The Coalition Government released a statement today reaffirming its dedication to decolonisation while explaining its decision to oppose a recent resolution introduced at the United Nations meeting last week. The government expressed concerns that the resolution surpassed the intended parameters of the decolonisation 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 addressed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation, known as C-24, which includes Fiji, during a meeting in June 2024. It was presented at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday.
The resolution was approved by a majority, with 99 votes in favor, while Fiji was the only nation to vote against it. Sixty-one countries chose not to vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to decolonisation and self-determination principles, in line with the positions of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group. He highlighted ongoing regional processes, particularly regarding New Caledonia.
Rabuka pointed out that as one of only two Pacific nations in the C-24, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonisation. He argued that the resolution presented to the Fourth Committee last week broadened its scope to include “sensitive issues” beyond the remit of both the C-24 and the Fourth Committee.
He emphasized the need for these issues to undergo a separate process in light of their importance.
Additionally, the Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is currently collaborating with the UN Secretariat to address these concerns, which will be documented in the committee’s report to the General Assembly.