United Nations
General Assembly Resolution 1514
1514 (XV).
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,
Recognizing 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 cooperation, 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:
1. The subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and
exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary
to the Charter of the United Nations and is an impediment to the promotion
of world peace and co-operation.
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.
947th plenary meeting,
14 December 1960.
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