UN Chief Urges Decolonisation of Western Sahara and 16 Other Territories

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated the need to complete the decolonisation process for Western Sahara and 16 other territories still under colonial administration. Speaking during the 2026 session of the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24), Guterres called on the global community to renew its commitment to ending colonial rule, a mission that has remained central to the United Nations for over six decades since it launched its decolonisation agenda. “This organisation was founded as a forum where nations meet as equals — not as rulers and the ruled,” he stated, stressing that decolonisation has been central to the UN’s mission since its inception. He highlighted the founding principles of the UN as a platform for equality among nations, rejecting the dynamics of rulers and the ruled, and affirmed that decolonisation has been integral to the organisation's purpose since its earliest days. Guterres pointed out that the lingering effects of colonialism continue to influence modern societies through widespread economic exploitation, systemic inequality, racism, and the exclusion of impacted populations from key decision-making processes. The C-24 was established in 1961 by the UN General Assembly to monitor progress toward self-governance in areas still considered Non-Self-Governing Territories under Chapter XI of the UN Charter. The committee’s authority stems from the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, a pivotal document in advancing global decolonisation. During his address, Guterres outlined critical steps for completing the process. He stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue involving all relevant parties, including Non-Self-Governing Territories, administering powers, member states, and other stakeholders. He also emphasized that the unique circumstances of each territory should guide solutions, with decisions grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, the 1960 Declaration, and related General Assembly resolutions. Since its founding in 1945, the UN has supported over 80 former colonies—representing nearly 750 million people—in achieving independence. However, 17 territories, including Western Sahara and several small island territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, remain on the organisation’s list. Together, these regions account for nearly two million people seeking self-determination. Western Sahara is often referred to as Africa’s last colony still awaiting independence. Administered by Spain as Spanish Sahara until 1976, its decolonisation process has faced prolonged challenges involving disputes among Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania following Spain‘s withdrawal.