THE UNITED NATIONS AND DECOLONlZATION: AN APPRISAL

This article provides a comprehensive appraisal of the role of the United Nations in the process of decolonization. It examines the legal and political framework for decolonization established under the UN Charter, particularly the principles of self-determination and the responsibilities of administering powers. The study traces the evolution of the UN's role, from the early trusteeship system to the more assertive stance adopted following the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The research assesses the effectiveness of various UN bodies, such as the Special Committee on Decolonization (Committee of 24), in monitoring progress and putting political pressure on colonial powers. The paper analyzes key case studies to illustrate the UN's successes and limitations in facilitating peaceful transitions to independence and concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of the decolonization era.

The decolonization of Asia and Africa was one of the most transformative global processes of the 20th century, and the United Nations played a central role in shaping its trajectory. This paper offers a critical appraisal of the organization's contribution to the end of colonial empires. The analysis begins by examining the foundational principles of the UN Charter, contrasting the limited provisions on "Non-Self-Governing Territories" with the more powerful idea of the right to self-determination. The study argues that the UN became a crucial political arena where newly independent states could form a powerful bloc to champion the cause of decolonization. A pivotal moment analyzed in detail is the adoption of the 1960 Declaration on Decolonization, which fundamentally shifted the international norm against colonialism. The paper evaluates the practical work of the UN, focusing on the activities of the Special Committee on Decolonization. It assesses how the Committee used its mandate for fact-finding, debate, and public condemnation to isolate and pressure the remaining colonial powers, particularly Portugal and the apartheid regime in South Africa. The research also acknowledges the limitations of the UN's power, highlighting cases where Cold War politics and the interests of major powers impeded the decolonization process. In conclusion, the article affirms that while the UN's role was often more normative and political than coercive, its contribution to legitimizing the struggle for independence and providing a platform for anti-colonial solidarity was indispensable to the historic dismantling of global colonial systems.