UNGA Resolution 1514 (XV) 1960 — Declaration on Decolonisation

Summary

Landmark UNGA resolution establishing the right of all colonial peoples to self-determination and independence. Declared that the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights. Paragraph 6 preserves the territorial integrity of states but paragraph 2 affirms self-determination as a universal right. This resolution is considered a key element of customary international law on self-determination.

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil diaspora legal advocates invoke UNGA 1514 to contextualise the Tamil claim to self-determination, arguing that the Tamil people constitute a distinct people whose right to political self-determination has been denied through structural discrimination; the tension between paragraphs 2 and 6 is the central doctrinal dispute.

Key provisions

• Para 1 — alien subjugation is contrary to fundamental human rights
• Para 2 — all peoples have the right to self-determination
• Para 4 — all armed action against dependent peoples shall cease
• Para 6 — territorial integrity and sovereignty shall be respected

Primary source

Related entries

• → UNGA Resolution 2625 (XXV) 1970 — Friendly Relations Declaration (UN)
• → ICCPR Article 1 — Right of Self-Determination (UN)
• → ICJ Advisory Opinion on Kosovo — Accordance with International Law of Declaration of Independence (2010) (UN)
• → UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) 2007 (UN)