The Fiji Government has responded to criticism regarding its vote against a key United Nations resolution concerning decolonization, which advocates for the independence of colonial countries and peoples. Fiji was the sole nation to oppose the draft resolution, while 99 countries supported it and 61 others chose to abstain.
This draft resolution was reviewed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) in June and later presented at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on October 17.
In a statement, the Fiji Government noted that it is one of two Pacific countries that are part of C-24, maintaining a consistent stance on decolonization matters. The statement emphasized Fiji’s alignment with the positions endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), supporting the annual resolution on decolonization.
The statement also highlighted that Fiji delivered the MSG joint statement during the plenary session of the Fourth Committee on October 15, which reaffirmed the group’s backing and provided updates on regional developments in New Caledonia, in line with the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting communiqué.
According to the Fiji Government, the new resolution introduced at the Fourth Committee on October 17 broadens the scope of the annual resolution to encompass sensitive issues that extend beyond the mandate of C-24 and would benefit from a separate process due to their importance.
The Fiji Government reiterated its commitment to the regional positions of the Pacific Island Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group concerning decolonization and self-determination, principles recognized in the UN Charter. The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is currently working with the Secretariat to clarify this issue, which will be included in the committee’s report to the General Assembly for further consideration.