rd
th
The Hague International Model United Nations 2016 | 26 – 29 of January 2016
Forum:
Issue:
​GA4 Special Political and Decolonization
​
Protecting the interests of peoples of non-self-governing territories
​
Student Officer:
Position:
​Areeba Paracha
​Deputy President
Introduction
The United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories is a list of places that the United Nations
General Assembly deems to be "non-self-governing" and subject to the decolonization process[1]. In
the UN Charter, a Non-Self-Governing Territory is defined as a Territory “whose people have not yet
attained a full measure of self-government” [2]. The United Nations Charter has a Declaration Concerning
Non-Self-Governing Territories which came about during the colonialism period [3]. As of 2014, there are
17 remaining non self-governing territories. These 17 include American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda,
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Guam, Montserrat,
New Caledonia, Pitcairn, St. Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands
and Western Sahara.
The administering Powers (Countries administering Non-Self-Governing Territories) are
concerned to take effective measures to safeguard and guarantee the inalienable rights of the peoples of
the Non-Self-Governing Territories to their natural resources, including land, and to establish and
maintain control over the future development of those resources, and requests the Administering Powers
to take all necessary steps to protect the property rights of the peoples of those Territories. Moreover, it
urged all States, directly and through their action in the specialized agencies and other organizations of
the United Nations system, to provide moral and material assistance to the peoples of the Non-SelfGoverning Territories [2].
All in all, this issue is to consider the wellbeing and security of Non-self-governing territories and
is in favor of protecting the inevitable rights of the people living in the non-self-governing territories. All
territories are administered by countries that are to be in charge to take action along with other
supporting states. The organizations and countries involved are listed below.
Definition of Key Terms
Territory- is best defined as an area of land under the authority of a ruler or state. The territories in this
topic do not have any government but are under administering Powers. Thus, they are the countries that
are having authority over 17 non-self-governed territories mentioned above. It is a keyword essential to
this topic.
Non self-governing- is best defined as the territories whose peoples have not yet attained a full measure
of self-government. All the territories of which is issue is based at are non-self-governed. It is necessary
to fully understand what is meant by this key term. The non-self-governed territories are declared by the
UN. Many of the territories have gained freedom and are now fully independent with a self-government.
Decolonization- is defined as the withdrawal from its colonies of a colonial power; the acquisition of
political or economic independence by such colonies. It is compulsory to understand the process of
decolonization for this topic as it is the way in which these territories can gain freedom from their
administrating Powers.
Background Information
​The people living in non-self-governing territories are constantly under threat from terrorist
organizations and rebel groups, salivating for the opportunity to strike and seize a territory and cause
chaos among the communities, in their difficulty to gain control over one another and be the dominant
military force. There also lay another threat and it is that the corrupt officials place people into positions
of power so that they can work together, for what tend to be financial purposes. The problem with these
corrupt officials is that they do not have the peoples’ interests and thus make decisions that do not
military force. There also lay another threat and it is that the corrupt officials place people into positions
of power so that they can work together, for what tend to be financial purposes. The problem with these
corrupt officials is that they do not have the peoples’ interests and thus make decisions that do not
benefit the local communities and in fact damage them or even extort them [7].
World War II
​
​The United Nations was created at the end of WWII to work towards ending future world wars.
During that time, competition over territories and their resources were seen as a major cause for conflict,
therefore, putting an end to colonialism and the struggle over resources was seen as a major objective
by the architects of the United Nations; the allied powers that had won the war. The allied powers include
China, Britain, USA, Soviet Union and France.
​The administrating powers
In 1946, the eight Administering Powers (Australia, Beligium. Denmark, France, the Netherlands,
New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) submitted a total of 74 countries to be listed as
Non-Self-Governing Territories under Chapter XI of the Charter. These territories under Chapter XI were
administered by the Allied powers before the war, and do not include the countries ruled by the Axis
powers (German, Italy and Japan) before the war [8].
Note that all the territories have now gained independence except the mentioned 17 territories.
Colonialism
Colonialism made the political world map look much as it does today, drawing up borders with no regard
for local sensibilities and realities. It purposefully misconceived the cultural, economic, political and social
conditions under which the colonized led their lives. In the process, colonial powers imposed
inappropriate identities on the people they ruled, crippling peoples’ self-esteem, thus diminishing their
self-efficacy and potentially stunting their long-term social development.
