New York (United Nations), 12 June 2025 (SPS) – During the proceedings of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), African and Asian countries called for the respect of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and independence.
In this regard, Namibia’s representative emphasized in his intervention that the Special Committee’s work would remain incomplete without addressing the situation in Western Sahara. He noted that his country remains "deeply concerned" over the lack of progress, particularly regarding the UN settlement plan aimed at organizing a free and fair referendum.
He reiterated his nation’s solidarity with the Sahrawi people in their pursuit of freedom, independence, and dignity, urging all states to fulfill their obligations under international law and human rights principles to recognize the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination.
For his part, South Africa’s representative expressed particular concern over the plight of the people of Western Sahara, the last remaining colony in Africa, despite UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), the 1975 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, and relevant African Union decisions.
He stressed that the Western Sahara issue must remain on the Special Committee’s agenda until the Sahrawi people can exercise their right to self-determination.
Zimbabwe’s delegate called on the Special Committee to uphold its firm stance that Western Sahara remains a decolonization issue and that its people have the right to determine their future through a democratic referendum, in line with the guidelines set by the UN Settlement Plan and relevant UN and African Union resolutions.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste’s representative reaffirmed his country’s steadfast and principled support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination—a right enshrined in the UN Charter and reaffirmed in numerous General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. He noted that Western Sahara remains one of the longest unresolved issues on the UN decolonization agenda.
He added that the Sahrawi people continue to be denied the opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination due to Morocco’s ongoing occupation, which obstructs the path to a self-determination referendum.
For his part, Iran’s representative highlighted the UN’s responsibility toward the Sahrawi people and their inalienable rights as outlined in relevant resolutions. He called on all parties to adhere to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and to work toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive political solution that guarantees the right to self-determination.
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