The Fijian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the regional stance of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group regarding decolonization and self-determination, as outlined in the United Nations Charter.
This declaration follows Fiji’s position as the sole UN member state that voted against the implementation of the “Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
In a statement, the government indicated that the Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is collaborating with the Secretariat to clarify this issue, which will be included in the report to the General Assembly for discussion.
Fiji is one of two Pacific Island nations that participates in the “Special Committee on Decolonization,” referred to as “C-24,” and has consistently advocated for decolonization matters.
Through its engagement in “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee,” Fiji supports the resolutions put forth by the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group regarding the annual resolution 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 from the Melanesian Spearhead Group at the plenary of the Fourth Committee, reaffirming the group’s support and providing updates on regional developments concerning New Caledonia, in alignment with the communique from the Leaders Meeting.
A new Resolution introduced at the Fourth Committee on the 17th broadens the scope of the annual resolution to encompass more sensitive topics that extend beyond the mandates of “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee,” suggesting that these issues merit a distinct process due to their importance.