October 21th 2024

As a part of the discussion within the SPECPOL Committee, a number of delegates put forward proposals to support the independence of NSGTs. 

Proposals from various countries to amend the resolution  

Syria highlighted in the resolution that UK should respect the wishes of NSGTs by imposing sanctions if violated. It was also suggested that the territories should be placed under UN administration to support their aspirations in terms of independence. However, Syria was unable to enforce the ament. 

Ukraine emphasized the need to protect the rights of indigenous people and minorities during the decolonization process, which includes ensuring their representation in government positions. Voted by a clear majority, this proposal was added to the resolution. 

Venezuela brought forward to implement self-governing systems in the UN to prevent future conflict and unrest. This could be done by investing in infrastructure and creating local governments that work independently from former colonial powers. Venezuela managed to successfully implement their amend to the resolution as well.  

The United Kingdom agreed to take on a leading role in the dialogues on territorial disputes, with particular emphasis on Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. This proposal was rejected by a majority. Additionally, the UK underlined that support should only be given to those territories that explicitly want independence. 

Germany and South Africa called on the UN to provide constructive assistance to promote political stability, while France emphasized the need for support in terms of health and agriculture. Nevertheless, Germany was unable to bring the amendment into the resolutions, though South Africa and France did. 

The United States proposed the recognition of Tibet as an independent state to counter human rights violations by China, but this was met with resistance. 

In the end, the new and finalized resolution was rejected by a majority and must now be revised, a central point in dispute being the question of what parts of Ukraine should be recognized as independent, which led to tensions between Russia and Western countries.