A/RES/55/143
organizations of the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations
Development Programme and the International Telecommunication Union,
Recalling the dispatch in 1994 of a United Nations visiting mission to Tokelau,
Noting that, as a small island Territory, Tokelau exemplifies the situation of
most remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories,
Noting also that, as a case study pointing to successful decolonization, Tokelau
has wider significance for the United Nations as it seeks to complete its work in
decolonization,
1.
Notes that Tokelau remains firmly committed to the development of selfgovernment and to an act of self-determination that would result in Tokelau
assuming a status in accordance with the options on future status for Non-SelfGoverning Territories contained in principle VI of the annex to General Assembly
resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960;
2.
Also notes the desire of Tokelau to move at its own pace towards an act
of self-determination;
3.
Further notes the inauguration in 1999 of a national Government based
on village elections by universal adult suffrage;
4.
Acknowledges the participation of the Ulu-o-Tokelau in the Pacific
regional seminar, held at Majuro, from 16 to 18 May 2000, 2 and his account of how
the Modern House of Tokelau project, in both its governance and its economic
development dimensions, is seen by Tokelauans as the means to achieving its act of
self-determination;
5.
Welcomes the statement of the Council of Faipule of July 2000 that,
following consultations in each village and a meeting of the General Fono in June
2000, full and overwhelming support has been given to the implementation of the
project;
6.
Notes the confirmation by the Council of Faipule that in the twelve
months from July 2000 there will be significant movement in implementing the
project, in conjunction with New Zealand;
7.
Acknowledges that New Zealand has committed substantial additional
funding to the project in 2000-2001, and its intention to collaborate with Tokelau in
ways that can produce a significant momentum;
8.
Notes the changes being made in arrangements for the delivery of public
services, within an environment in which the institution of the village is truly
recognized as the foundation of the nation, and the expectation that the New Zealand
State Services Commissioner may be able to withdraw from his role as employer of
the Tokelau Public Service at a time to be set by mutual agreement when Tokelau
has established a suitable local employment framework;
9.
Also notes that the constitution of a self-governing Tokelau will continue
to develop as a part and as a consequence of the building of the Modern House of
Tokelau, and that both have national and international importance for Tokelau;
2
A/55/23 (Part I), chap. II, annex, para. 30. For the final text, see Official Records of the General
Assembly, Fifty-fifth Session, Supplement No. 23.
2