978-1-4222-3430-3

In 2004, the Pacific island of Tokelau, administered by New Zealand, chose to become freely associated with New Zealand as an Associated State. And in 2007, the people of Tokelau voted to remain a territory of New Zealand by only 16 votes. More than 64 percent of voters wanted their tiny islands to be self-governing in free association with New Zealand. If, and when, Tokelau comes off the Non-Self-Governing Territories list, fifteen territories will remain. The Special Committee had been working hard to remove from the list as many of these territories as possible before the end of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism in 2010. The cir- cumstances facing each of these territories were unique, the challenges were great, which explains why independence for these territories has yet to pass. However, the United Nations is not giving up and the Special Committee is still hard at work. Hoping that more progress can be made, the UN has been holding regional seminars on the issue, and in 2011, set up the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. The resolution was passed on December 10, 2010. WAR ON TERROR AND SELF-DETERMINATION While the 2001 terrorist attacks against New York City and Washington, D.C., had no direct effect on the granting of independence to NSGTs, a shift in international focus occurred in the aftermath of the attacks, and the United States, Great Britain, and other allies began what is called a “war on terror.” A new heightened concern about cross-border security, the funding of terrorists, and the like took hold. In fact, some analysts feel that the United States has became less interesting in promoting and protecting human rights, such as that of self-determination, as the country turned its attention to protecting borders and people from terrorist attacks.

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United Nations