October? It is so decided. I also wish to inform the Committee that I have received communications from Gibraltar, Guam, the British Virgin Islands and French Polynesia regarding their interest to send their representatives to address the committee under item 56. Turning now to other matters. I wish to urge delegations to kindly submit the names of the members of their delegations as early as possible and by no later than 30 October 2026 to the Fourth Committee Secretariat. They should do this through the e-List of Participants module on the e-Delegate portal. This will enable the Secretariat to prepare and circulate the list of participants of the Fourth Committee in a timely manner.

All meetings will be broadcast on the web from now on.

In accordance with our programme of work, we will now begin consideration of agenda item 57, entitled "Eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations". The list of speakers for this agenda item will close at 11:00 a.m. The Committee will now proceed to the general debate on this agenda item. I wish to remind delegations of the time limit of 10 minutes for national statements and 15 minutes for statements

made on behalf of a group.

I invite delegations with longer statements to read out an abbreviated version and to send the full statement to e-statements@un.org for posting in the UN Journal. I now give the floor to the Russian Federation on behalf of Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter

of the United Nations.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The Russian Federation has the great honor of delivering this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. Insofar as this is the first time that we are participating and we are speaking at this session of the committee, we wish to take this opportunity to extend our great best wishes to the chair of the committee and other members of the presiding over the meeting. We wish to assure you of our commitment and cooperation, our commitment to proactive and constructive cooperation and participation in work in addressing key issues related to the authority within the purview of the Fourth Committee, we welcome the fact that this is a second consecutive year that this important discussion is being held under this agenda item of eradicating colonialism in all of its forms and manifestations. The Security Council General Assembly Resolution 79/115 was introduced by our group And as was recognized in the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Nations and Peoples, colonialism needs to be eradicated in all of its forms and manifestations. And in this connection, we welcome the successful adoption at the initiative of our group, the adoption of Resolution 80/106 of the General Assembly, this resolution proclaiming the 14th of December the International Day to Combat Colonialism in all of its forms and manifestations. Last year was the first time we commemorated this day at the United Nations, and the commemoration coincided with the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the declaration dating 1960, the 1960 declaration. And we think that this date should be commemorated on an annual day, and awareness should be raised through educational and other awareness-raising initiatives at the national, regional, as well as global levels. And although we fully support the importance of the advancement of the decolonization process and addressing the legacy of the colonial era, we wish to underscore the fact that eradication of colonialism also needs to incorporate efforts to fight against this modern day manifestations. And we welcome the growing willingness of the General Assembly, as well as the Fourth Committee, to recognize colonialism not as a relic of the past, but as a constantly growing ever looming threat which continues to be used in order to exert pressure over to oppress sovereign or independent states. Modern day colonialism is seen, among other things, through unilateral coercive measures, the threat of the use or use of force, intervention in domestic affairs of states, as well as attempts to impose upon them certain socioeconomic as well as political development models, in economic exploitation and limitations imposed from abroad, limitations on national development, and the abandonment or limitation of access to fuel, technology, humanitarian cargoes, as well as medical supplies. Many nations, and this includes members of our group, can, on the basis of their own experience, can describe the consequences of these modern day methods of colonialism. illegitimate unilateral course of measures and political and media campaigns from abroad which are geared towards stigmatizing and isolation isolating the others leveraging international institutions for geopolitical goals to be advanced as well as the in unjustified making of political and financial assistance to making those contingent upon political concessions which undermine sovereignty such measures inter alia result in collective punishment they obstruct development and they represent attempts to establish degrees for peoples vis-a-vis their political and economic choices. This is precisely what is prohibited under the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination. Mr. President, we, Mr. Chairman, we believe that it is high time to collectively recognize the persistence of these modern day forms and to, with a united voice, to repudiate them. And in this connection, we wish to announce a decision of the Group of Friends to table a new draft resolution in accordance with the corresponding provisions of the 1960 Declaration, the resolution of the General Assembly 79/115 and 80/106. We call upon member states to recognize the fact that modern day forms and practices of colonialism, regardless of what guise they assume, these are incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial nations and peoples. The draft resolution also contains a call for United Nations member states to refrain from any practices which result in the persistence of colonialism in any forms and to adopt measures to prevent them. Member States should have opportunities to freely choose their political, economic, social, and cultural systems without any intervention whatsoever, without any pressure being brought to bear from any other state or group of states. We look forward in the next few days to starting negotiations on this, and we thank you all in advance for your proactive and constructive participation. Alongside efforts to combat modern-day forms of colonialism, there's a need to unconditionally condemn crimes, crimes perpetrated during the colonial era. These heinous acts include the transatlantic slave trade. They represent an appalling tragedy and they represent crimes against humanity which have not yet fully been acknowledged, nor has there been real responsibility assumed. This includes racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, which have arisen as a result of this, and have other forms of inequality which are persistent in the modern day world, both within peoples and states and within states themselves. Our group supports the pursuit of the discussion on the question of justice in addressing reparations issues, including demands for reparations in accordance with international law. recognition and elimination and addressing the historic injustices, providing for light to be shed on the truth, including through full access to archives, as well as unconditional restitution for cultural heritage which has been looted, and accountability for crimes of colonialism are important step towards addressing and ensuring accountability and preventing the repetition of such crimes and establishing a genuinely just international order. Moreover, we also wish to take this opportunity in order to, in accordance with Resolution 79/115, to call upon the Department of Global Communications and the Department of Political Affairs and Department of Peacebuilding Affairs to craft an information awareness-raising campaign in accordance with -- in conjunction with the corresponding regional organizations, as well as educational institutions and civil society with the aim of preserving the memory of colonialism, the root causes thereof, and the repercussions thereof, as well as to shed light on contemporary forms which are geared towards limiting national sovereignty and development. This is exceedingly important in order to save succeeding generations from the repetition of domination and external occupation, be this through direct or indirect covert means, through various practices and means that are leveraged by those who are pursuing neocolonialist agendas. Mr. Chairman, 81 years after the entry into force of the Charter of the United Nations, our collective obligation to uphold the principle of sovereign equality, non-intervention, and the integral, inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination must be defended against modern-day manifestations of colonialism. Member states of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations shall constructively cooperate with all delegations so that during the Fourth Committee discussions to provide for concrete results to be achieved in this regard. We shoulder a shared responsibility for this organization to fulfill a historic task, a historical task of eradication of colonialism in all of its forms and manifestations. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Chairman.

