The Coalition Government issued a statement today affirming its dedication to decolonization while explaining its recent decision to vote against a resolution introduced at the United Nations assembly last week. The government raised concerns that the resolution overreached 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 deliberated by the Special Committee on Decolonization, 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 passed with majority approval, receiving 99 votes in favor. Fiji stood alone in its opposition, while 61 countries chose not to vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s commitment to decolonization and self-determination principles, aligning with the positions of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). He highlighted ongoing regional processes, particularly in New Caledonia.
Rabuka pointed out that as one of only two Pacific nations in the C-24, Fiji has consistently supported decolonization efforts. However, he argued that the resolution presented to the Fourth Committee last week broadened its scope to include “sensitive issues” outside the C-24 and Fourth Committee’s mandate, suggesting that it required a distinct process due to its 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.