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United Nations and Decolonization: Past to Present

This animation video, produced in accordance with the mandate for dissemination of information on decolonization, highlights the UN’s path of decolonization since 1945, especially its commitment in eradicating colonialism towards our common future.

 

Since the birth of the United Nations, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence. At present, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, home to nearly 2 million people. Thus, the process of decolonization is not complete. 

Completing this mandate will require a continuing dialogue among the administering Powers, the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (also known as the "Special Committee on Decolonization" or the "C-24") and the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions on decolonization.

 
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In the Spotlight

“We gather today with determination, to pursue the historic mandate of the United Nations, that is, eradication of colonialism. Our work is unfinished.”

C-24 Chair Ambassador Menissa Rambally
at the C-24 Caribbean regional seminar
14 May 2024

Latest developments

Secretary-General's message

“Each Territory is unique, but they all need support. Young people in particular must play a critical role in turning these challenges into opportunities.”

Ms. Josiane Ambiehl,
Chief of Decolonization Unit/DPPA,
delivering a statement
on behalf of the UN Secretary-General 
at the C-24 Caribbean regional seminar
14 May 2024

Women in the Territories: Highlights

  • Saint Helena Legislative Council: 40 per cent of the 15 seats are held by women, including the Deputy Speaker. 
  • In the Cayman Islands Government, the Gender Affairs Unit is the focal point for gender mainstreaming and is responsible for sector-specific gender training, public education efforts, and gender-awareness training.
  • In the British Virgin Islands, the 2022-2023 Constitutional Review Commission was led by Mrs. Lisa Penn-Lettsome and included women as 47 percent of its Commissioners.
     

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