International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories is observed on May 25th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

📅 What day is International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories 2024?

In 2024, International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories is on Thursday, May 25th. It is the 4th Thursday in May; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about May 25, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The United Nations dedicates a week, starting on May 25 and ending on May 31, to recognize and support the peoples of non-self-governing territories. According to the UN, a non-self-governing territory refers to an area where the local population has not achieved full self-governance. During this week, the UN urges the governing powers to protect and honor the rights of the people in these territories, particularly their access to natural resources and ownership of property. Currently, there are 17 such territories worldwide.

📜 International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories History

According to Article 73 of the UN Charter, transmitting information about non-self-governing territories is important for the administering powers to understand the political interests and desires of the people in those territories. However, the delivery of information to 21 non-self-governing territories was stopped for various reasons. In some cases, like Greenland, Alaska, and Hawaii, the United Nations General Assembly authorized the end of information transmission. In other cases, the administering powers made the decision independently.

In 1963, the United Nations General Assembly created a new list of 64 areas to which the 1960 Decolonization Declaration applied. This list included the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Nauru, Territories governed by Spain and Namibia (then South West Africa), and territories that were considered non-self-governing by the UN General Assembly but had not received any information before (now Zimbabwe). Oman and French Somaliland (now Djibouti) were added in 1965, while New Caledonia and the Comoro Islands were included in 1972 and 1986 respectively.

Currently, there are 17 non-sovereign territories that exist. In a resolution passed in 1999 (Resolution 54/91), the United Nations General Assembly called for an International Solidarity Week with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories to be observed annually.

✅ International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories Facts

🔖 China influenced the status of smaller Tterritories
In 1972, China asked for Hong Kong and Macau to be taken off the United Nations list.

🔖 Bermuda remains a Territory
Despite having its own government, Bermuda has been included in the United Nations’ list of Non-Self-Governing Territories since 1946.

🔖 There is a high number of Territories
In 1946, there were a total of 72 territories worldwide that did not have self-governing status. However, as of now, only 17 of these territories remain.

👍 Why Is International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories Important

Although the United Nations took the step to protect the intrinsic rights of the peoples of non-self-Governing territories, we must ensure that the governments of the administering power are held accountable to ensure that people who live in these territories are not deprived of their rights to their lands, lifestyles, and all the resources their land provides. To allow for this, it is critical to hold governmental authorities responsible.

It is critical to be knowledgeable about potential natural resource development in the Territories. It is also critical to demand that the governing authorities take action to conserve their natural resources, particularly land.

It is important to reflect on history, such as the reasons for the development of non-self-governing territories and the current situations of the people in these territories. Only by reflecting on the past can we ensure that we do not make the same mistakes again.

🙂 How To Observe International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories

⚡ Take action
As we pay attention to the rights of individuals in territories that are not self-governed, it is important to acknowledge the lack of rights that people in different parts of the world face. After becoming aware of the ongoing deprivation and violation of fundamental rights and freedoms that people experience every day, it is crucial to think about how we can contribute to addressing these systemic issues.

⚡ Spread awareness about it
A lot of people don’t know about this week, so let’s inform more individuals about how the United Nations manages territories that are not self-governing. We can use social media to raise awareness and create a hashtag to demonstrate our solidarity with the people living in these territories.

⚡ Teach your children about decolonization
The decline in the number of non-self-governing territories can be attributed to the cessation of colonization. Colonization had been occurring for a considerable period of time, but now it has come to an end. Despite this, there are still several regions that remain under colonial rule. It is important to educate young children about the significant global consequences of colonization.

📅 When is International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories?

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