I thank the distinguished.

Representative of the Russian Federation.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland.

Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine, you have the floor, sir. Thank you.

Mr. Chair, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election and wishing you constructive work with us. I'll be speaking on behalf of the group of countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine and my country, Poland. We reaffirm our strong support for the UN decolonization agenda, the principles of independence, self-determination and sovereign equality of all states, and the need to address the broader legacies of colonialism. At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the statement delivered last year in this forum by a group of like-minded states which firmly opposed Russian attempts of creating and promoting its own misleading narrative on championing decolonization. When we talk about the modern-day forms of colonization, Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is a direct contradiction to what the UN and its member states aim to achieve through real decolonization efforts. Since the illegal occupation of the Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of 2022, Ukraine's sovereign territories have been under Russian temporary occupation. Ukrainian citizens are being brutally targeted, tortured, and killed, and its civilian and critical infrastructure is being deliberately destroyed every day. According to the 2025, uh, OHCHR report, uh, on the impact of the armed conflicts and occupation of children's rights in Ukraine, children are being subjected to indoctrination and militarization as a part of systemic efforts to erase their national identity, while their deportation and forcible transfer may amount to crimes against humanity, as concluded by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. These tactics are very similar to what many countries and nations that suffered under Soviet domination and occupation. For decades, Russia has followed the neo-colonial foreign policy to undermine and violate sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring states. Russia's action against ethnic minorities within Russia are the same: racial and religious oppression, erasing of identities, and discrimination. The traditions of Russian colonialism go back a very long way in history. Russia's neo-imperial mindset is increasingly translating into the exploitation of people beyond Europe. We condemn the continuous practice of economic exploitation, efforts to exert control over local decision makers, and of the use of disinformation, including illicit recruitment practices into the armed forces to fight in Ukraine. We call upon Russia to bring an immediate and unconditional end to all forms and manifestations of its colonial revival. Mr. Chair, we reject Russia's attempts to dominate, intimidate, or establish a sphere of influence over its neighbors or elsewhere. Colonialism belongs to the dustbin of history. We reiterate our determination to continue to support all credible steps to achieve full decolonization and address the legacy of the colonial era in line with the principles and the purposes of the UN Charter. And I thank.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland on behalf of group of states, and I now give the floor to Cuba.

Thank you, Chairman.

Chair, my delegation echoes the congratulations expressed to you on your election to the chair of the Fourth Committee. And we extend these congratulations to the rest of the Bureau.

We wish you every success in your work during this session.

Cuba aligns itself with the statement made by Russia on.

Behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations.

Chair.

The debate on this agenda item remains as relevant today as it was in 1960 when we adopted the declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and.

Peoples.

That was... a historic document, a transformational one. It recognized that all peoples of the world wished to see the end of colonialism in all its manifestations. More than six decades later, colonialism remains an affront to the principles and values that the Organization of the United Nations represents. Colonialism is an obstacle stymying the achievement of the legitimate social development and economic aspirations of the peoples that suffer from it, and it's an affront to and an attack on their own cultural identity. Colonial practices have no place in today's world. The principle of equal rights and the desire for social progress, as enshrined in the UN Charter, will remain unfulfilled for as long as there is one single people that remain under the colonial yoke. As things stand, 17 non-self-governing territories and others without being recorded as such, these include Puerto Rico, continue to suffer this anachronistic form of domination. The proclamation of the 14th of December as the International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations stands.

As a renewed commitment to the cause of decolonization.

We trust that the proclamation of this day will serve to raise awareness regarding the historic damage done by colonialism, and we hope that it will lend greater visibility to the crucial work that the UN does on this issue, and in particular, raise awareness of the Decolonization Committee and the Decolonization Unit under the DPPA. The decolonization process, which led to the self-determination and independence of countless peoples and territories under colonial domination, is considered as.

One of the most significant?

Transformations that we saw in the 20th century down the years during that Century many.

