New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS movement has welcomed a draft UN resolution, which affirms the indigenous peoples' right to their natural resources.
The FLNKS flag widely used in New Caledonia. Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel
The UN General Assembly approved the draft prepared by the decolonisation committee, which also considered a report into last year's referendum in New Caledonia on independence from France.
The Assembly approved with 178 votes the resolution, which relates to economic activities affecting the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.
France, Britain and the Central African Republic abstained while Israel and the US voted against it.
The movement's Mikael Forrest told local media the resolution stated in black and white that the exploitation of resources did not serve the interests of indigenous people but those of foreigners.
He also said the report found shortcomings in the transfer of power and that Kanaks continued to be under represented.