CONTOURS OF TRUE DECOLONIZATION VIS-À-VIS THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION

Abstract

The United Nations’ General Assembly in her Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples which Declaration is otherwise known as General Assembly Resolution 1514(XV) recognized, among other things, the passionate yearning for freedom in all dependent peoples and the decisive role of such peoples in the attainment of their independence and that the peoples of the world ardently desire the end of colonialism/colonization in all its manifestations. The United Nations General Assembly in the aforementioned Instrument firmly communicated her belief that the process of liberation is irresistible and irreversible and that, in order to avoid serious crises, an end must be put to colonialism and all practices of segregation and discrimination associated therewith. There are also other Resolutions of the United Nations’ General Assembly which do not only frown firmly at any form or manifestation of colonialism but equally affirm the right of [indigenous] people to self-determination. Though as a matter of fact, there is no controversy over the right to self-determination as long as it is in the context of decolonization, this paper interrogates the contours of true decolonization in relation to the right of all peoples to self-determination. It is the researchers’ finding that decolonization cannot be truly complete until every indigenous people in any former colony that covets autonomy / self-government is given a free and fair opportunity to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Where certain facets, structures, infrastructures, and traces of colonization are considered prejudicial, oppressive or unfavourable by any indigenous people, the right to self-determination should avail such people genuine opportunity to decide their destiny. Yes, true decolonization in any case should mean nothing less than the total liquidation and end of colonialism in all its prejudicial / unfavourable / oppressive forms and manifestations. This work recommends, in the main, a true, honest and complete decolonization of former colonies vide affirmation by the United Nations of the inalienable right to self-determination of the various indigenous peoples and the conduct of free and fair referenda to afford indigenous peoples in those former colonies genuine opportunity to determine how to pursue their respective political, economic, social and cultural developments.