In response to public criticism, the Fiji Government has clarified its controversial stance regarding the United Nations Resolution on the implementation of the Declaration on granting independence to colonial nations and peoples, aimed at eradicating colonialism in all its forms.
Fiji was the sole nation to oppose the draft resolution, while 99 other countries supported it and 61 chose to abstain. The resolution was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) in June and was introduced during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on October 17.
A statement from the Fiji Government noted that Fiji, alongside another Pacific nation, is a member of the C-24 and actively contributes to discussions on decolonisation.
“Through the C-24 and the Fourth Committee, Fiji aligns itself with the positions taken by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), supporting the annual resolution on decolonisation titled ‘Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples’,” the statement indicated.
The government also highlighted that Fiji delivered a joint statement from the MSG at the Fourth Committee plenary on October 15, reaffirming the group’s support and updating on regional developments in New Caledonia, consistent with the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting communiqué.
“The new resolution presented on October 17 broadens the scope to include critical issues that extend beyond the C-24 and Fourth Committee’s mandate, suggesting the need for a separate process to address their significance,” the statement noted.
Furthermore, the Fiji Government reiterated its alignment with the regional positions of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group on the topics of decolonisation and self-determination, as established in the UN Charter. The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is collaborating with the Secretariat to clarify this issue within the existing processes, which will be reflected in the committee’s report to the General Assembly for further consideration.