The Non-Aligned Movement

History

The origins of the Movement go back to the Asian-African Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia, in April 1955, where 29 states adopted the ten principles that still guide the Movement today.

The first Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries was held in Belgrade in September 1961 with the participation of 25 states. Since then, Summits have been held regularly, and membership has grown to 120 states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe.

Bandung Principles

1. Respect for fundamental human rights and for the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
2. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
3. Recognition of the equality of all races and of the equality of all nations, large and small.
4. Abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of another country.
5. Respect for the right of each nation to defend itself singly or collectively, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations.
6. Abstention from the use of arrangements of collective defence to serve the particular interests of any of the big powers, and abstention by any country from exerting pressures on other countries.
7. Refraining from acts or threats of aggression or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any country.
8. Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations.
9. Promotion of mutual interests and cooperation.
10. Respect for justice and international obligations.

Member States and Observers

Observer organisations

Working mechanisms

Previous Chairmanships