UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday appealed for international assistance to non-self-governing territories in their pursuit for decolonization.

At a UN committee on decolonization, Guterres said that globally there remain 17 non-self-governing territories and that each of them "deserves attention."

He further said that "to achieve decolonization, the voices of the people of the territories should be heard" and that "the cooperation of all concerned, including the administering powers, is likewise vital."

He underscored the need for the people of these territories to understand the options regarding the political status and the right to choose their future.

The UN chief's remarks were made to the opening of the 2019 session of the Special Committee on Decolonization.

"Decolonization helped to transform the United Nations membership, propelling the Organization's growth from 51 original members to 193 today," he noted, adding decolonization is "one of the most significant chapters" of the world body and the story is still being written.

The committee annually reviews the list of territories to which the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is applicable and makes recommendations as to its implementation.

It also heard statements from representatives of non-self-governing territories, dispatches visiting missions, and organizes seminars on the political, social and economic situation in the territories.

The 17 remaining non-self-governing territories include Western Sahara, Anguilla, Bermuda and 14 others, according to data of the United Nations.