Peoples struggled and even paid with their own lives to put an end once and for all to this heinous form of domination chair regrettably colonialism is not a relic of the past every day with ever greater strength, modern practices of colonialism emerge. They're expressed through the appropriation and exploitation of people's natural resources, as well as the imposition of cultural patterns to the detriment of indigenous heritage and traditions. They also come in the form of the illegal application of extraterritorial laws, which attempt to govern economic and commercial relations of sovereign nations. And they also take the form of UCMs, whose execrable purpose is to about regime change and to impose political and economic models which are not in line with people's will. That is exactly what we're seeing in Cuba, an independent and sovereign nation with a long tradition of fighting colonialism and neocolonialism. As things stand, Cuba is showing heroic resistance in resisting a multi-dimensional attack waged upon it by the government of the United States with the goal of restoring neocolonial domination of Cuba. Its desire to hegemonize and its agenda of domination with our country in its line of sight, are being deliberately and blatantly exposed with the energy blockade, as well as the unprecedented economic war, collective punishment, and permanent threat of military aggression being visited upon our people. We stand in solidarity with the peoples of Palestine, Puerto Rico, and Western Sahara for a long, long time now they have been denied their right to self-determination. The colonial status of Puerto Rico continues to prevent this brotherly people from taking sovereign decisions regarding their needs and the complex economic and social problems affecting them. The United States, the colonial power, is using all means at its disposal to strengthen its economic, political and social domination over this Latin American and Caribbean island, flying in the face of the countless resolutions and decisions adopted by the Decolonization These texts have reaffirmed the inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1514. Eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations also demands the end of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel's continued violations of the ceasefire achieved in Gaza, the protracted military incursions, including in the north of the West Bank, and Israel's illegal plans for annexation and settlement plans in the OPT are unacceptable and are part of a systematic strategy of occupation, colonization, and collective punishment, whose goal is to use force to prevent the two-state solution and the recognition of the state of Palestine. Moreover, we deeply regret the fact that Western Sahara remains the last territory under colonial occupation in Africa. Africa is a continent that has a robust history of struggling for self-determination and the independence of peoples.

We will continue to champion.

A just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, one which leads to the self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara in accordance with resolution 1514 of the UN General Assembly on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. Chair, any action that we undertake today and tomorrow.

To eradicate colonialism will contribute to rooting out once and for all the.

Historic injustice that has come hand in hand with a past of slavery, pillaging, exploitation, extermination, and structural dependency. Our collective endeavors must be ratcheted up in this area of work because it is crucial and highly relevant. If we do that, we will preserve multilateralism and we will contribute to building a shared future of well-being and progress for all peoples.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba and give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Chair. India has been a leading voice and a global champion against colonialism since gaining independence in August 1947. We have worked tirelessly and contributed significantly towards the objective of eradicating colonialism. Since the creation of the United Nations, More than 80 former colonies were able to break free from the shackles of colonialism and gain full independence. These former colonies are now members of the UN family. The process, however, remains incomplete as 17 non-self-governing territories remain in various stages of the decolonization process. There is a need to conclude this process. As noted in the resolution adopted by the General Assembly in December 2024, Eradication of colonialism has been one of the priorities of the United Nations. Colonialism prevents the development of international economic cooperation, impedes social, cultural and economic development. In closing, India reiterates its firm commitment to the eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations in the shortest possible timeframe. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, Chair. When the United Nations was founded in 1945, the world was radically different to the world we have today. Vast swathes of humankind lived under colonial domination, and this organization only had 51 member states.

This growth.

Means that now we have 193 member states. It cannot be understood without looking at one of the most transformative political processes of the 20th century, decolonization. Since the creation of the United Nations, more than 80 former colonies achieved independence. In 1960 alone, that was the year of the adoption of the historic resolution 1514, 17 new states entered the organization, 16 of them were African nations. Consequently, decolonization was one of the strengths that made this organization into one that was truly universal. Every new Accession to independence broadened our Assembly, brought on board new voices, and ensured that the membership of the United Nations was better in sync with the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. Indeed, these are principles that should underpin our international coexistence of nations. The United Nations was a key actor in this process through the work done by the General Assembly and the Special Committee on Decolonization. However, the endeavor of decolonization has not yet concluded. 66 years since the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 17 non-self-governing territories continue to remain on the United Nations agenda in the midst of the 21st century, at a time when the multilateral system is beset by major tensions and at a time when this organization is asking itself how to regain efficiency, representativeness, and credibility. The persistence of colonial situations cannot be considered as a trifling anomaly or an inoffensive relic of the past. Colonialism has tangible consequences. It affects the exercise of sovereignty and territorial integrity. It undermines the identity of nations and undermines their control and use of their own natural resources. Moreover, colonialism brings with it a dimension that in the current international context we cannot ignore. That is a dimension that relates to peace and security. In a world marked by conflict, rivalry, strategic rivalry, new threats, and growing competition for maritime spaces and maritime resources and resources in general, remaining traces of colonialism should not become instruments to impose on a region tensions and interests that are not inherent to them or theirs. We needed to have decolonization to build an international system based on sovereign equality, and to ensure the stability of that system, we must now complete that process. matter is particularly tangible in terms of how my country feels it. We know this issue very well. We are one party to the sovereign dispute over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. The existence of that dispute has been recognised by the General Assembly. And since the adoption of Resolution 2065, the United Nations has called upon Argentina and the United Kingdom to find a peaceful and negotiated solution to that dispute. It is a special and particular colonial situation that our country is facing.

The metropolis is thousands of kilometers away from the South Atlantic.

colonial situation is rooted in 1833 when the United Kingdom evicted the authorities and the Argentine population from the islands and prohibited them from subsequently

resettling the consequences of these events do not remain solely in the past the persistence of this situation has also allowed the unilateral development of activities related to renewable and non-renewable natural resources of the zone under dispute.

Argentina has systematically repudiated these activities.

They are, in our view, illegitimate and they run counter, inter alia, to resolution 3149 of this General Assembly.

That text calls upon parties from refraining from making unilateral amendments to the situation while the islands are going through the process recommended by the United Nations the Argentine experience demonstrates that colonialism is not merely an issue of geography neither is it a discussion that is rooted in a particular moment in time it has modern day consequences, consequences for our present in terms of sovereignty, natural resources, national identity, and ultimately in terms of how relevant international law is and appears. The existence of colonialism in any form and through any manifestation runs counter to the UN Charter. Consequently, culminating the decolonization process should not be viewed as a task that belongs to the past. It is an international obligation and a responsibility that we in the present

must shoulder.

