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United Nations
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.