The General Assembly,
Having considered the question of Tokelau,
Having examined the chapter of the report of the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of
the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries
and Peoples relating to the question of Tokelau,
Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,
containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples,
Cognizant of the three options on future status for Non-Self-Governing
Territories contained in Principle VI of the annex to its resolution
1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960,
Noting with appreciation that for the first time Tokelau
came together as one people and nation to speak to the United
Nations Visiting Mission, in order to address the question of
Tokelau's act of self-determination,
Aware of the special problems facing Tokelau by virtue
of its isolation, small size, limited resources and lack of infrastructure,
Reiterating the view that such factors as territorial size,
geographical location, size of population and limited natural
resources should in no way delay the implementation of the Declaration,
which fully applies to Tokelau,
Having examined the report of the United Nations Visiting
Mission to Tokelau, 1994, dispatched in July at the invitation
of the Government of New Zealand and of the General Fono (Council)
of Tokelau,
Having heard the statement of the representative of New
Zealand, the administering Power,
Noting with satisfaction the continuing exemplary cooperation
of the administering Power with regard to the work of the Special
Committee relating to Tokelau and its readiness to permit access
by United Nations visiting missions to the Territory,
1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Tokelau
to self-determination and independence in accordance with General
Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV);
2. Expresses its deep appreciation to the Ulu-o-Tokelau
(highest authority of Tokelau), the Elders of Tokelau, the Council
of Faipule (joint chairmen of the General Fono), the pulenuku
(village mayors) and all other representatives of the people of
Tokelau, as well as the administering Power, for the courtesies,
cooperation and assistance extended to the United Nations Visiting
Mission to Tokelau;
3. Takes note of the solemn declaration read by the Ulu-o-Tokelau,
on behalf of the people and their leadership, indicating a strong
preference for a future status of free association with New Zealand;
4. Notes that the people of Tokelau, through the General
Fono, the Council of Faipule and other institutions, expressed
their readiness to assume full governmental responsibility and
to conduct their own affairs within the framework of a constitution
which is currently being drafted;
5. Also notes the determination of the people of Tokelau
to exercise their right to self-determination following the establishment
and effective functioning of all branches of government in accordance
with their own constitution;
6. Welcomes the assurances of the Government of New Zealand
to meet its obligation to the United Nations with respect to Tokelau
and to abide by the freely expressed wishes of the people of Tokelau
with regard to their future status;
7. Approves the report of the United Nations Visiting Mission
to Tokelau, 1994;
8. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation with
regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to continue
to examine this question and to report thereon to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session.
83rd plenary meeting
9 December 1994