UN Special Committee on Decolonization: Resolutions on Puerto Rico (1972-present)

Since 1972, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) has passed over 40 resolutions calling on the United States to allow Puerto Rico to exercise its right to self-determination. These resolutions — consistently ignored by the United States — constitute the international community's ongoing recognition that Puerto Rico remains a colony.

Key Resolutions:

1972: The Special Committee first took up the case of Puerto Rico, passing a resolution recognizing the 'inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV).'

1978: Called on the United States to 'refrain from any political or repressive action' against independence advocates and to release political prisoners.

2006: Reaffirmed that Puerto Rico is a 'non-self-governing territory' and that the people of Puerto Rico have the right to self-determination.

2016: After the passage of PROMESA and the imposition of the Fiscal Oversight Board, the committee passed a resolution expressing concern about the 'serious deterioration of the political, economic, and social situation in Puerto Rico.'

2023: The most recent resolution called on the United States to 'expedite a process that would allow the Puerto Rican people to fully exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.'

U.S. Response:
The United States has consistently ignored these resolutions, arguing that:
1. Puerto Rico is not a colony but a self-governing Commonwealth
2. The UN removed Puerto Rico from the Non-Self-Governing Territories list in 1953
3. The Special Committee has no authority over U.S. domestic affairs

Why the UN Matters Despite U.S. Rejection:
- The resolutions document the international community's position that Puerto Rico's status is a colonial question
- They provide a legal record that may be relevant in future status proceedings
- They counter the U.S. narrative that Puerto Rico is self-governing
- They keep international attention on Puerto Rico's colonial status
- Petitioners from Puerto Rico (independence, statehood, and Commonwealth supporters) have testified before the committee, ensuring the colonial question remains in international discourse

The Paradox: The U.S. used Resolution 1514 (Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples) to pressure European colonial powers to decolonize their territories. But when the same principles are applied to Puerto Rico, the U.S. rejects them. This selective application of international law is itself an exercise of colonial privilege.