Chair, the United Nations were born in a world of empires and colonies. Over eight decades, the United Nations served to produce a much broader community of sovereign states that were formally equal and represented in this assembly. This achievement should be duly recognized.

However, it is also a source of responsibility.

The credibility of multilateralism does not depend solely on our ability to respond to new crises. It also depends on our will to complete those tasks that this organization itself declared essential decades ago. The eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations is one such task. We cannot allow that something that the international community identified as a reality that should be overcome in the 20th century, we cannot allow it to become a normality accepted in the 21st century simply due to the passage of time. The Argentine Republic consequently reaffirms its commitment to the elimination once and for all of

colonialism in all its forms and manifestation, with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,

for the peaceful resolution of disputes and for the full applicability of international law. Culminating decolonization does not mean looking to the past. It means completing the construction of an international order that the United Nations promised to future generations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.

Mr Chair, Excellencies. Distinguished delegates, Angola congratulates you, dear brother Ambassador Kholi Sek, and the members of the Bureau on your election, and assures you of our full support and constructive engagement throughout the work of the Fourth Committee. For Angola, the eradication of colonialism in its all forms and manifestation is not merely an unfinished historical responsibility. It remains a legal, political, and moral obligation arising from the chart of the United Nations, the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and the declaration on granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples contained in General Assembly Resolution 1514/15. The United Nations has played a decisive role in advancing decolonization, enabling them 80 former colonies to attain independence. Nevertheless, 17 non-self-governing territories remain on the United Nations list. The mandate is therefore unfinished. This reality requires renewed political will and, above all, concrete action. In this regard, Angola attaches particular importance to the adoption in 2025 of General Assembly Resolution 180/106, establishing 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in its all forms and manifestations. This was not simple, the creation of another international observance. It constitutes a renewed collective affirmation that the eradication of colonialism remains a priority and a continuing mandate of the United Nations. The resolution reaffirms the purpose and the principles of the Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, while solemnly emphasizing the necessity of bringing colonialism and its all forms and manifestation to a speed and unconditional end. Angola, therefore, believes that the International Day must become a platform for accountability and action to assess progress, identify obstacles, mobilize political will, and advance the full implementation of Resolution 1514/15 and all subsequent United Nations decisions on decolonization. We call for a new commitment to accelerate the decolonization process. Strengthen the capacity of the Special Committee on the Colonization. Facilitate visiting missions where appropriate. Improve access to objective information to people's concern and promote genuine, inclusive, and result-oriented dialogue between administering powers and the territories concerned. The wishes and aspirations of the peoples must remain at the center of the colonization process. Strategic, political, or economic considerations cannot justify the indefinite postponement of their inalienable right to determine freely their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. Mr. Chair, the establishment of 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism must mark a transition from commemoration to implementation, from declarations of principle to measurable progress. Angola will continue to defend the UN Charter and international law and stand firmly to the eradication of colonialism, the sovereign equality of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the effective realization of the right of peoples to self-determination. The credibility of the United Nations requires that the colonization cease to be an unfinished promise and become a completed mandate. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Angola, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Chair, at the outset, I would like to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election. Mr. Chair, Azerbaijan has consistently advocated for the full realization of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly on decolonization. Azerbaijan actively participates in the regional seminars organized by the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, including the one held in Managua this year. In its written submission to the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the General Assembly resolution 75/123, entitled Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, Azerbaijan emphasized its steadfast support for the decolonization efforts of the United Nations and called for the speed-up of this process toward the complete elimination of colonialism. Mr. Chair, in the context of advancing socioeconomic developments, it is essential to take all possible measures to ensure that the permanent sovereignty of the peoples of the non-self-governing territories over their natural resources is fully respected and safeguarded. In recognizing the inalienable rights of the peoples of the non-self-governing territories, The General Assembly has consistently reaffirmed the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources as one of the indispensable prerequisites of the development and also condemned the exploitation and plundering of natural resources and any economic activities which are detrimental to the interests of the peoples of those territories and deprive them of their legitimate rights over their natural resources. Furthermore, the General Assembly has consistently reaffirmed the value of foreign economic investments undertaken in collaboration with the peoples of the non-self-governing territories and in accordance with their wishes in order to make a valid contribution to the socioeconomic development of the territories, especially during times of economic and financial crisis. It is also important that States, in line with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, including in particular resolution 80/105, of 8 December 2025, directly and through their action in the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, provide moral and material assistance to the peoples of the non-self-governing territories. In this context, it is essential that donor countries, multilateral organizations and other development partners give utmost consideration to the needs of the non-self-governing territories including by considering an increase in technical assistance for the development of infrastructure, industry, agriculture, health care, and education. Moreover, sustained attention should be given to the protection of the environment and ecological restoration in an indisproportionate impact of climate change on the non-self-governing territories. In his report on the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, the Secretary-General recognized the vulnerability of these territories to climate change and advocated for adequate and sustainable resources and support to build resilience and invest in their future. Further, with a view to supporting cultural development of the non-self-governing territories, it is important to redouble efforts to ensure the return or restitution of the illegally removed or stolen cultural objects to these territories. Mr. Chair, there is a need for increased attention and efforts to ensure the full compliance with international law, the advancement of the principles of self-determination ensured in the Charter of the United Nations, and the effective implementation of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly to achieve the total eradication of colonialism in all its forms. It is equally essential to draw attention to the implementation of the conclusions and recommendations of the United Nations human rights treaty monitoring bodies with regard to the non-self-governing territories. I would like to reaffirm Azerbaijan's resolve to continue its collaboration with the United Nations, member states, and other relevant stakeholders with a view to accelerating progress toward that end. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan and give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Chair. allow us to congratulate you on your election to the helm of this committee. We extend our congratulations to the Bureau and the Secretariat. We're grateful to them for supporting the work of this body. We align ourselves with the statement made by the Russian Federation on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charge of the United Nations.

