Question of Gilbert Islands.

32. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE FOURTH COMMITTEE
23. Question of the Gilbert Islands

The General Assembly, Having considered the question of the Gilbert Islands, Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,[1] Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Having heard the statement of the administering Power relating to developments in the Territory,[2] Noting with satisfaction that the Gilbert Islands attained full internal self-government on 1 January 1977, to be followed by a general election to be held no later than 13 August 1978 and by a constitutional conference prior to independence, Noting further that the constitutional conference to be held in preparation for independence, to which representatives of the Banaban community will be invited, will take into account the special rights and interests of the Banaban community, Bearing in mind that the phosphate resources of the Territory will soon be exhausted,

1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to the Gilbert Islands;[3]

2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the Gilbert Islands to self-determination and independence in conformity with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples;

3. Expresses the hope that the constitutional conference will lead to independence for the Gilbert Islands in accordance with the Declaration and that the constitution to be agreed upon will respect the special rights and interests of the Banaban community;

4. Requests that steps be taken towards diversifying the economy of the Territory and that the administering Power continue to enlist the assistance of the specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system, as well as of regional bodies, in the development and strengthening of the economy of the Territory;

5. Requests the Special Committee to continue to seek the best ways and means for the implementation of the Declaration with respect to the Gilbert Islands, including the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission in consultation with the administering Power, and to report to the General Assembly at its thirty-third session on the implementation of the present resolution.

83rd plenary meeting
28 November 1977

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[1] Official Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-second Session, Supplement No. 23 (A/32/Rev.1), vol. I, chap. III, and vol. III, chap. XIX. [2] Ibid., Thirty-second Session, Fourth Committee, 12th meeting, paras. 12-21. [3] Ibid., Thirty-second Session, Supplement No. 23 (A/32/Rev.1), vol. III, chap. XIX.