Given the modern emphasis on the equality of states and inalienable nature of their sovereignty, many
people do not realize that these non-self-governing structures still exist. Thus, the world has closed its
eyes to continuing colonial dependence. The issue at hand is not that colonialism does not exist in
today’s world because the populations of these territories overwhelmingly do not define these territories
as colonies. Rather, it is that these populations have not been provided with an opportunity to decide on
a legitimate political status through popular consultation in the form of an acceptable act of selfdetermination.
The issue of Western Sahara
In the first case of its kind, British government departments are facing action in the high court over
complaints that goods that originate in Western Sahara, often described as “the last colony in Africa”, are
illegally benefiting from preferential tariffs granted to Morocco by the EU. British consumers are also
being misled: sweet mixed baby tomatoes – sold by supermarket giants Tesco and Morrisons – have
been labelled as produce of Morocco when in fact they were from giant agribusinesses in the Sahara.
“The people of Western Sahara are not only being denied a right to self-determination but are also
having their resources plundered by an illegal occupation by Morocco,” said Rosa Curling of law firm
Leigh Day on 4th of March 2015 [9].
The issue of Anguilla
As Anguilla is a dependent territory of Great Britain, Anguilla's government is under the authority of the
British government at Westminster, London. Anguilla's government consists of the governor, the
Executive Council, and the House of Assembly. The governor, who holds executive power, is appointed
by the British monarch. The governor is responsible for external affairs, internal financial affairs, defense,
and internal security. The Executive Council advises the governor. The House of Assembly has two ex
officio members, two nominated members, and seven elected members. Other political positions include
that of attorney general and secretary to the Executive Council.
Many of the children in Anguilla are involved in “youth gang violence” or the burgeoning drug trade on
Anguilla. For many years, the only illegal drug trade on Anguilla was the trafficking of marijuana;
however, in 2008, “crack cocaine” has become very popular indeed. Unfortunately, awareness and
solutions to criminal issues have not been uppermost on the agenda of the AXA government. Not until
now. It is important for all of us to also be aware of the explosion of criminal activities on the island.
Until recently, Anguilla's most urgent social problem was unemployment. The rapid expansion of the
economy and the sudden demand for labor has caused unemployment rates to drop dramatically.
However, Anguillans must now contend with some of the negative effects of the tourism boom: dealing
with large numbers of non-Anguillans who sometimes are insensitive to their customs; pollution; rising
economy and the sudden demand for labor has caused unemployment rates to drop dramatically.
However, Anguillans must now contend with some of the negative effects of the tourism boom: dealing
with large numbers of non-Anguillans who sometimes are insensitive to their customs; pollution; rising
prices; a strain on the island's resources; and the influence of other cultures on their way of life. Other
social concerns include maintaining their cultural traditions without giving up the benefits of increased
trade and business with other countries, improving living standards, and keeping the illegal drug trade
out of Anguilla.
Major Countries and Organizations Involved
United Kingdom
​
​United Kingdom is the administrative country for several ungoverned territories including;
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Pitcairn, Saint Helena and Turks and Caicos Islands. This means, roundabout 59% of all current nongoverned territories are administrated by United Kingdom. One of the prime examples of Anguilla has
already been mentioned earlier. UK plays a big role as it has control over most of the non-self-governed
territories. It is also necessary to consider the things UK has done for the territories. As dependent
territories, Great Britain provides economic aid and social programs. Other development and welfare
programs are supported by the United Nations and the United States. These programs are for general
Caribbean economic development, increasing trade and improving living conditions. They also provide
assistance in times of natural disaster. General economic and living conditions have improved. However,
again, a lot of men still travel abroad to find work, hold political office, and own businesses
United States of America
​
​United States also is an administrative country for several territories including; American Samoa,
Guam and United States of Virgin Islands. First off, if we consider the things US has done for the
education of the citizens in these islands. Education is based on the United States school system and is
mandatory for all students through high school. Classes are taught in English except in early elementary
grades. The Department of Education has made significant strides in providing computers and computer
training ion the high schools with plans to expand this program to the elementary school. They also
received an annual allocation from the territorial legislature to fund scholarships for qualifying high school
seniors to attend college in Hawaii and in the United States. However, Samoan culture classes in
American Samoa for example, once an important part of the curriculum, no longer maintains the
importance they once had.
