NationStates Jolt Archive

I am reading the text of the UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES, and there are a few points in it that, in my opinion, are questionable to say the least.

"...Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence."
Should it not? Wouldn't an attempt at self-determination of a nation that does not have sufficient preparedness to it be likely to result in chaos and bloodshed, like it happened after the decolonization in the majority of the new states? What if such attempt would be likely to bring about a major destabilization? Wouldn't it contradict the declared goal of the declaration-
"...creation of conditions of stability and well-being"?

Another point:


"Any attempt aimed at partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

This seems to suggest that nations who live under the rule of an established state (like the Basques in Spain or the Albanians in Kosovo) should not be allowed to make a claim for independence. But does that sound right to you?

I am reading the text of the UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES, and there are a few points in it that, in my opinion, are questionable to say the least.

"...Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence."
Should it not? Wouldn't an attempt at self-determination of a nation that does not have sufficient preparedness to it be likely to result in chaos and bloodshed, like it happened after the decolonization in the majority of the new states? What if such attempt would be likely to bring about a major destabilization? Wouldn't it contradict the declared goal of the declaration-
"...creation of conditions of stability and well-being"?

But don't you see, we can't let reality start interfering with our ideals... :wink:

Another point:


"Any attempt aimed at partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

This seems to suggest that nations who live under the rule of an established state (like the Basques in Spain or the Albanians in Kosovo) should not be allowed to make a claim for independence. But does that sound right to you?

It would depend on the specific circumstances.