Mindful of the determination proclaimed by the peoples of the world in the
     Charter of the United Nations to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in
     the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and
     women and of nations large and small and to promote social progress and
     better standards of life in larger freedom,

     Conscious of the need for the creation of conditions of stability and
     well-being and peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for the
     principles of equal rights and self-determination of all peoples, and of
     universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental
     freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,

     Recognizing the passionate yearning for freedom in all dependent peoples
     and the decisive role of such peoples in the attainment of their
     independence,

     Aware of the increasing conflicts resulting from the denial of or impediments
     in the way of the freedom of such peoples, which constitute a serious threat
     to world peace,

     Considering the important role of the United Nations in assisting the
     movement for independence in Trust and Non- Self- Governing Territories,

     Recognizing that the peoples of the world ardently desire the end of
     colonialism in all its manifestations,

     Convinced that the continued existence of colonialism prevents the
     development of international economic co-operation, impedes the social,
     cultural and economic development of dependent peoples and militates
     against the United Nations ideal of universal peace,

     Affirming that peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural
     wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of
     international economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual
     benefit, and international law,

     Believing that the process of liberation is irresistible and irreversible and
     that, in order to avoid serious crises, an end must be put to colonialism and
     all practices of segregation and discrimination associated therewith,

     Welcoming the emergence in recent years of a large number of dependent
     territories into freedom and independence, and recognizing the increasingly
     powerful trends towards freedom in such territories which have not yet
     attained independence,

     Convinced that all peoples have an inalienable right to complete freedom,
     the exercise of their sovereignty and the integrity of their national territory,

     Solemnly proclaims the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional
     end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations;

     And to this end Declares that:

          1. The subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and
          exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is
          contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and is an
          impediment to the promotion of world peace and co-operation.

          2. All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that
          right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue
          their economic, social and cultural development.

          3. Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational
          preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying
          independence.

          4. All armed action or repressive measures of all kinds directed
          against dependent peoples shall cease in order to enable them
          to exercise peacefully and freely their right to complete
          independence, and the integrity of their national territory shall be
          respected.

          5. Immediate steps shall be taken, in Trust and
          Non-Self-Governing Territories or all other territories which have
          not yet attained independence, to transfer all powers to the
          peoples of those territories, without any conditions or
          reservations, in accordance with their freely expressed will and
          desire, without any distinction as to race, creed or colour, in
          order to enable them to enjoy complete independence and
          freedom.

          6. Any attempt aimed at the 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.

          7. All States shall observe faithfully and strictly the provisions of
          the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of
          Human Rights and the present Declaration on the basis of
          equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of all States, and
          respect for the sovereign rights of all peoples and their territorial
          integrity.