Which UN body is explicitly cited as a mechanism to support independence in decolonization efforts?

Which UN body is explicitly cited as a mechanism to support independence in decolonization efforts?

• A. Special Committee on Decolonization
• B. Security Council
• C. General Assembly
• D. International Court of Justice

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that the United Nations established a dedicated body specifically to push for decolonization and self-determination. The Special Committee on Decolonization, also known as the Committee of 24, was created by the General Assembly in 1961 with a clear mandate to monitor non-self-governing territories, promote their self-determination, and assist in achieving independence. It serves as the explicit mechanism to support independence in decolonization efforts, coordinating reports, actions, and technical assistance across the UN system to accelerate decolonization. Other UN bodies have important roles, but they are not designed as the targeted mechanism for decolonization. The Security Council focuses on threats to international peace and security, the General Assembly deliberates and adopts wide-ranging resolutions, and the International Court of Justice settles disputes and gives legal opinions, rather than directing decolonization-specific actions.

The key idea here is that the United Nations established a dedicated body specifically to push for decolonization and self-determination. The Special Committee on Decolonization, also known as the Committee of 24, was created by the General Assembly in 1961 with a clear mandate to monitor non-self-governing territories, promote their self-determination, and assist in achieving independence. It serves as the explicit mechanism to support independence in decolonization efforts, coordinating reports, actions, and technical assistance across the UN system to accelerate decolonization.

Other UN bodies have important roles, but they are not designed as the targeted mechanism for decolonization. The Security Council focuses on threats to international peace and security, the General Assembly deliberates and adopts wide-ranging resolutions, and the International Court of Justice settles disputes and gives legal opinions, rather than directing decolonization-specific actions.