BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS — The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization has unanimously adopted a draft resolution supporting continued constitutional negotiations between the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom as part of the Territory’s pursuit of self-determination.
The BVI government welcomed the initial approval, which occurred during the committee’s recent substantive session at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The draft resolution now advances to the UN Fourth Committee for a vote before proceeding to the General Assembly for final adoption.
Known as C-24, the Special Committee on Decolonization adopted the measure as a draft resolution on the Question of the British Virgin Islands.
Among its provisions, the document:
“Stresses the need for continued close monitoring by the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, of the situation in the Territory, including with regard to the constitutional review process and constitutional negotiations, in close consultation with the administering Power and the Territory Government.”
The draft also acknowledges the BVI government’s request for “UN assistance in facilitating an education programme for self-determination of the people of the British Virgin Islands,” and emphasizes the importance of the “participation of elected and appointed representatives of the British Virgin Islands in the work of the Committee.”
It also commends the Territory Government for completing the governance reform programme that began in 2022.
BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley said the C-24 decision represents the first stage of the remaining UN approval process.
“The Special Committee has completed its work for the current UN cycle that included initial approval of the draft UN resolution on the BVI, which we welcome. We look forward to the remaining UN approvals being given in due course by the international community at the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly, which will once again reaffirm the Territory’s right to self-determination.”
The draft must still be approved by the Fourth Committee, formally known as the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, before it can be considered for final adoption by the General Assembly.
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