The Fiji Government has responded to public criticism regarding its decision to vote against a United Nations resolution aimed at eliminating colonialism. Fiji was the only nation to oppose the resolution, while 99 countries supported it and 61 chose to abstain.
This draft resolution was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation in June and subsequently presented to the Fourth Committee of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly on October 17.
In a released statement, the government emphasized that Fiji, along with another Pacific nation, has been active in addressing decolonisation matters as part of the Committee. The statement noted Fiji’s alignment with positions taken by the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group in support of the decolonisation resolution.
Additionally, Fiji represented the Melanesian Spearhead Group at a plenary session on October 15, expressing solidarity and updating on regional processing developments in New Caledonia.
The government highlighted that the new resolution put forth on October 17 expands on prior resolutions by addressing sensitive topics that fall outside the C-24 and Fourth Committee’s mandate, suggesting a need for a separate process due to their importance.
Fiji reiterated its commitment to the regional stance on decolonisation and self-determination, in line with the principles outlined in the UN Charter. The Permanent Mission of Fiji in New York is collaborating with the Secretariat to clarify these concerns, which will be included in the committee’s report for the General Assembly’s review.