Falklands: UK Statement at the UN Fourth Committee on Decolonization

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN’s Special Political and Decolonization Fourth Committee. “The United Kingdom has no doubt about its sovereignty over both the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands, and their surrounding maritime areas”.

“Nor do we have any doubt about the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination.”

“This is enshrined in the UN Charter and in Article One of both UN covenants on human rights, by virtue of which they are free to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

“In the 2013 referendum, which was conducted in line with international standards and was observed by independent, international observers, 99.8 per cent of those who voted wanted to remain their current status as a British Overseas Territory.

“Argentina’s decision to initiate arbitration against the United Kingdom under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the latest attempt to undermine the rights and livelihoods of the people of the Falkland Islands.

“The people of the Falkland Islands have freely and democratically chosen their future, and they have every right to develop and manage their natural resources without intimidation, coercion, or interference from others.

“Hydrocarbon activities on the Falkland Islands continental shelf are regulated under Falkland Islands law and conducted in full accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.

“The United Kingdom will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Falkland Islands Government and the Falkland Islanders.

“We will robustly defend their wishes, their economy, and their right to determine their own future”.