The Coalition Government has released a statement affirming its dedication to decolonisation while explaining its decision to vote against a recent resolution introduced at the United Nations last week. The government expressed concerns that the resolution overreaches the intended scope 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 reviewed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24), which includes Fiji, in June 2024. It was then presented during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday and was passed with a majority of 99 votes in favor. Notably, Fiji was the only country to oppose the resolution, while 61 countries chose not to vote.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the principles of decolonisation and self-determination, aligning with the stances of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). He pointed out the ongoing regional efforts in places like New Caledonia. As one of just two Pacific nations in the C-24, Fiji has actively supported decolonisation initiatives. Rabuka argued that the resolution introduced last week broadened the scope too much, including “sensitive issues” that fall outside the C-24 and Fourth Committee’s purview.
He stated that these issues would be better addressed through a separate process, acknowledging their importance. The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is currently collaborating with the UN Secretariat to address these concerns, which will be included in the committee’s report to the General Assembly.