Ma'ohi Church Opposes US Proposal to Abolish UN Committee
The church argues the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation remains a critical forum for colonized peoples.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Christianity
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The Ma'ohi Protestant Church has issued a formal statement opposing a United States proposal to dissolve the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation. The church contends that the committee, known as the C-24, provides essential support for populations seeking self-determination.
Why it matters
The church views the committee as a vital platform for colonized peoples to voice their concerns and pursue self-governance. By opposing the US proposal, the organization seeks to preserve international oversight mechanisms for territories like French Polynesia.
The US proposal to abolish the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation was brought before the UN Fourth Committee. The committee, or C-24, remains the primary UN body dedicated to monitoring the status of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
The players
Ma'ohi Protestant Church
A religious organization that advocates for the rights and self-determination of the Ma'ohi people.
UN Special Committee on Decolonisation
Also known as the C-24, this UN body is responsible for overseeing the progress of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
The details
The Ma'ohi Protestant Church has a long history of advocacy, having previously pushed for the re-inscription of French Polynesia on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories in 2012. More recently, the church represented the Ma'ohi people during sessions before the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva in October 2024.
Timeline
In 2012, French Polynesia was re-inscribed on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
The church advocated for the Ma'ohi people in Geneva during October 2024.
The United States raised its proposal before the UN Fourth Committee on October 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
The church's intervention highlights the ongoing tension between global powers and the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This effort marks a continued reliance on international diplomatic frameworks to maintain focus on the decolonization of Pacific island territories.
The potential dissolution of this committee would remove a significant avenue for the Ma'ohi people to seek international support for self-determination. This shift could limit the ability of local populations to influence global policy and human rights debates.
The takeaway
The Ma'ohi Protestant Church maintains that the preservation of international oversight bodies is essential for the pursuit of self-governance. Readers can observe how religious institutions continue to play an active role in global human rights and political advocacy.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of faith and international human rights advocacy in our Christianity section.
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