Colonialism is a bloody chapter of history.

Conquest, slavery, and pillaging destroyed entire communities.

Lands and riches were stolen from their

owners, cultures were subjugated and hierarchies were imposed, racial hierarchies that is, to justify domination. The gaping inequalities which this system left in its wake continue to affect the development opportunities of many countries.

We stand in solidarity with all peoples

that have suffered and continue to suffer the misfortune and evils produced by selfishness and the greed of

colonialism, as well as imperialism, racism and all of the abhorrent and ignominious forms of oppression. Liberation struggles allowed many peoples to achieve their independence and to transform the international order. Resolution 1514 enshrined the demand for freedom and affirmed that peoples had a right to determine their own future. Compliance with that resolution remains the responsibility of this organization.

The end of many colonial administrations did not mean the end of all relationships of domination.

Together with the colonial situations that remain, we've also seen the emergence of mechanisms of economic pressure, political interference, and the control of strategic resources. These have converged to form neocolonialism. The continuation of neocolonialism means that today we are compelled to examine the forms of subjugation, subjugation that is maintained through occupation, coercion, and imposed dependency.

In the OPT, the domination

expresses itself as the pillaging of lands, the expansion of settlements, and the forced displacement of peoples. These practices seek to impose fait accompli that deny the Palestinian people of their rights. imperil the possibilities of a fair, just peace. The international community must act consistently and coherently and must demand that the resolutions of this organization be fulfilled. The Palestinian people have a right to live free of occupation in an independent and sovereign state on the basis of pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. The logic of neocolonialist domination is also present when economic deprivation and hardship are used to break the will of a nation. The economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba is an attempt to influence decisions which are those of the Cuban people and the Cuban people alone to take. The effects of this blockade are being felt by families and are hampering their efforts and the efforts of the country to achieve development. We demand the total and unconditional lifting of the blockade. We condemn neocolonial practices such as illegal UCMs and their use as instruments of political pressure. These measures are a flagrant violation of international law and of the United Nations Charter.

Moreover, they constitute an act of economic war and state terrorism. Chair, eradicating colonialism in all its forms demands creating conditions for

in which people will be able to fully exercise their independence. Doing that includes people having access to their own natural resources, being able to define their own development priorities, and being able to establish cooperation relationships without external diktats being imposed. Building a multipolar and multi-centred world should serve to broaden these possibilities.

New partnerships and South-South cooperation offer opportunities to share knowledge, increase productive capacity, and to reduce dependency. The International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, as proclaimed, will be held on 14 December.

It must serve as an opportunity to renew this commitment and

consider whether or not it is being upheld. We reaffirm our commitment to the eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with all peoples striving for their freedom. We do so convinced that a lasting peace demands respect for sovereignty and the right of all peoples to build their own future without domination or external interference.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Before giving the floor to the next speaker, I wish to

inform delegates that the list of speakers for this agenda item is now closed. We have three delegations on the

speakers list.

If other speakers on the list wish to take the floor, I ask them to inform the secretariat of that desire. They should come to the speaker's table to do so, because we are today going to close the general debate on this item in accordance with our programme of work. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, Chair. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honor of taking the floor at this meeting. We wish to hail the convening of this important

debate on the eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. In accordance with the provisions of resolution 79/115, that is a General Assembly resolution that was adopted at its 79th session in December 24.

This is the first time that we are taking the floor at this session of the General Assembly. We wish to express our hearty greetings to all members of the Bureau. We trust that we will be able to work closely and in concert, and we reiterate the commitment of our delegation to participating actively and in a constructive spirit to the discussions of the Committee. the Fourth Committee.

Today, we reaffirm that decolonisation remains a fundamental pillar of the United Nations. It was such a pillar at its very inception.

However, the task remains unconcluded. we underscore the fact that beyond looking in a traditional

way at this process, we should recognize also that colonialism has now mutated into less visible

forms that do not adhere to classic patterns. But nevertheless, colonialism remains in these new forms and continues to pressure, influence, dominate, or subject and subjugate sovereign

states and independent states, particularly in the developing world. We celebrate the 81st anniversary of the UN Charter this year, and.

In so doing, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and to the inalienable rights of all peoples to self-determination. This is a position that acquires particular relevance when we consider new neocolonial contemporary practices.

Today, colonialism has now moved away from traditional forms of domination and it is not always expressed in terms of the physical occupation of territory. New manifestations are rather seen in terms of economic pressure, limitations to access to technologies, and the hampering of national development.

