Falkland Islands legislator Gavin Goss addressed the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) on May 26, 2026, asserting the territory's right to self-determination. Speaking in New York, Goss stated, 'We have nothing to hide,' emphasizing the Falklands' commitment to transparency in its governance and international relations.
Goss, a member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, reiterated that the islands' status as a British Overseas Territory is based on the democratic will of its residents. He highlighted the 2013 referendum, in which 99.8% of voters chose to remain British, as a clear expression of self-determination. The legislator also noted the Falklands' economic self-sufficiency and its contributions to fisheries conservation in the South Atlantic.
The address comes amid ongoing sovereignty claims by Argentina, which asserts historical rights over the islands, known as the Malvinas in Spanish. The UN committee annually debates the Falklands issue, with Argentina urging bilateral talks with the UK. Goss countered that any discussion must respect the islanders' wishes, stating, 'Our future is not for others to decide.'
The UK government supports the Falklands' position, with a Foreign Office spokesperson reaffirming that 'self-determination is a fundamental right.' No immediate response from Argentina was available at the time of reporting.
