Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Germany abstained on the resolution entitled “International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.”

During the colonial era, Germany was among the countries that caused immense suffering in various parts of the world. We recognize our historical responsibility.

In recent years, public awareness in Germany about the crimes and atrocities committed during the colonial period, and their lasting consequences, has grown significantly. This awareness has led to concrete policies aimed at addressing the legacies of colonialism.

This includes supporting independent academic research into Germany’s colonial past as well as naming and recognizing the injustices that have been committed. For example, based on our strong and cordial relationship, Germany and Namibia have initiated a political dialogue to address the atrocities committed by German colonial troops against the Ovaherero and Nama communities from 1904 to 1908—atrocities that resulted in genocide. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as well, during his visit to Tanzania in 2023, asked for forgiveness for Germany's colonial crimes.

German museums actively research the provenance of their artifacts, and some of these have been returned to their countries of origin, in consultation with the affected communities.

When addressing our colonial past, it is essential for us to do so in dialogue with the governments, societies, and diaspora of former colonies. Open discussion and mutual listening are the only ways to build authentic partnerships and to overcome the colonial legacy.

Mr. Chair,

For Germany, confronting the legacies of colonialism remains a critical and ongoing priority. It is against this background, that we regret that we were not able to support this resolution.

With the introduction of this agenda item, we believe there is a duplication of processes, both within the Fourth Committee and with regard to the Third Committee.

Moreover, we share the concerns raised by Poland and many other Member States about the motive of one of the sponsors of this resolution—a UN Member State that has been waging a war of aggression against a neighboring country for over three years. We would strongly recommend that this Member State embrace PP9 of the resolution, which states, and I quote: “Reaffirming that any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.” End of quote.

This Member State seeks to present itself as an advocate of decolonization and an opponent of imperialism, yet it simultaneously justifies its aggression using a profoundly imperialist rationale—claiming a “sphere of influence” over sovereign nations and denying them the sovereign right to make their own decisions regarding alliances and governance.

Therefore, we cannot consider this endeavor a fully credible contribution to addressing the legacy of colonialism.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.