A/RES/67/132 A-B
Recalling its resolution 1541 (XV), containing the principles that should guide
Member States in determining whether or not an obligation exists to transmit the
information called for under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations,
Expressing concern that 52 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 2 there still remain a
number of Non-Self-Governing Territories,
Conscious of the importance of continuing effective implementation of the
Declaration, taking into account the target set by the United Nations to eradicate
colonialism by 2020 and the plans of action for the Second 3 and Third International
Decades for the Eradication of Colonialism,
Recognizing that the specific characteristics and the aspirations of the peoples
of the Territories require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options
for self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical
location, size of population or natural resources,
Noting the stated position of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland and the stated position of the Government of the
United States of America on the Non-Self-Governing Territories under their
administration,
Noting also the constitutional developments in some Non-Self-Governing
Territories affecting the internal structure of governance about which the Special
Committee has received information,
Convinced that the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of the Territories
should continue to guide the development of their future political status and that
referendums, free and fair elections and other forms of popular consultation play an
important role in ascertaining the wishes and aspirations of the people,
Convinced also that any negotiations to determine the status of a Territory
must take place with the active involvement and participation of the people of that
Territory, under the auspices of the United Nations, on a case-by-case basis, and that
the views of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in respect of their
right to self-determination should be ascertained,
Noting that a number of Non-Self-Governing Territories have expressed
concern at the procedure followed by some administering Powers, contrary to the
wishes of the Territories themselves, of amending or enacting legislation for
application to the Territories, either through orders in council, in order to apply to
the Territories the international treaty obligations of the administering Power, or
through the unilateral application of laws and regulations,
Aware of the importance of the international financial services and tourism
sectors for the economies of some of the Non-Self-Governing Territories,
Noting the continued cooperation of the Non-Self-Governing Territories at the
local and regional levels, including participation in the work of regional
organizations,
Mindful that United Nations visiting and special missions provide an effective
means of ascertaining the situation in the Territories, that some Territories have not
_______________
2
3
2
Resolution 1514 (XV).
A/56/61, annex.