Statement by
Mr. Vahid Ghelich
Third Secretary
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the Fourth Committee, UNGA 77
On Agenda Items 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55: “General Debate on Decolonization”
New York, 3 October 2022
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election as Chairman of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (the Fourth Committee) and to assure you of my delegation’s full support to you and the other Bureau of the Committee during your tenure. As the world continues to grapple with rising crises and conflicts emanating from some powers' colonial and expansionism approaches, I wish to commend all efforts to unite the Member States against such wrong practices.
It is the due season for the international community to actively engage in the process of decolonization in order to eradicate colonialism in any form or manifestation. Not only should political colonialism be uprooted, but social, cultural, and economic exploitation must be eliminated. In this regard, it is of vital importance that the United Nations and relevant international organizations fulfill their responsibilities by taking sufficient measures to accelerate the process of decolonization under the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People, further relevant General Assembly resolutions, and the provisions of the UN Charter.
According to the Charter of the United Nations, people of colonial countries are entitled to choose their political system and future freely. Stressing the importance of this unequivocal provision, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to highlight that the issue of decolonization should remain one of the major priorities of the United Nations.
On this matter, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people in line with United Nations resolution 1514 (XV) on granting independence to colonial countries and peoples. We 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. It has utmost importance that the parties feel a responsibility for continuing this process within the framework of the UN-sponsored talks, without preconditions and in good faith, in conformity with the purposes and principles of 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 keep supporting the people of Western Sahara in their quest for self-determination and independence.
In conclusion, while attaching great importance to the work of the fourth committee and the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) in providing colonial countries and peoples with such assistance that can enable them to exercise their right to self-determination, my delegation reiterates its commitment to continue to support the mandate of this Committees. It spares no effort in helping the international community to put an end to colonialism successfully.
I thank you