The Fijian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the regional positions of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group regarding decolonization and self-determination, as outlined in the UN Charter. This statement follows Fiji’s unique stance as the only UN member state to vote against the implementation of the “Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
In a recent announcement, the government indicated that the Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is collaborating with the UN Secretariat to address this issue, which will be documented in the Committee’s report to the General Assembly for future consideration.
Fiji is one of only two Pacific Island nations that are part of the “Special Committee on Decolonization,” also known as “C-24,” and has continually advocated for decolonization efforts. The country has voiced its support through the “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee,” aligning itself with the resolutions presented by the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group on the annual decolonization resolution.
On October 15, Fiji presented a joint statement from the MSG during a plenary session of the Fourth Committee, reaffirming the group’s solidarity and providing updates on regional discussions surrounding New Caledonia, consistent with the outcomes of the Leaders Meeting communiqué.
A new resolution introduced in the Fourth Committee on October 17 broadens the scope of the annual resolution to cover complex issues that fall outside the mandates of both the “C-24” and the “Fourth Committee,” acknowledging that these issues warrant a separate deliberative process due to their importance.