The Coalition Government released a statement today, reiterating its dedication to decolonisation while explaining its opposition to a recently introduced resolution at the United Nations. The government expressed concerns that the resolution exceeded the intended scope of the decolonisation 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 Decolonisation, known as C-24, which includes Fiji, in June 2024. It was presented at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday, where it passed with a majority vote of 99 in favor.
Fiji was the sole country to vote against the resolution, while sixty-one others chose not to vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized Fiji’s commitment to the principles of decolonisation and self-determination, aligning with the views of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group. He mentioned ongoing regional processes, particularly in New Caledonia, and stated that as one of only two Pacific nations in the C-24, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonisation. However, he argued that the resolution presented last week broadened the scope to include “sensitive issues” beyond what the C-24 and Fourth Committee are mandated to address.
Rabuka suggested that these issues would be better addressed through a separate process, recognizing their importance. 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.