The Coalition Government released a statement today reaffirming its dedication to decolonization and explaining its choice to vote against a recent resolution introduced at the United Nations meeting last week. The government expressed concerns that the resolution overreached its intended purpose.
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 its June 2024 session. It was presented at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday and was approved with a majority vote of 99 in favor.
Fiji was the sole nation to oppose the resolution, while 61 countries abstained from voting.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized Fiji’s commitment to the core principles of decolonization and self-determination, aligning with the views of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group. He referenced ongoing regional efforts, particularly in New Caledonia.
As one of just two Pacific nations in the C-24, Fiji has consistently supported decolonization. Rabuka noted that the recently presented resolution expanded its scope to include “sensitive issues” beyond the authority of 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.