There are also attempts to substitute purposes and principles of the Charter with norms that have not been agreed upon in a multilateral way. These practices are incompatible with the United Nations Charter and make it more difficult for nations to peacefully coexist. With this in mind, Venezuela, like other countries, has been affected by the implementation of UCMs, which run counter to international law. These measures are having a direct impact on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and undermining those. Chair, today we are brought together to discuss the eradication of colonialism, and we should bear in mind that doing that involves identifying all its forms and manifestations. These include, and indeed chief among them, is neocolonialism. These include attaching political conditions to cooperation, conditions that are not in line with national priorities or sovereignty of receiving nations. It also takes on the form of a debt architecture which It restricts fiscal space of developing nations and hampers their ability to invest in the well-being of their peoples. It also affects the exploitation of natural resources. These are being exploited beyond a people's sovereign will. There is the idea of permanent sovereignty over these resources, but neocolonialism undermines that principle. There are also conflicts being perpetrated with geopolitical ends. These conflicts undermine international cooperation and hamper economic, social and cultural development of our peoples. Putting an end to these and overcoming neo-colonialism is the first step we must take, and we must do so here. Therefore, we call for the construction of an international financial architecture which is fairer, free of external conditions, that's HATS. hamper sovereign decision-making, and we renew our solidarity with peoples that are still awaiting their right to self-determination and the full enjoyment thereof. This includes the Palestinian people and the non-self-governing territories that are on the agenda of the Fourth Committee. Chair, a genuinely free world, one that is genuinely free of colonialism, is a world in which all nations are able to, in a sovereign fashion, choose their own course for political, economic and social development without coercion or any interference or any relationship of guardianship. And that is the promise enshrined in the UN Charter. Let us, therefore, honour our collective commitment to not leave anyone behind, and let us work together in a constructive spirit to ensure that this Organization can complete the historic task it set itself of eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Thank you, Chairperson. Namibia congratulates you on your election, as well as all the rest of the members of the Bureau. Please count on our support and cooperation during the tenure of your chairship of this Committee. Namibia takes the floor to address this general debate on agenda item 57, Eradicating Colonialism, in all its forms and manifestations. About 65 years ago, the General Assembly, through Resolution 1514, declared colonialism contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and called for its end in all its forms and manifestations. This watershed declaration led to the granting of independence of many colonies and territories around the world, including Namibia, that gained independence in 1990. Recognizing that a lot more work was necessary to bring about the complete and speedy eradication of colonialism, the General Assembly has respectively declared four International Decades of the Eradication of Colonialism since 1988, with the last decade, 2020-2030, having been proclaimed through resolution 75/123. Despite this growing body of international consensus to end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, the world continues to witness the subjection of peoples and alien subjection to domination and exploitation that denies people of their fundamental rights, human rights and freedoms. This committee remains witness to hearing about colonial practices around the world as practitioners of non-self-governing territories continue to address its meetings. One such non-self-governing territory is Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa. The United Nations has a responsibility to advance a just and lasting solution to the question of Western Sahara consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions on decolonization and self-determination. We support MINURSO's mandate and the holding of the United Nations-backed referendum on Western Sahara for the Sahrawi people to finally exercise their right to self-determination. We therefore call upon the full implementation of the various UN Security Council resolutions and the African Union decisions, which reaffirmed the need for the mutually agreeable, lasting political solution between Polisario and the Kingdom of Morocco. In the same vein, with regard to the question of Palestine, Namibia expresses hope towards the achievement of a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine on the basis of a two-state solution, so that the people of Palestine can finally realize their right to self-determination. Chairperson, in March 2026, the UN General Assembly recognized that the legacies of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade persisted today in the form of structural racism, racism inequalities, racial inequalities and underdevelopment, marginalization and socioeconomic disparities affecting Africans and people of African descent in all parts of the world. Furthermore, Unilateral coercive measures and economic exploitation against independent states and non-self-governing territories continue to impede the right to development, including for the sovereign government and people of Cuba, who continue to suffer illegal sanctions and threats of foreign intervention. Namibia therefore reaffirms that all people under colonial rule and some form of foreign occupation and foreign interference have the right to self-determination so that they can freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Last year, Namibia supported the designation of 14th December as an International Day for Eradication of Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. This day serves as a reminder of the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to address the questions of the 17 non-self-governing territories whose cases represent individuals and peoples with hopes, dreams, and aspirations, as well as a reminder to collectively address contemporary forms of colonialism that are incompatible with the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Finally, Chairperson, after more than 80 years of existence, the United Nations Security Council has not been reformed to ensure that Africa has a permanent seat on the Council. This historic injustice, acknowledged in the Pact for the Future, that identified Africa's special case as a priority, must finally be addressed. I thank you, Chairperson.

