The Coalition Government has issued a statement today reaffirming its dedication to decolonisation while explaining its decision to oppose a new resolution presented at last week’s United Nations gathering. The government expressed concerns that the resolution goes beyond the original intent of the decolonisation process.
The controversial resolution, titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: Eradicating Colonialism in all its forms and Manifestations,” was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation, known as C-24, in June 2024 and was presented during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday.
The resolution was approved by a majority vote, with 99 countries voting in favor. However, Fiji was the sole nation to vote against it, while 61 countries chose not to participate in the vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized Fiji’s commitment to the principles of decolonisation and self-determination, consistent with the positions of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group. He highlighted ongoing regional processes, particularly in New Caledonia, as part of this commitment.
Rabuka noted that as one of only two Pacific nations in the C-24 and through its participation in the Fourth Committee, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonisation. He argued that the resolution presented last week broadened its scope, including “sensitive issues” that fall outside the C-24’s and the Fourth Committee’s authority.
He suggested that these issues would be more appropriately addressed through a separate process, acknowledging their significance.
The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is currently collaborating with the UN Secretariat to address these concerns, which will be included in the committee’s report to the General Assembly.