The Fijian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the de-colonisation and self-determination positions of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), as outlined in the United Nations Charter. This statement follows Fiji’s unique stance as the only United Nations member state to oppose the adoption of the “Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
In their official announcement, the government noted that the Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is actively collaborating with the Secretariat to address this matter, which will be included in the report to the General Assembly for consideration. Furthermore, Fiji is one of only two Pacific Island nations participating in the “Special Committee on Decolonisation” (C-24) and has consistently advocated for the issue of decolonisation.
Fiji’s participation in the “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee” aligns with the collective positions advocated by the PIF and the MSG, particularly in their support for the annual resolution addressing decolonisation titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
During a plenary session of the Fourth Committee on October 15, Fiji presented a joint statement from the MSG that reaffirmed support for the group and provided updates regarding regional processes concerning New Caledonia, in accordance with the Leaders Meeting communiqué.
On October 17, a new resolution was introduced at the Fourth Committee, broadening the scope of the annual resolution to encompass sensitive matters that exceed the mandates of both the “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee.” This expansion acknowledges the importance of these issues and suggests the need for a distinct process to address them.