Venezuela reaffirms commitment to decolonization at UN Pacific Regional Seminar

Published at: 21/05/2025 03:54 PM

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirmed its unwavering support for the decolonization agenda during the Regional Seminar of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), held from 21 to 23 May in the city of Dili, East Timor, under the theme “Paths to a Sustainable Future: Promoting the Socio-Economic and Cultural Development of Non-Self-Governing Territories”.

Representing the South American nation, Ambassador Joaquín Pérez Ay, Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations, participated in the discussions corresponding to the first day of the seminar, which focused on the theme of the event and on the political evolution of the colonial situation faced by Non-Self-Governing Territories located in the Pacific region.

In his speech on the topic “The Role of the Committee”, the Venezuelan diplomat emphasized that sustainable development in Non-Self-Governing Territories will remain unattainable as long as the Occupying and Managing Powers continue to hinder the inalienable right of these peoples to self-determination.

He stressed that the path to a sustainable future for Non-Self-Governing Territories must include, among others, respect for cultural identity and ancestral traditions, as well as the cessation of the exploitation of natural resources by colonial authorities, which he described as economically exploitative and destructive of the environment.

Stressing the historical and current relevance of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the “Special Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, Ambassador Pérez Ayurged the Special Committee to reinforce its central role in supporting the legitimate aspirations of peoples that continue to be subject to the colonial yoke, citing Timor-Leste's own decolonization process as a model of success that was possible thanks to international solidarity and the efforts of the United Nations, especially the C-24.

On the other hand, referring to “Political developments in the Non-Self-Governing Territories of the Pacific”, Venezuela welcomed the recent statements of the French Overseas Minister regarding the determination to conclude the process of decolonization of New Caledonia, describing them as “a step in the right direction”. The Venezuelan delegation, in this context, reiterated its support for the right of the Kanak people to establish their sovereign and independent State.

On the contrary, Venezuela condemned France's continued colonial administration of the territory of Ma'ohi Nui (French Polynesia), criticizing the Paris government's obstruction of the organization of self-determination referendums, as well as the long-term consequences caused by the nearly 200 nuclear tests it carried out between 1966-1996.

Pérez Aysupported the calls for restorative justice and proposed moving towards carrying out an audit, by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to assess the total impact of nuclear pollution on the territory, which has resulted in diseases for the Mahoi people and damage to the environment.

MPPRE/Mazo News Team