The Coalition Government released a statement today reaffirming its dedication to decolonization while explaining its decision to oppose a recent resolution presented at the United Nations last week. The government expressed concerns that the resolution exceeded the intended scope of the decolonization process.
The 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 Decolonization, also known as C-24, which includes Fiji. The resolution was tabled during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday and passed with a majority vote, garnering 99 votes in favor.
Fiji was the only nation to vote against the resolution, with 61 countries abstaining from the vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the principles of decolonization and self-determination, aligning with the positions of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). He referenced ongoing regional processes, particularly in New Caledonia.
Rabuka highlighted that as one of only two Pacific nations in the C-24, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonization. He argued that the resolution submitted to the Fourth Committee last week expanded its scope to include “sensitive issues” that fall outside the mandates of the C-24 and Fourth Committee.
He emphasized, “It would benefit from a separate process, recognizing its significance.”
The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is currently collaborating with the UN Secretariat to address these concerns, which will be reflected in the committee’s report to the General Assembly.