Why the New International Day Against Colonialism Matters
The United Nations has officially designated December 14 as the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. While the date commemorates the 1960 UN resolution that called for decolonization, the recent vote reveals a shifting geopolitical landscape where the legacy of empire still shapes policy decisions.
Key Takeaways from the UN Vote
- Vote tally: 114 in favor, 2 against, 56 abstentions.
- Opponents: Only the United States and Israel voted “no.”
- Abstainers: Former colonial powers such as the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands chose to sit on the fence.
- Supporters: BRICS members, most African, Asian, and Latin‑American states, and North Korea backed the resolution.
Future Trends Shaping the Anti‑Colonial Agenda
1. Growing Use of “International Law – Selective Application” Narrative
Since the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, nations increasingly question whether international law is applied impartially. Expect more countries to invoke the anti‑colonial framework when disputing sanctions, humanitarian interventions, or UN peacekeeping mandates.
Example: In 2024, several African parliamentarians cited the new UN day to demand a review of “resource‑driven” sanctions on nations they claim are remnants of neo‑colonial pressure.
2. BRICS as the Driving Force Behind a New Decolonization Dialogue
BRICS nations have positioned themselves as champions of “sovereignty‑first” policies. Their collective diplomacy may lead to:
- Weekly multilateral forums on post‑colonial development.
- Joint funding mechanisms for infrastructure in former colonies, bypassing traditional Western lenders.
- Shared legal strategies at the International Court of Justice to challenge perceived “colonial” actions.
For a deeper look at BRICS’ role, read our analysis of BRICS and decolonization.
3. Digital Platforms Amplifying Anti‑Colonial Voices
Social media algorithms now surface “decolonization” content more often, especially after major conflicts. Expect:
- Increased citizen journalism from occupied territories.
- Crowdsourced data sets mapping historical colonial assets.
- Virtual reality projects that educate audiences about past imperial rule.
4. Institutional Reforms Within the UN System
Member states are pushing for:
- Revisions to the UN Charter to embed self‑determination clauses.
- A permanent “Decolonization Office” reporting directly to the General Assembly.
- Annual impact assessments of former colonial powers’ economic ties with their ex‑territories.
Real‑World Case Studies
Palestine’s Pursuit of International Recognition
Following the UN resolution, Palestine has filed a new petition at the International Criminal Court, arguing that the attempt to “erase” its identity mirrors classic colonial practices.
Data point: In the first six months after the resolution, the number of UN‑registered NGOs focusing on Palestinian rights grew by 27 % (source: UNNGO Database 2025).
South‑South Cooperation in Africa
Kenya and Nigeria recently signed a $1.2 billion joint venture to develop renewable energy projects in former British colonies, deliberately sidestepping Western financing to reduce “neo‑colonial debt traps.”
Did You Know?
December 14 1941 marks the day the United Nations General Assembly first adopted Resolution 1514, declaring the “right of peoples to self‑determination.” The 2025 resolution is the first to explicitly label the day an “International Day against Colonialism.”
Pro Tip for Activists and Policy Makers
Leverage the UN’s new observance to schedule bilateral talks, host webinars, and launch media campaigns. Align your agenda with the resolution’s language to gain credibility and attract global media coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the International Day against Colonialism aim to achieve?
- It seeks to keep colonial legacies on the global agenda, promote self‑determination, and pressure states to honor UN decolonization commitments.
- Why did the United States and Israel vote against the resolution?
- Both countries face ongoing accusations of practicing forms of modern colonialism—Israel regarding Gaza and the West regarding strategic influence in former colonies.
- How can businesses respond to this new UN focus?
- Adopt “decolonial due diligence,” reassess supply chains for exploitative practices, and consider partnerships with enterprises in formerly colonized regions.
- Will this day become a platform for legal actions?
- Yes. Several nations have already indicated they will use the observance to file cases at the International Court of Justice and the ICC.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
Monitor these signals over the next 5‑10 years:
- Expansion of “anti‑colonial” language in trade agreements.
- Increased funding for research on historical reparations.
- Potential creation of a “Decolonization Fund” within the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
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