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Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to present, for action to the Third Committee, the draft resolution entitled “Universal Realization of the Right of Peoples to Self-determination”, contained in document A/C 3/73/L 54.
Since its introduction last month, more countries have joined as additional co-sponsors, taking the total number of cosponsors to 83 at this stage.
Mr. Chairman,
The idea that people have the right to decide their collective destiny, without coercion and alien domination, is the bedrock on which the post war international order has been based. Universality of the right to self-determination, a natural corollary of this idea, therefore lies at the heart of the work we do here at the United Nations.
For this reason this right is enshrined in the UN Charter, and is also common article one of the two core international human rights conventions.
As a timeless idea and an essential pre-requisite for the full realization of other fundamental human rights, this right has been consistently reaffirmed by all major Summits of the UN, as well as declarations and resolutions of other important international bodies.
Mr. Chairman,
The extensive exercise of this right during the latter half of the last century enabled us all to effectively close the dark chapter of colonization, and resulted in the emergence of many nation states that are represented here today.
My country proudly championed the cause then, and we are honored to do it today.
By reaffirming the universal significance of the right to self-determination, this resolution reinforces the resolve of the international community to end the denial of this fundamental human right to people still deprived of it and the injustice and insecurity that ensues from this.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the co-sponsors who have joined us and supported this important resolution.
The General Assembly’s consistent support is commendable, as it reaffirms the continued relevance of the right to self-determination, and sends a strong message of support to peoples everywhere in the world who still find themselves subjugated and oppressed.
It is my earnest hope that this august body will once again adopt the resolution by consensus, and more countries will join as cosponsors to show their firm and unwavering commitment to the right of self-determination.
I thank you.