Statement by President Hage G. Geingob on the occasion of the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations

21 September 2020

Mr. President,

It has been 75 years since the establishment of this global body in the interest of upholding the values of humanity and the principles of equality. Indeed, for the past 75 years, the United Nations has become the guarantor of human dignity for millions of people across the world. The fact that for 75 years, we have averted a Third World War, is testament to the success of this great human experiment in multilateralism.

We recognize the pivotal role this distinguished organization has played to promote and sustain world peace, and in the decolonization of Africa. As Namibians, we can attest to this fact, given our own history.

In 1960, Ethiopia and Liberia instituted proceedings against Apartheid South Africa at the International Court of Justice regarding the interpretation and application of the country’s mandate over Namibia, then South West Africa.

On July 18, 1966, the International Court of Justice dismissed the case due to a technicality. Based on that technicality the ICJ did not deal with the merits of the Case and failed to rule on the legality of Apartheid South Africa’s occupation of Namibia. However, in the same year, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 2145 which declared the Mandate terminated and that the Republic of South Africa had no further right to administer Namibia. Therefore the United Nations assumed direct responsibility for Namibia.

Thus, we are grateful that the United Nations was able to accompany us to independence and it was a proud day, when on March 21, 1990, we received the instruments of power from Secretary General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, to commence a new chapter in Namibia’s history. Click here to continue reading....

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