Statement by

The Representative of

the Islamic Republic of Iran

on the Joint General Debate on Decolonization items

(Items 54 to 58)

New York – October 9, 2023

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Madam Chair,

I take this opportunity, as this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor, to congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (the Fourth Committee) and to assure you of my delegation’s full support to you and other members of the Bureau during your tenure. My delegation looks forward to constructive and active participation in discussions and debates on the agenda of this committee.

While associating itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, my delegation would like to reiterate its firm position to support all activities of the international community to accelerate the process of decolonization under the United Nations Charter as well as the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and further relevant General Assembly resolutions and the provisions.

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the need for the elimination of colonialism in all forms and manifestations as well as modern neocolonial practices, including economic exploitation, Unilateral Coercive Measures, limitations on access to new technologies, and other colonial policies. All such policies, cannot be reconciled with either the Charter of the United Nations or other seminal documents such as the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

In accordance with the United Nations Charter, the people of colonial countries have the right to choose their political system and the direction of their future. Considering the importance of this definitive provision, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to emphasize the need for the decolonization process to remain one of the major priorities of the UN's agenda. In addition, it is important to remind the administering powers of their responsibilities under the Charter to protect the human and natural resources of Non-Self-Governing Territories against any possible abuse. The administering powers must take all necessary measures not only to prevent any economic activity or military operations that could adversely affect the environment, health and economic development of the people of the Non-Self-Governing Territories but also to compensate the people of these territories for any repercussions they have incurred as a result of past actions or operations that have been carried out by respective administering powers in these territories.

It is also a necessity to ensure that all people who have suffered as a result of colonial rule or occupation are compensated fairly for any human and material losses they have suffered as a result of colonial rule or occupation. In this regard, we continue to lay emphasis on the political, economic, social and educational advancement of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the decolonization process as a prerequisite for any decision taken to change the status of these territories.

Madam Chair,

Distinguished delegates,

Throughout history, people in Non-Self-Governing and occupied territories around the world have faced years of exploitation and oppression. Our solidarity with them at the international forums is based on our commitment to respecting their rights under international rules and regulations. The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses sympathy with them, particularly with people whose lives have been systematically ruined by imperialist, colonial, supremacist, and neocolonial practices, such as the plunder of natural resources, by foreign powers with colonial mentalities. In our capacity as members of the international community, it is our obligation to ensure that their legitimate demands are fully met in a timely and peaceful manner in order to maximize their potential in the course of implementing their respective national development plans. We believe this will allow them to effectively utilize their abilities and make their own destiny.

On the question of Western Sahara, which is still on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories in Africa, while welcoming any attempt to decrease hostilities between Parties, we would like to convey our support for the ongoing process of negotiations with a view to achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in line with the United Nations resolution 1514 (XV) on granting independence to colonial countries and peoples as well as the UN Charter. It also becomes imperative that the international community takes it upon itself to the implementation of all UN-adopted resolutions and decisions on Western Sahara and also continue humanitarian assistance to the Sahrawi people.

In conclusion, the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its full support for the Non-Self-Governing Territories, as well as the people of Palestine and Puerto Rico, in the realization of their aspirations to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination. Therefore, with the aim of showing our ongoing commitment to a brighter future including the definitive conclusion of the decolonization process around the world, we reaffirm our firm intention to continue participating vigorously and constructively in all efforts directed towards the achievement of a world free from colonialism and of course neo-colonialism.

I thank you