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

Thank you, Chair. South Africa congratulates you on the Bureau, on your election, and assure you of our full cooperation. as we begin the work of the Fourth Committee at the 81st session of the General Assembly. We welcome the program of work before us and emphasize the importance of conducting our deliberations successfully in an inclusive, transparent, and efficient manner. Chair, more than six decades after the adoption of the 1960 Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, The continued remnants of colonialism and existence of non-self-governing territories demonstrate that the work of decolonization remains unfinished. It is what informs the extension list of petitioners during each session of the committee, and South Africa stands in full solidarity with their struggle for self-determination. The United Nations must therefore continue to fulfill its Charter obligations and ensure that the voice and freely expressed wishes of the people concerned remain central to every decolonization process. 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 people on this issue, as self-determination remains a principle that South Africa holds sacrosanct and applies in cases beyond that of the African continent. Let us be clear, it is not political It is not political expedience that should be the basis of a solution in Western Sahara, but rather international legality. It is international law that should be at the heart of the rules that global relations should be based upon. The law is clear on the solution of the question of Sahara. Our duty is to ensure that it is judiciously implemented. For South Africa, This is not simply a historical matter. As a country whose own history was shaped by colonialism, apartheid, and a long struggle for liberation, we understand that decolonization remains an international responsibility. Our history allows us an acute level of empathy with those still having to endure colonial occupation and oppression. South Africa believes that genuine decolonization requires more than the formal transfer of political authority. It must enable people to exercise meaningful self-government, strengthen their institutions, pursue sustainable economic and social development, and determine their own futures free from coercion, discrimination, or external interference. It is defined by the purpose of the United Nations I quote, "to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples." close quote. The right to self-determination must be applied consistently without discrimination. It cannot depend on geography, political alliances, or the strategic interest of powerful states. The principle of United Nations Charter and international law must apply equally to the people. South Africa, therefore, calls for a renewed commitment to complement the decolonization process, including greater attention to the political, economic, and social challenges faced by peoples of the non-self-governing territories. We particularly recognize the important contribution of petitioners who participate in the work of the Special Committee on Decolonization and this Committee. Their voices are essential to our deliberations and must continue to be meaningfully reflected in the United Nations consideration of decolonization, including by maintaining meaningful opportunity for dialogue and participation. Chair, the objective must remain clear to bring the decolonization process to a successful conclusion and effectively end colonialism in all its forms. The eradication of colonialism is about restoring dignity, equality, and agency of people who have been denied these fundamental rights. South Africa, therefore, calls upon the committee to renew its collective determination to this end. Colonialism has no place in the world underpinned by sovereign equality, human rights, and self-determination. South Africa stands ready to work constructively with all delegation to advance the complete eradication of colonialism and the full realization of the right to self-determination. Let us ensure that this promise made by the United Nations in 1960 is fulfilled for all peoples. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Chair. My delegation congratulates you and the Bureau on your election to steer this Committee during the 81st session. You can count on Zimbabwe's full support. Chair, decolonization remains one of the United Nations' greatest achievements. Resolution 1514 was a defining moment in that journey. It affirmed the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination and independence, inspiring liberation movements across Africa and other regions. Yet, as long as some people have not fully exercised their rights to freely determine their future, that historic mission remains unfinished. Today, 17 non-self-governing territories are yet to attain independence. Their aspirations remind us that decolonization cannot simply be celebrated as an achievement of the past. It remains an unfinished business. In Africa, The people of Western Sahara continue to be denied the right to freely determine their political status. Zimbabwe reaffirms its principled support for the inalienable right of its people to self-determination, consistent with the Charter and relevant United Nations and African Union decisions. Other territories across the Caribbean and the Pacific also await the fulfilment of the declaration. Zimbabwe speaks from experience. Our own independence, which was achieved after a protracted liberation struggle, bears testimony to the transformative power of self-determination and the importance of international solidarity. Chair, we must remain vigilant against contemporary practices that undermine sovereignty, self-determination, and the ability of nations to choose their chosen development paths. In this regard, Zimbabwe welcomes the designation of 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Its observance should strengthen our collective resolve to confront colonialism wherever it persists. As we advance through the fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, our task is clear: Uphold international law. defend sovereign equality and translate the promise of self-determination into reality. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful, Mr. Chair, As this is the first occasion on which my delegation takes the floor during the present session of the Fourth Committee, allow me to assure you and the other members of the Bureau of our full support. We stand ready to contribute actively and constructively to the Committee's work. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Russian Federation on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. We are pleased to participate in the second debate under this dedicated agenda item. Its continued consideration affirms the importance of addressing the unfinished task of decolonization in both its traditional and contemporary forms. Mr. Chair, colonialism has not disappeared. It has adapted. beyond foreign occupation and the continued existence of 17 non-self-governing territories. It is manifested through military aggression and unjust political, economic, and social pressures that erode the sovereignty and independence of states. Its contemporary forms include economic coercion, the manipulation of structural power in global finance and trade, exploitative control over natural resources, restriction on development and on access to markets, technologies, transportations, and other essential services, interference in internal affairs, and the politicization of human rights. Such measures may obstruct humanitarian assistance, aggravate civilian suffering, and in certain circumstances, raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law. Recent developments have further demonstrated that these pressures may prepare the ground for or facilitate or accompany acts of aggression and armed attacks against independent states. All such practices perpetuate domination and dependency. serve narrow political and economic interests and undermine the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. They must therefore be firmly condemned and rejected. Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran warmly welcomes the adoption of General Assembly resolution 80/106, which proclaims 14 December as the International Day against Colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Its adoption and first commemoration have established an annual occasion to renew our collective commitment to the complete eradication of colonialism, acknowledge the unfinished nature of decolonization and raise awareness of its contemporary manifestation. In this context, my delegation is pleased to join the other members of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations in supporting the draft resolutions entitled Addressing Contemporary Forms of Colonialism. By addressing coercive measures, interference, economic exploitation, restrictions on national developments and access to technology, and the threat or use of force, the draft provides a timely basis for further collective action. We call upon all delegations to engage constructively in consultations on this important initiative. Addressing contemporary forms of colonialism must also go hand in hand with acknowledging the crimes committed during the colonial era and redressing their consequences, which continue to fuel systematic racism and inequality. We support advancing discussions on reparatory justice consistent with international law, including through accountability and the restitution of looted cultural property as essential steps toward healing the non-repletion. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, conflicts which are rooted in colonialism, foreign occupation, and policies of domination remains a grave threat to international peace and security. They affect not only the peoples of the remaining non-self-governing territories, but all peoples subjected to foreign occupation and colonial practices, above all, the Palestinian people. The question of Palestine must remain a central priority of the United Nations until the occupation ends and the Palestinian people fully realize their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I wish to thank the.

Distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The committee has heard the last speaker in the general debate on this item. The Committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 57. I wish to remind delegations that we will take action on any draft proposal submitted under this item on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

I understand that the delegation of the United Kingdom wishes to take the floor. For.

A right of reply.

United Kingdom, exercising the right of reply.

The United Kingdom would like to exercise its right of reply.

You have the floor. Ladies and gentlemen, one delegation has requested to exercise its right of reply, which to remind delegations that these statements can be delivered only under right of reply. The first is going to be limited to five and the second to be limited to three minutes.

You have the floor.

