Welcome to the United Nations
Language:

United Nations and Decolonization: Past to Present

This animation video, produced in accordance with the mandate for dissemination of information on decolonization, highlights the UN’s path of decolonization since 1945, especially its commitment in eradicating colonialism towards our common future.

 

Since the birth of the United Nations, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence. At present, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, home to nearly 2 million people. Thus, the process of decolonization is not complete. 

Completing this mandate will require a continuing dialogue among the administering Powers, the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (also known as the "Special Committee on Decolonization" or the "C-24") and the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions on decolonization.

 
For more details, see the About page.

In the Spotlight

“We gather today with determination, to pursue the historic mandate of the United Nations, that is, eradication of colonialism. Our work is unfinished.”

C-24 Chair Ambassador Menissa Rambally
at the C-24 Caribbean regional seminar
14 May 2024

Latest developments

Secretary-General's message

“Each Territory is unique, but they all need support. Young people in particular must play a critical role in turning these challenges into opportunities.”

Ms. Josiane Ambiehl,
Chief of Decolonization Unit/DPPA,
delivering a statement
on behalf of the UN Secretary-General 
at the C-24 Caribbean regional seminar
14 May 2024

Women in the Territories: Highlights

  • Bermuda launched the Building Back Equal Project in partnership with the United Nations through innovative financing for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
  • In 2022, Bermuda created a Gender Affairs Council to promote gender equality by advising the government on social, educational, economic, and legislative matters.
  • Lourdes Leon Guerrero became the first woman governor of Guam in 2019. Also in Guam, ten women were serving as senators in the territory's 15-member legislature in 2019.

QUICK LINKS

 

RESOURCES

KEY DOCUMENTS

RELATED SITES