The Fiji Government has responded to public criticism regarding its recent vote against a United Nations resolution aimed at advancing the independence of colonial countries and eradicating colonialism in all its forms. Fiji was the sole country to vote against the draft resolution, while 99 nations supported it and 61 others abstained.
The resolution was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) in June and presented to the Fourth Committee of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on October 17.
In a statement, the Fijian government noted that it is one of two Pacific nations participating in C-24 and has consistently advocated for decolonisation issues. The statement emphasized that Fiji aligns its stance with those of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in endorsing the annual resolution concerning decolonisation.
Further, the government indicated that Fiji delivered a joint statement on behalf of the MSG during the plenary session of the Fourth Committee on October 15, reiterating its support and providing updates on regional developments in New Caledonia that correspond with the outcomes of the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting.
The government expressed that the new resolution introduced at the Fourth Committee expands on previous annual discussions, touching on sensitive matters that go beyond C-24’s mandates and merit a distinct process due to their importance.
Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to the regional positions of both the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group regarding decolonisation and self-determination, as outlined in the UN Charter. The Fijian Permanent Mission in New York is coordinating with the UN Secretariat to address this issue, ensuring it is included in the committee’s report to the General Assembly for further consideration.