Richard Buttigieg, the Chairman of the SDGG, delivered a speech to the UN Decolonisation Committee:

Good afternoon, Mr Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee.

Thank you for the opportunity to address you once again as the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group. I do so with pride, but also with concern that we must continue to repeat what should by now be beyond question: the right of our people to decide their own future.

Gibraltar has exercised that right, clearly and consistently, for more than half a century. In 1967, our people voted overwhelmingly to remain under British sovereignty, with institutions of self-government. Barely forty-four votes out of more than twelve thousand were cast for the alternative. The choice came at a price. Yet from hardship came strength. That period helped forge the Gibraltarian identity we proudly carry today.

Decades later, nothing has changed in our resolve. In 2002, by almost unanimous vote, we reaffirmed our wish to remain British with greater self-government. Today, our younger generations are equally determined that Gibraltar’s destiny must be shaped by Gibraltarians themselves.

We come before you not to ask for privilege, but for fairness. The Charter of the United Nations promises equal rights to nations large and small. The General Assembly has affirmed that all non-self-governing territories have the right to self-determination. Why then does Gibraltar remain on your list of colonies? What more must we do to be delisted?

We have asked this Committee the same question for years. We have invited you, time and again, to send a visiting mission to Gibraltar. None has come. Such a mission would allow you to see for yourselves the progress we have made, the high degree of self-government we enjoy, and the reality of life in our unique community. If you believe we remain a colony, please explain why. If you accept that we have fulfilled the criteria for delisting, then take the steps your mandate requires. Silence and inaction cannot be the answer.

Let me be clear: Gibraltar does not seek conflict or quarrel with anyone. We wish to live in harmony with our neighbours, to cooperate for regional prosperity, and to build trust through dialogue. But harmony cannot be achieved by ignoring the voice of a people. Partnership cannot be built on the denial of rights.

Some may say Gibraltar is small. But dignity does not depend on size. Our children deserve the same rights as children born in larger nations. They deserve to know that international law protects their ability to choose their future.

Mr Chairman, members of the Committee, the people of Gibraltar will never surrender their right to self-determination. We will never accept being treated as a bargaining chip. Gibraltar and the Gibraltarians are simply not interested in swapping one sovereignty for another. We are, and we shall remain, proud British Gibraltarians — determined to shape our own destiny.

We ask you today not for sympathy, but for positive action. Show that the principles of the United Nations apply equally to all. Acknowledge our progress. And above all, respect the democratic will of our people.

Thank you.