Statement at the Caribbean regional seminar on the implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism on the theme “Advancing progress, renewed commitments, partnerships and innovative approaches”

delivered by Mr. Magsad Huseynov, First Secretary
Managua, Republic of Nicaragua, 25 May 2026

Madam Chair,

At the outset, I would like to join other speakers in commending your efforts and leadership and in thanking the Government of Nicaragua for hosting this regional seminar and warm hospitality.

Madam Chair, Azerbaijan has consistently advocated for the full realisation of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly on decolonization.

During its 2019-2023 Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan had placed particular emphasis on the strengthening of the Movement's collective voice in support of the urgency of decolonization.

In 2024 and 2025, Azerbaijan participated in the regional seminars organised by the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (C24), held in Caracas and Dili, respectively.

In its written submission to the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 75/123, entitled "Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism" (A/80/80), Azerbaijan emphasised its steadfast support for the decolonization efforts of the United Nations and called for the speeding up of this process towards the complete elimination of colonialism.

Madam Chair, in the context of advancing socioeconomic developments, it is essential to take all possible measures to ensure that the permanent sovereignty of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories over their natural resources is fully respected and safeguarded.

In recognising the inalienable rights of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, the General Assembly has consistently reaffirmed the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources, as one of the indispensable prerequisites of the development, and also condemned the exploitation and plundering of natural resources and any economic activities which are detrimental to the interests of the peoples of those Territories and deprive them of their legitimate rights over their natural resources.

Furthermore, the General Assembly has consistently reaffirmed the value of foreign economic investment undertaken in collaboration with the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and in accordance with their wishes in order to make a valid contribution to the socioeconomic development of the Territories, especially during times of economic and financial crisis.

It is also important that States, in line with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, including in particular resolution 80/105 of 8 December 2025 (“Implementation of the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”), directly and through their action in the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, provide moral and material assistance to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

In this context, it is essential that donor countries, multilateral organisations, and other development partners give utmost consideration to the needs of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, including by considering an increase in technical assistance for the development of infrastructure, industry, agriculture, health care and education.

Moreover, sustained attention should be given to the protection of the environment and ecological restoration in and the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Non-Self-Governing Territories. In his report on the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (A/80/80), the Secretary-General recognised the vulnerability of these Territories to climate change and advocated for adequate and sustainable resources and support to build resilience and invest in their future.

Further, with a view to supporting cultural development of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, it is important to redouble efforts to ensure the return or restitution of the illegally removed or stolen cultural objects to these Territories.

Madam Chair, there is a need for increased attention and efforts to ensure full compliance with international law, the advancement of the principles of self-determination, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and the effective implementation of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly to achieve the total eradication of colonialism in all its forms. It is equally essential to draw attention to the implementation of the conclusions and recommendations of the United Nations human rights treaty monitoring bodies with regard to the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

I would like to reaffirm Azerbaijan's resolve to continue its collaboration with the United Nations, Member States, and other relevant stakeholders, with a view to accelerating progress towards that end.

Thank you.