New Zealand
New Zealand is the administrative country Tokelau. New Zealand has been benefitting Tokelau
economically. In the year 2000 Tokelau and New Zealand set up an International Trust Fund to provide
Tokelau with an additional source of revenue for recurring budgetary and development expenditure. The
purpose of the Fund is to improve the quality of life of the people by providing Tokelau with an additional,
independent source of revenue. Current sources of locally generated revenue are minimal. As at July
2005 the Fund stood at NZ$15.5 million, mainly through contributions from New Zealand and Tokelau. In
1992 Tokelau and New Zealand reached agreement on a constitutional program that would provide
Tokelau with formal powers to establish and operate its own national government. This produced a “first
glimpse” of a constitution for Tokelau. In November 2003 Tokelau and New Zealand signed a Principles
of Partnership agreement which addressed the management of the partnership, self-determination,
Tokelau’s language and culture, New Zealand citizenship, economic and administrative assistance, coordination of services to Tokelau, defense and security, foreign affairs and the Tokelauan community in
New Zealand. In June 2004 the New Zealand-appointed Administrator of Tokelau formally delegated his
responsibilities to the Village Councils of the three villages. An act of self-determination based on selfgovernment in free association with New Zealand is the likely next step for Tokelau. As off mid-2005
Tokelau and New Zealand are developing a draft Treaty of Association, in line with a decision taken by
Tokelau’s General Fono in October 2003; to “actively explore the option of self-government in free
association with New Zealand”. This exercise is being run in close consultation with the United Nations.
France
France is the administrative country for territories; French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing
Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS)
It has assisted those Non-Self-Governing Territories that are small islands and face numerous
vulnerabilities and constraints through its mandate to provide coordination in the implementation of the
Program of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The Program of
Action focuses on seven areas of commitment aimed at reducing poverty and the promotion of
sustainable development [5].
Program of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The Program of
Action focuses on seven areas of commitment aimed at reducing poverty and the promotion of
sustainable development [5].
United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
In the UNICEF (United Nation Children’s Fund) Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
covers several islands, including three Non-Self-Governing Territories: British Virgin Islands, Montserrat,
and Turks and Caicos Islands. UNICEF programs in the Caribbean focus on three main areas: early
childhood development, including health, nutrition and education; adolescents and life skills, including
HIV/AIDS and social investment for child protection which includes policy work; and advocacy and
capacity-building within the context of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) [5].
Timeline of Events
Date
Description of event
1961
The Special Committee on Decolonization was created
1963
Merged with the former Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing
Territories
December 14, 1960 The General Assembly adopted the Resolution 1514, also known as the
"Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and
Peoples" or simply "Declaration on Decolonization".
The General Assembly proclaimed 1990–2000 as the International Decade
1990
for the Eradication of Colonialism
2000
December 2007
May 17, 2013
February 25, 2014
March 2014
UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 55/146
Formation of new Gibraltarian Constitution
Polynesia reinstated on the UN list of Non Self Governing Territories
Bonaire request for enlisting on the UN list of Non self-Governing Territories
Rapanui request for enlisting on the UN list of Non self-Governing Territories [5]
Relevant UN Treaties and Events
• Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,14
December 1960 (A/RES/15/1514)
• Participation of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the work of the United Nations and of
the specialized agencies, 15 December, 1960 (A/RES/1539)
• Support to Non-Self-Governing Territories by the specialized agencies and international
institutions associated with the United Nations Resolution, 2011 (ECOSOC/2011/40)
• Declaration on the Critical Economic Situation in Africa, 3 December 1984 (A/RES/39/29)
Previous Attempts to solve the Issue
In Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, UNICEF is working to raise awareness about child
abuse. As part of the overall strategy to engage key professionals on issues pertaining to children’s
rights, UNICEF conducted a workshop in the field of child welfare for teachers in Montserrat that focused
on children’s rights [4]. This was a necessary step taken in order to fight child abuse in mentioned
territories. The people of the Overseas Territories have a right to safety, security and self-determination.
