Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights

XXIX. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
3246. Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights

The General Assembly, Reaffirming its faith in resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and resolution 2621 (XXV) of 12 October 1970, containing the programme of action for the full implementation of that Declaration, Recalling, inter alia, its resolutions 2588 B (XXIV) of 15 December 1969, 2787 (XXVI) of 6 December 1971, 2955 (XXVII) of 12 December 1972, 2963 E (XXVII) of 13 December 1972, 3059 (XXVIII) of 2 November 1973 and 3070 (XVIII) of 30 November 1973, and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, Noting with appreciation the reports of the Secretary-General,[1] Noting with satisfaction the assurances given by the Government of Portugal that it will fulfil its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and comply with United Nations resolutions relevant to the right of the peoples under Portuguese administration to self-determination and independence, Indignant at the continued repression and the inhuman and degrading treatment inflicted on peoples still under colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation, especially on individuals detained or imprisoned as a result of their struggle for self-determination and independence, Reaffirming that the independence of Southern Rhodesia should not be negotiated with the illegal régime but with the authentic and recognized representatives of the Rhodesian people, Mindful of its responsibility to evolve all possible measures which will enable oppressed peoples to attain independence and self-determination and, in this regard, deploring the obstructive attitude of certain Member States, Recognizing the imperative need to put an early end to colonial rule, foreign domination and alien subjugation,

1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of all peoples under colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation to self-determination, freedom and independence in conformity with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and other relevant resolutions of the United Nations;

2. Renews its call to all States to recognize the right to self-determination and independence of all peoples subject to colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation and to offer them moral, material and other forms of assistance in their struggle to exercise fully their inalienable right to self-determination and independence;

3. Reaffirms the legitimacy of the peoples' struggle for liberation from colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation by all available means, including armed struggle;

4. Demands full respect for the basic human rights of all individuals detained or imprisoned as a result of their struggle for self-determination and independence, and strict respect for article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under which no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their immediate release;

5. Welcomes the recognition by the Government of Portugal of the right of all the peoples under its colonial administration to self-determination and independence, and the initiatives already taken in this regard;

6. Urges the Government of Portugal to continue to ensure that the process of decolonization, which will enable peoples still under its colonial administration to achieve self-determination and independence, is accomplished without delay;

7. Strongly condemns all Governments which do not recognize the right to self-determination and independence of peoples under colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation, notably the peoples of Africa and the Palestinian people;

8. Further strongly condemns the policies of those members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and those countries whose military, economic, sporting or political relations with the racist régimes of southern Africa and elsewhere encourage these régimes to persist in their suppression of the aspirations of peoples for self-determination and independence;

9. Calls upon those countries to reconsider their policies and to sever all links with the racist régimes of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia;

10. Renews its appreciation to Governments, United Nations agencies and intergovernmental. and non-governmental organizations for their efforts in extending various forms of assistance to peoples in dependent Territories and appeals to them to increase such assistance;

11. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to assist the specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system in working out measures for the provision of increased international assistance to the peoples of colonial Territories;

12. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the General Assembly at its thirtieth session.

2303rd plenary meeting
29 November 1974

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[1] A/9638 and Add.1, Add.I/Corr.1 and Add.2-5, A/9667 and Add.1.