The United Kingdom would like to exercise its right of reply to respond to the statement of the distinguished representative from Argentina. The United Kingdom has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas of both territories. The United Kingdom is steadfast in its support for the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination. This right is enshrined in the UN Charter and in article 1 of the two UN covenants on human rights. The Falkland Islanders have as much right to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development as any other peoples. Argentina regularly refers to United Nations resolutions and regional diplomatic statements calling for sovereignty negotiations over the Falkland Islands. However, those do not modify or dilute the obligation of nations to respect the legally binding principle of self-determination. The United Kingdom's relationship with the Falkland Islands and all of its overseas territories is a modern one based on partnership, shared values and the right of the people of each territory to determine their own future. Argentina continues to deny that this fundamental human right applies to the people of the Falkland Islands and actively seeks opportunities in international fora to assert its sovereignty claim. This behaviour is wholly incompatible with the principles established in the UN Charter and is not the behaviour we expect of a democracy. Hydrocarbon exploration in the Falkland Islands is a legitimate commercial venture regulated by the legislation of the Falkland Islands government in strict accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Argentine domestic law does not apply to the Falkland Islands. The people of the Falkland Islands have freely and democratically chosen their future, and they have every right to develop and manage their natural resources without intimidation, coercion, or interference from others. Hydrocarbon activities on the Falkland Islands continental shelf are regulated under Falkland Islands law and conducted in full accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. In 2013, the Falkland Islanders held a referendum on the future of the Falkland Islands. The result of the referendum was that on a 92% turnout, 99.8% voted to maintain the island's current status as a self-governing territory of the United Kingdom. The referendum was supervised by independent observers from Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil. The islanders have therefore made clear their overwhelming wish for the Falkland Islands to remain an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. There can be no dialogue on sovereignty unless the Falkland Islanders so wish.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I understand that Argentina has requested the floor.

You have the floor.

Five minutes.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In response to the statement made by the representative of the United Kingdom on the Malvinas Islands, I wish to recall that the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas are an integral part of national Argentinian territory. and have been illegally occupied by the UK. They are the subject of a sovereignty dispute between two countries recognised by the United Nations and by other organisations. The microphone has been cut off. Our resolution recognises the existence of a sovereignty dispute and urges the UK and the Republic of Argentina to resume negotiations in order to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the dispute as a path towards the decolonisation of the territory. The Special Committee on Decolonisation has repeatedly issued similar opinions. The last time it did so was in June of this year. The principle of self-determination is not applicable to the question of the Malvinas Islands. The United Nations have characterised this issue as a special and particular decolonisation issue, whose resolution demands negotiations between two states that are party to the dispute, bearing in mind the interests of the inhabitants of the islands. This distinction is not an accident. Resolution 2025 explicitly refers to the interests of the population, while resolution 1514 states that self-determination cannot be used to undermine either in whole or in part the territorial integrity of a state. Self-determination cannot be used to convert a population established by the occupying power in part of the sovereignty dispute to which the occupying power is part is party the announcements made in December 2025 regarding the resumption of hydrocarbon exploration in the area under dispute is a unilateral act because these are natural resources that are not renewable in view of this reality we staunchly repudiate these actions and we reaffirm our legitimate right to to prohibit non-authorized exploration of hydrocarbons in South Georgia, South Sandwich, the Malvinas Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas. In September 2026, Argentina announced and launched the arbitration procedure provided for under UNCLOS. The goal was to prevent the illegitimate exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the North Malvinas Basin through the Sea Lion project. as well as any other measure that is liable to worsen the situation. Moreover, my country formally stated that the United Kingdom must within two weeks cease the continuation of these activities. If that request was not heeded, we would call upon ITLOS to issue the interim measures necessary to prevent our sovereign rights over our continental shelf. Lastly, Chair, the Argentine Republic reaffirms its legitimate right of sovereignty over the Malvinas, South Georgia, and South Sandwich Islands and surrounding maritime areas. These are an integral part of national Argentinian territory. As a result of history and law, the Malvinas are Argentine.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina. If there are no further requests for the floor.

The committee thereby concludes consideration of item 57. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in accordance with our organization of work, I invite the committee to begin consideration of agenda item 139, entitled Program Planning. In accordance with this agenda item, I wish to draw your attention to the report of the the Committee for Programming and Coordination, entitled 79, in accordance with Resolution 79/247. In accordance with our paragraph seven of said resolution, whenever the Committee for Programming and Coordination cannot provide conclusions and recommendations on a given subprogram or program for the proposed program budget, of the plenary or the relevant main committee or main committees of the General Assembly, a response of a responsible for the mandates shall consider the said program or subprogram in order to provide any conclusions and recommendations to the Fifth Committee. As announced via e-delegate on 13 July 2026, all programs reflecting mandates for which the Fourth Committee is responsible are currently open and hence before us. I will now give the floor to those who wish to participate in this discussion. This is to keep the interactive to me. Given that this will be an interactive discussion, there will be no pre-established list of speakers. Delegations wishing to take the floor invited to press the microphone button. As a gentle reminder, our time limits are 10 minutes for statements in national capacity and 15 minutes for statements on behalf of a group. Does any delegation wish to take the floor at this juncture? I see there are no requests for the floor. In line with past practice, I intend to submit a chair summary of our discussion to the chair of the fifth committee. The committee has thus concluded at this stage of its consideration of agenda of item 139 entitled program planning. Ladies and gentlemen, the next plenary meeting of the committee will be convened tomorrow, Friday, 2 October, in this conference room at 10:00 a.m. And I would like to inform delegations, the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Hala Al-Omar, has informed the Bureau that he wishes to address the Committee during the meeting. We will then hear an introduction to the C24 report and a statement by the C24 Chair on the C24 session. Thereafter, we will approve the requests to petition on non-self-governing territories, and subsequently, we will begin the general debate under the decolonization cluster.

The meeting stands adjourned.

Thank you.