Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 1960
General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), December 14, 1960
The General Assembly
Mindful of the determination proclaimed by the peoples of the world in the Charter
of the United Nations to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and
worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and
small and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Conscious of the need for the creation of conditions of stability and well-being
and peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for the principles of equal rights
and self-determination of all peoples, and of universal respect for, and observance of,
human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex,
language or religion,Recognizing the passionate yearning for freedom in all dependent peoples and the
decisive role of such peoples in the attainment of their independence,
Aware of the increasing conflicts resulting from the denial of or impediments in
the way of freedom of such peoples, which constitute a serious threat to world peace,
Considering the important role of the United Nations in assisting the movement
for independence in Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories,
Recognizing that the peoples of the world ardently desire the end of colonialism
in all its manifestations,Convinced that the continued existence of colonialism prevents the development
of international economic co-operation, impedes the social, cultural and economic
development of dependent peoples and militates against the United Nations ideal of
universal peace,
Affirming that peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural
wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international
economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit, and international law,
Believing that the process of liberation is irresistible and irreversible and
that, in order to avoid serious crises, an end must be put to colonialism and all
practices of segregation and discrimination associated therewith,
Welcoming the emergence in recent years of a large number of dependent
territories into freedom and independence, and recognizing the increasingly powerful
trends towards freedom in such territories which have not yet attained independence,
Convinced that all peoples have an inalienable right to complete freedom, the
exercise of their sovereignty and the integrity of their national territory,
Solemnly proclaims the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional end
colonialism in all its forms and manifestations;And to this end Declares that:
1. The subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation
constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary to the Charter of the United
Nations and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and co-operation.
2. All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that right they
freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and
cultural development.
3. Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never
serve as a pretext for delaying independence.
4. All armed action or repressive measures of all kinds directed against dependent
peoples shall cease in order to enable them to exercise peacefully and freely their right
to complete independence, and the integrity of their national territory shall be
respected.
5. Immediate steps shall be taken, in Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories or all
other territories which have not yet attained independence, to transfer all powers to the
peoples of those territories, without any conditions or reservations, in accordance with
their freely expressed will and desire, without any distinction as to race, creed or
colour, in order to enable them to enjoy complete independence and freedom.
6. Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the
territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the
Charter of the United Nations.
7. All States shall observe faithfully and strictly the provisions of the Charter of
the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the present Declaration
on the basis of equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of all States, and
respect for the sovereign rights of all peoples and their territorial integrity.
Source:
from United Nations, General Assembly, Official Records, Fifteenth Session,
Supplement No. 16, pp. 66-67.
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© Paul Halsall, July 1998
