The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation has heard renewed calls for action on Kanaky New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam and Tokelau.
Pacnews reports that the committee has heard from Pacific representatives, petitioners and administering powers debating the pace of self-determination and decolonisation in the territories.
The committee approved three draft resolutions aimed at strengthening UN support for the world’s remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.
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These include measures promoting information-sharing, reporting obligations and visiting missions.
Kanaky New Caledonia dominated much of the debate, with petitioners urging the UN to take a more active role in addressing the French territory’s political crisis and advancing its self-determination process.
Both Kanaky New Caledonia and French Polynesia are French territories, Guam is American, and Tokelau is NZ-administered.
New Zealand’s Pacific diplomacy
Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his country’s commitment to the region remains a top priority.
He made the comment in a Parliamentary Select committee scrutiny hearing.
The recent budget saw a big boost in funding to his ministry, with an extra $100 million for foreign aid to the Pacific over three years.
Peters said small countries matter, and New Zealand took the approach to treat Pacific countries as equals.
He noted the gap in the Pacific created by the US since it had rapidly pulled back its international aid.
The minister said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about revisiting this position.
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