The Coalition Government issued a statement today reaffirming its dedication to the decolonization process while explaining its reason for voting against a recent resolution at the United Nations assembly last week. They cited concerns that the resolution goes beyond the intended focus of decolonization efforts.
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, known as C-24, which includes Fiji, during a meeting in June 2024. It was then presented at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday, where it was passed by a majority vote, with 99 votes in favor.
Fiji was the only nation to oppose the resolution, while 61 countries chose not to vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the principles of decolonization and self-determination, in line with the perspectives of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). He highlighted ongoing regional processes, particularly in New Caledonia.
Rabuka emphasized that as one of two Pacific nations within the C-24, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonization. He argued that the recently presented resolution broadened its scope to include “sensitive issues” that fall outside the mandate of both the C-24 and the Fourth Committee.
“It would benefit from a separate process, in recognition of its significance,” he stated.
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.