The Fijian Government has responded to public criticism following its controversial vote against a United Nations resolution aimed at promoting independence for colonial countries and eradicating colonialism in all forms. Fiji was the sole nation to oppose the draft resolution, with 99 countries supporting it and 61 abstaining.
The resolution was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) in June and was presented to the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on October 17.
A statement from the Fiji Government emphasized that the country is one of two Pacific nations within C-24 and has maintained a consistent stance on decolonisation issues. It highlighted that Fiji aligns with positions taken by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to support the annual resolution regarding the independence of colonial countries.
Additionally, Fiji delivered the MSG’s joint statement during the Fourth Committee plenary on October 15, reaffirming the group’s position and providing updates on decolonisation processes in New Caledonia, in line with a communiqué from the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting.
The statement noted that the new draft resolution introduced at the Fourth Committee on October 17 covers sensitive topics beyond the C-24’s mandate and would benefit from a separate discussion due to their importance.
The Fijian Government reiterated its commitment to the regional positions of the PIF and MSG regarding decolonisation and self-determination, as outlined in the UN Charter. The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is coordinating with the Secretariat to clarify these issues, which will be included in the committee’s report to the General Assembly.