EU Presidency Statement - Right of peoples to self-determination

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union with regard to agenda item 116 entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination". The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries - members of the European Economic Area - Iceland and Norway declare that they align themselves with this statement.

The right of peoples to self-determination deserves the closest attention of the international community. Over the last decades all regions of the world have witnessed or directly experienced conflicts, most of which have been within rather than between states. There has been a growing demand for the recognition of the right to self-determination. We are all called to make sure that this right is fully respected and ensured in accordance with international law. In this respect the United Nations have a prominent role to play.

Article 1 of the United Nations Charter clearly illustrates the link between the respect for the principle of self-determination and the strengthening of international peace. In particular, article 1.2 points out that one of the purposes of the United Nations is "to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace".

Common article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides that all peoples have the right of self determination and by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. The Covenants request State Parties to promote the realisation of and the respect for the right of self determination in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.

The European Union firmly believes that respect for the right of self determination is closely associated with respect for other human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including the principle of equality between the citizens.

The respect of the right of self-determination requires the holding of free, regular and fair elections within the framework of a democratic society. Full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is also essential, including the right of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, the right to participate in political life, freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Accountability in public affairs and the freedom and independence of the media are also fundamental elements. These civil and political rights can contribute to individuals' enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights, underlining that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent.

Mr. Chairman,

The right of peoples to self-determination is included in States' obligations in the field of human rights. For the European Union, it is important that peoples should be able to determine the framework of their lives in the present international community. We encourage all States to respect their obligations in this field and to co-operate with others to ensure that they are implemented world-wide.

Finally, the EU wishes to strongly reaffirm that the right to self determination includes the opportunity for each individual to follow, support, and criticize actions of political institutions of their countries.

Thank you.

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• EU Presidency Statement - The right to self-determination (31/10/2001)