A Solution for the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism: A ‘Fourth’ Option to Obviate the Need for a Fourth Decade?

Abstract

One of the goals of the UN is to end colonialism. 16 territories remain on the UN’s list of non-self-governing territories. The UN has designated the decade 2011-2020 as the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, but few of the non-self-governing territories appear to be getting close to decolonising. This paper argues that in its decolonising mission, the UN must focus less on the outcomes of decolonisation and more on the right of colonial peoples to self-determination. Therefore the UN should be less concerned with ensuring that colonial peoples decolonise in one of the three ways envisaged in GA Res 1541, and more concerned with ensuring that, however colonial peoples choose to decolonise, they have exercised their right to self-determination. It is submitted that any outcome determined by the people themselves cannot be regarded as colonial, even if the former colonial power is still engaged in the governance of the territory. In order to stimulate discussion on the subject of alternative outcomes of self-determination, this paper presents four options that people of non-self-governing territories may wish to explore when considering how they might self-determine. The availability of such alternative options is confirmed in GA Res 2625. These options derive from current or historical alternative governance arrangements.