51猎奇

Secretary-General Javier Perez De Cuellar congratulates Sam Nujoma as the new President of the Republic of Namibia in a crowded stadium.
On 21 March 1990, Namibia was born as a free, sovereign and independent nation. The then UN Secretary-General, Javier Perez De Cuellar, congratulated Sam Nujoma, the newly sworn in President of the Republic of Namibia.
Photo:UN Photo/John Isaac

Ending colonialism in all its forms and manifestations

In 2025, with the adoption of resolution , the United Nations established 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. This observance reaffirms the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (), emphasizing the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

This International Day supports the UN’s determination to implement the and related decisions, and to promote decolonization as one of its main mandates.

As part of the inaugural celebration of the Day, the United Nations is hosting on 18 December, a one-day high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, with the participation of Member States and observers, as well as of the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council and the Secretary-General. The meeting is to advance global dialogue on the full implementation of UN resolutions on decolonization.

General Assembly hall with GA President at the podium

High-Level Plenary Meeting

In accordance with General Assembly resolution 80/106, the President of the General Assembly is convening a one-day high-level plenary meeting.
Date: 18 December 2025
Time: 10:00 am -1:00 pm and 3:00 – 6:00 pm (EST)
Location: General Assembly Hall, New York

Background

More than sixty years after the adoption of , colonialism in its various forms continues to exist, undermining the principles of the UN Charter, with an impact on social, cultural, and economic development.  

The eradication of colonialism remains a key priority for the United Nations, particularly under the (2021-2030).

Get Involved

Everyone can play a role in advancing the eradication of colonialism. Individuals and organizations can:

  • Participate in UN observances and educational events
  • Engage with grassroots and community-led movements
  • Explore UN resources and contribute to discussions on decolonization

Visit the UN and Decolonization to learn more about ongoing efforts.

United Nations and Decolonization: Past to Present

 

Since the United Nations was established in 1945, more than 80 former colonies have gained their independence.

Statements

Key Documents

  • UN Charter
  • General Assembly Resolution establishing the Day ()
  • Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples ()
  • Principles which should guide Member States in determining whether or not an obligation exists to transmit the information called for under Article 73e of the Charter ()
  • Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations ()
two children with flowers in their hair

When the United Nations was founded in 1945, some 750 million people, nearly a third of the world's population, lived in Territories that were dependent on colonial Powers. Today, fewer than 2 million people live under colonial rule in the 17 remaining non-self-governing territories. The wave of decolonization, which changed the face of the planet, was born with the UN and represents the world body’s first great success.

 

group of dancers in traditional attire

In the UN Charter, a Non-Self-Governing Territory is defined as a territory “whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government.” In 1946, several UN Member States identified a number of territories under their administration that were not self-governing and placed them on a UN list. As a result of the decolonization process over the years, most of the territories were removed from the list.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.