UN Resolution
947th plenary meeting,
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Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial
countries and peoples.
The General Assembly,
Mindful of the determination proclaimed by the peoples of
the world in the Charter of the United Nations to reaffirm faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth
of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women
and of nations large and small and to promote social progress
and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Conscious of the need for the creation of conditions of
stability and well-being and peaceful and friendly relations based
on respect for the principles of equal rights and
self-determination of all peoples, and of universal respect
for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms
for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,
Recognizing the passionate yearning for freedom in all
dependent peoples and the decisive role of such peoples in the
attainment of their independence.
Aware of the increasing conflicts resulting from the denial of
or impediments in the way of the freedom of such peoples, which
constitute a serious threat to world peace,
Considering the important role of the United Nations in
assisting the movement for independence in Trust and
Non-Self-Governing Territories,
Recognising that the peoples of the world ardently desire
the end of colonialism in all its manifestations,
Convinced that the continued existence of colonialism
prevents the development of international economic co-operation,
impedes the social, cultural and economic development of
dependent peoples and militates against the United Nations
ideal of universal peace,
Affirming that peoples may, for their own ends, freely
dispose of their natural wealth and resources without
prejudice to any obligations arising out of international
economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit,
and international law,
Believing that the process of liberation is irresistible
and irreversible and that, in order to avoid serious crises,
an end must be put to colonialism and all practices of
Segregation and discrimination associated therewith,
Welcoming the emergence in recent years of a large
number of dependent territories into freedom and independence,
and recognizing the increasingly powerful trends towards
freedom in such territories which have not yet attained
independence,
Convinced that all peoples have an inalienable right to
complete freedom, the exercise of their sovereignty and the
integrity of their national territory,
Solemnly proclaims the necessity of bringing to a speedy
and unconditional end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations;
And to this end Declares that:
2. All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue
of that right they freely determine their political status and
freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
3. Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational
preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying
independence.
4. All armed action or repressive measures of all kinds
directed against dependent peoples shall cease in order
to enable them to exercise peacefully and freely their
right to complete independence, and the integrity of their
national territory shall be respected.
5. Immediate steps shall be taken, in Trust and Non-Self-Governing
Territories or all other territories which have not yet attained independence,
to transfer all powers to the peoples of those territories, without
any conditions or reservations, in accordance with their freely
expressed will and desire, without any distinction as to race,
creed or colour, in order to enable them to enjoy complete
independence and freedom.
6. Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the
national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is
incompatible with the purposes and principles of
the Charter of the United Nations.
7. All States shall observe faithfully and strictly the
provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and the present Declaration on the basis of equality,
non- interference in the internal affairs of all States,
and respect for the sovereign rights of all peoples
and their territorial integrity.
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