UN Decolonisation Committee hears calls for action; NZ reaffirms Pacific commitment

The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation has heard renewed calls for action regarding New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam, and Tokelau. Pacific representatives, petitioners, and administering powers debated the pace of self-determination and decolonisation in these territories. The committee subsequently approved three draft resolutions aimed at enhancing UN support for the world's remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.

These measures include provisions for improved information sharing, stricter reporting obligations, and the facilitation of visiting missions. New Caledonia was a dominant topic during the debates, with petitioners urging the UN to play a more active role in addressing the French territory's political crisis and advancing its self-determination process.

In related diplomatic news, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters affirmed the country's commitment to the Pacific region as a top priority. During a Parliamentary Select Committee scrutiny hearing, Peters noted a significant increase in funding for foreign aid to the Pacific over the next three years. He emphasized that small countries matter and New Zealand treats Pacific nations as equals. Peters also addressed the gap created by the US's reduction in international aid and mentioned discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about revisiting this stance.

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small countries matter, and New Zealand takes the approach to treat Pacific countries as equals.