Ulu o Tokelau Attends UN Decolonization Seminar In Ecuador

Ulu o Tokelau Attends UN Decolonization Seminar In Quito, Ecuador

QUITO, ECUADOR 28 May – The Ulu o Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Salesio Lui attended a UN Decolonization Seminar in Quito, Ecuador on the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism to discuss possibilities for change while promoting decolonization priorities.

In a message to the Seminar, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged participants to review recent developments as well as trends that are likely to influence developments in the upcoming period.

The three-day Seminar, held under the theme “First Quarter Review of Developments and Trends” in Quito, Ecuador, provided an opportunity for representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to share their concerns with the United Nations Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.  Civil society, non-governmental organizations and experts were also expected to convey their views on the way forward for the decolonization process.

Ambassador Diego Morejón-Pazmiño (Ecuador), Chairman of the Special Committee, conveyed that the Seminar provides a unique opportunity to mark the annual Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, which “strengthens our commitment and resolve to strike down colonialism in all its aspects”, he stressed in his opening remarks.

The Ulu-o-Tokelau, welcomed the Secretary-General’s statement at the opening meeting of the Special Committee, in February 2013, and the Seminar’s theme.  He proposed to “distinguish between Territories that have demonstrated close support from their administering Powers from those that have yet to develop such a relationship”.  He shared two suggestions to enhance the work of the Special Committee.

First, it should actively explore the needs of each of Territory and see whether their capacity to engage internationally was limited or compromised by virtue of their current political status, he said.  Tokelau had not been able to obtain membership of, inter alia, the Alliance of Small Islands States (AOSIS), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the small island developing states.  Secondly, the Special Committee should revisit the three self-determination options so the Territories could understand them and make them real and relevant within the evolving global landscape.  He added that Tokelau’s prospects had been encouraged by two key factors:  its determination to improve the quality of life for its people, and the continuing support from the Government of New Zealand.

The Seminar closed on 30 May with the adoption of a resolution expressing appreciation to the Government and people of Ecuador for providing the Special Committee with the facilities for the Seminar, as well as their generous hospitality and warm reception.

Mauricio Montalvo, Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Organizations of Ecuador, said:  “We are aware that as long as the dialogue does not lead to clear actions and concrete results allowing progress in the decolonization process, these meetings will be a purely academic exercise.”  He added that once again the Seminar recognized that no general rules can be established; each case must be treated individually. The Seminar’s draft report, including its conclusions and recommendations, would be forwarded to the Special Committee on Decolonization for review.

The Ulu o Tokelau will be travelling to New York later this month (June) to report to the Special Committee on the ‘Question of Tokelau’.

ENDS

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