They are free to maintain a constitutional link if this is their choice. The UK stands ready to protect the
Territories from external threats, ensuring their self-determination. In particular, the UK supports the
efforts of the peoples of Gibraltar and the Falklands Islands to determine whether to remain a British
Overseas Territory. The UK also supports the Territories to protect themselves from international
terrorism, organized crime and natural disasters [6]. The UK encourages British businesses to pursue
trade and investment opportunities in the Territories, including through the annual British Overseas
Territories Investment Forum. The UK Government remains committed to meeting the reasonable
assistance needs of Territories as a first call on the aid budget. The UK is prepared to invest British
taxpayers’ money, for example with the St. Helena airport project, where we can see the real prospect of
self-sufficiency being achieved in due course and the reduction or elimination of dependency on UK Aid
[6]
.
taxpayers’ money, for example with the St. Helena airport project, where we can see the real prospect of
self-sufficiency being achieved in due course and the reduction or elimination of dependency on UK Aid
[6]
.
Possible Solutions
​Enforce strict laws and regulations on the administrating Powers, to ensure a better secure and
healthy lifestyle to the people of the Non-governed territories. This can be done by the UN to create strict
laws which must be followed or can be given a penalty. Moreover, to actually have an army for every
territory for protection and to avoid terrorist organizations and rebel groups, salivating for the opportunity
to strike and seize a territory and cause chaos among the communities.
Another solution could be a plebiscite done by the people of the territories so that they can have a
government of their own and aren’t reliant on other countries whose administrating powers may be
corrupt and work together for financial purposes. Furthermore, if not a plebiscite, the Power
Administrative countries should have a separate legislation for all the territories owned. This will further
help the interests of people from non-self-governed territories.
The UN should impose the countries in favor of the issue, to equally support and finance any missions
associated. One of the ways could be to enforce all supporting states to educate their citizens of this
issue. This can be done by setting campaigns and through all kinds of media as well.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) can provide technical assistance and
policy advice in the areas of macroeconomic, financial and fiscal management, production and
management of economic statistics, disaster mitigation and resettlement and recovery programs,
and capacity-building in environmental sustainability [5]
Bibliography
[1] Legal.un.org,. 'United Nations Audiovisual Library Of International Law'. N.p., 2015. Web. 31 Oct. 2015.
[2]
Un.org,. 'International Week Of Solidarity With The Peoples Of Non-Self-Governing Territories May 2531'. N.p., 2015. Web. 19 Oct. 2015.
[3]
http://www.taylorsmun.org/tcshmun/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/NSGT.pdf N.p., 2015. Web. 22 Oct.
2015.
[4]
Google.com,. ',. 'International Week Of Solidarity With The Peoples Of Non-Self-Governing Territories
- Google Search'. N.p., 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
[5]
http://www.un.org/en/decolonization/pdf/decolonization_rev_may09.pdf
[6]
Gov.uk,. '2010 To 2015 Government Policy: UK Overseas Territories - GOV.UK'. N.p., 2015. Web. 22
Oct. 2015.
[7]
Mun.ismonacoblog.org,. 'ISM Model United Nations - Protecting The Interests Of The Peoples Of The
Non-Self-Governing Territories'. N.p., 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
[8]
Projects, Imi. 'Non-Self-Governing Territories'. Statehoodhawaii.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.
[9]
Black, Ian. 'Western Sahara's ‘Conflict Tomatoes’ Highlight A Forgotten Occupation'. the Guardian.
N.p., 2015. Web. 31 Oct. 2015.
Appendix or Appendices
I. http://www.un.org/en/decolonization/pdf/decolonization_rev_may09.pdf
This Pdf. lists many organizations under the UN which can help the people of non-governed territories
II. http://www.un-documents.net/ch-11.htm
III. This is a UN Charter; declaring regarding Non-self-Governing Territories
IIII. http://www.taylorsmun.org/tcshmun/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/NSGT.pdf
Helpful resolution to read and have a background knowledge
Research Report | Page 7 of 8
Research Report | Page 7 of 8