Our continuing commitment to self-determination for Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island's history has been marred and rewritten by the impacts of colonialism, the abolition of our government and laws, and the forceful dispossession of the rights and homeland promised to our people in 1856.

Our group's mission is the pursuit of lasting and internationally recognised self-determination. We will not fight for changes unless they are protected by accountable frameworks, that enable equity and natural justice for all of us.

The past weeks have been spent in contact with UK based legal, political and United Nations subject matter experts to ensure we maximise our opportunity to not only raise the profile of the current Norfolk Island situation and past 6 years lived experience, but also to meet with and gain some insights from other non-self-governing territory reps on their progression to be listed with the UN. Our meeting schedule aligns with our core purpose, to progress the Norfolk Island petition to the UN, and the document of support to return the Pitcairn Register to our island home.

It should be noted that Norfolk Island should have been listed as a “Non-Self-Governing Territory” as obligated under the United Nations Resolution 1514, passed on 14 December 1960 which proclaimed the necessity of ‘bringing a speedy and unconditional end to colonialism in all its forms and manifestations’ and declared:

“All peoples have the right to self-determination and by virtue of that right can freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”. (United Nations General Assembly resolution 1514)

On 15 December 1960 the United Nations passed resolution 1514, which had the effect of requiring Australia under international law to list Norfolk Island on to the United Nations list of ‘non-self-governing territories'. Once listed Norfolk Island could then  participate in a United Nations assisted transition towards a legally protected and accountable governance model designed in accordance with the wishes of the Norfolk Island People.

The ultimate advantage of this UN process is that there is appropriate structure to protect the agreed democratic and socio-economic frameworks, meaning that no government can suddenly take away democracy, a system of governance, infrastructure and assets. We have over 100 years of experience, that has demonstrated the deception, misrepresentation, defamation and dictatorship can continue - if we do not change the model. We must bring international scrutiny, contemporary and trustworthy partnerships, equity and sensitivity and a United Nations process and oversight to ensure we all have an opportunity to build a collaborative, empowered and successful future. A brief evaluation of islands already in free association arrangements will give some insight into the democratic and cultural stability that is possible.

We want to be able to decide our own future, a sentiment reflected by the collective desire of our people in the 2015 referendum.

Our group preparation has included meeting with the NI Council of Elders and NI People for Democracy to ensure we share the imperative for Norfolk Island’s progression to self-determination. We continue to seek community feedback to inform and support our mission as it progresses to Great Britain in 3 weeks. Our petition is still circulating for the capture of community support towards a more equitable and certain future, we will be in Foodland’s Saturday 21^st October for those still wanting to contribute.

Our group intends to continue to do whatever it takes until such time as Norfolk Island achieves self-determination and is formally and legally decolonised.

Sincerely, Vickie, Brian, Kane, Andre’