UN Committee On Decolonization Pacific Seminar

SPECIAL UN COMMITTEE ON DECOLONIZATION WRAPS UP PACIFIC REGIONAL SEMINAR

New York, May 20 2004 6:00PM

The United Nations General Assembly's Special Committee on decolonization wrapped up its Pacific regional seminar after hearing some 51 conclusions and recommendations regarding the situation in the world's 16 remaining non self-governing territories.

The three-day gathering in Papua New Guinea coincided with the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, and focused on practical steps to advance the decolonization process in Pacific-based territories. The case of Tokelau, which is making progress towards decolonization, was a chief topic of discussion.

Many of the recommendations and conclusions centred on role of the Special Committee, including a mid-term five year review of the implementation of the plan of action of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, suggested for 2005. The seminar further recommended the Committee play a catalytic role in the search for a specific solution for each of the remaining non-self governing territories.

The participants also affirmed the need to jump start an awareness campaign aimed at fostering an understanding among the people of the territories about the options for self-determination. The role of UN information centres, particularly those in the Pacific and Caribbean regions, was highlighted as a way to disseminate information, promote public awareness and mobilize support for the United Nations work in the field of decolonization.

2004-05-20 00:00:00.000

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