The Fiji Government has affirmed its commitment to the regional stance of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group regarding decolonization and self-determination as outlined in the UN Charter. This statement follows Fiji’s position as the sole UN member nation to vote against the adoption of the “Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
In an official statement, the government noted that the Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is collaborating with the Secretariat to clarify this voting matter, which will be included in the Committee’s report to the General Assembly for review.
Fiji is one of just two Pacific Island nations serving on the “Special Committee on Decolonisation,” also known as “C-24,” and has consistently championed the cause of decolonization. Through its participation in both the “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee,” Fiji aligns its efforts with those of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group, supporting the annual resolution on decolonization titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
On the 15th of this month, Fiji presented a joint statement at the plenary session of the Fourth Committee, reaffirming the group’s support and providing updates on regional processes related to New Caledonia, in accordance with the Leaders Meeting communiqué.
A new resolution put forward in the Fourth Committee on the 17th expands the scope of the annual resolution to address sensitive issues that exceed the authority of the “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee,” suggesting the need for a separate process due to their significance.