On behalf of the Special Committee of 24 on decolonisation, I welcome this opportunity to address the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly as it takes up consideration of the draft resolution on Tokelau. Since this is the first time I take the floor, may I offer to you, Mr. Chairman, as well as to the other members of the Bureau, our congratulations on the assumption of your duties.

At the end of last month, I returned to New York following a visit to Tokelau, where, at the joint invitation of the New Zealand and Tokelau Govenments, I represented the Special Committee on Decolonization during Tokelau’s second referendum on self-government in free association with New Zealand. Accompanying me from the Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political Affairs was Ms. Lone Jessen and, joining us from Australia, Ms. Ariane Rummery, an Information Officer representing the Department of Public Information. Also present from the UN to formally monitor the referendum were representatives of the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs Mr. Deryck Fritz, and from Fiji, Mr. Walter Rigamoto.

Let me briefly review some of the activities leading up to the two referenda. In August 2005, the General Fono – which is the national representative body of Tokelau -- approved the text of a draft Treaty of Free Association between Tokelau and New Zealand as a basis for self-determination. It also appointed a Translation Committee as well as a Referendum Commission. Subsequently, in November 2005, the General Fono approved the translation of a “home-grown” and much-consulted draft Constitution as well as the draft Treaty with New Zealand.

A first referendum was held in Tokelau in February 2006, which I also attended on behalf of the Special Committee. At that time 60 per cent of Tokelauans voted yes to self-government in free association with New Zealand, narrowly missing a required two-thirds majority. It is important to note that prior to both referenda, the General Fono had agreed that an overall majority of two thirds or 66 per cent of the valid votes cast would be required for a change in Tokelau’s status. This represents a significant threshold of votes reflecting the importance of the decision that the people of Tokelau were being asked to make with regard to the Territory’s status. The 18-month time period between the two referenda was used to conduct extensive consultations with Tokelauan communities abroad and to undertake activities such as meetings, workshops and radio programmes in Tokelau as part of a civic education and public awareness campaign for the population on the issues relating to the referendum process.

The October 2007 referendum to determine Tokelau’s future status took place over the period 20-24 October 2007, with voting in Apia on 20 October (for eligible Tokelauans residing in Samoa), and in Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu, the three atolls of Tokelau, on 22, 23 and 24 October, respectively.

In numbers, a total of 697 voters turned out, representing an impressive 88 per cent age turnout. In the vote, 5 ballots were rejected, 446 were in favour and 246 against. This meant that 64, 4 per cent of registered Tokelauan voters pronounced themselves in favour of Self-Government in Free Association with New Zealand. However, that percentage was again just short of meeting the required threshold of a two thirds majority.

The entire polling process as you might have seen from the Secretary-General’s statement following the reporting from the Electoral Assistance Division, and from the New Zealand Electoral Commission, as well as from reported media accounts, has been universally praised. Every step of the process was very professionally conducted. However, it is fair to say that not meeting the required 2/3 majority for a change in status has left the sixty four per cent majority of Tokelauans deeply disappointed following all the preparations and hard work which preceded this referendum.

I should reiterate that General Assembly resolution 1541, which complements the Declaration on Decolonization, underlines that whatever the option chosen for an act of self-determination by the peoples of a Non-Self-Governing Territory, the result must reflect the freely expressed wishes of the people. We believe that this has been the case with regard to Tokelau, and there is no question that the result is accepted and respected by all Tokelauans, the UN Secretary-General, and the New Zealand Government – and similarly, I am sure, by members of both the Special and Fourth Committees.

The international community can be assured that the efforts put into the referendum process were not a wasted opportunity, as they have greatly enhanced the level of awareness amongst the people of Tokelau of all the issues as they relate to self-determination. The General Fono has indicated that the vote is seen as a step in a process towards self-determination and has decided that a period of reflection is needed before Tokelau decides on any possible future action. The challenges for Tokelau’s leadership now is to consider and address, in a spirit of lessons learned, the concerns of the 35 per cent of Tokelauans who voted no in the referendum so as to unite the small Tokelauan population in its future course of action.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Special Committee for enabling me and my colleagues from the UN to observe the referendum. I note with gratitude the continued commitment from both the Fourth and the Special Committee towards Tokelau. It is absolutely imperative that the United Nations continue to assist Tokelau.

I would also like to reiterate my gratitude to the Tokelauan people, as well as the Tokelauan and New Zealand authorities, for their hospitality and generosity.

May I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the valuable contributions made by UNDP Samoa, especially to Ms. Georgina Bonin, Assistant Resident Representative for the assistance rendered to Tokelau leading up to the referendum. UNDP continues its important development work in Tokelau. I also note the work done by the UN’s Department of Public Information, the regional and international press for highlighting the referendum around the globe.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge the contribution and professional commitment of the Administrator for Tokelau, Mr. David Payton, as well as that of the Tokelauan General Manager, Mr. Jovilisi Suveinakama and their staff. I strongly urge them to continue their important work. In the same vein the Special Committee continues to note New Zealand’s valuable contribution and cooperation as Tokelau’s administering Power, and we call upon them to continue on this exemplary path.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Copyright: Michael Field