The Fiji Coalition Government issued a statement today reaffirming its commitment to decolonisation and explaining its decision to vote against a new resolution presented at the United Nations gathering last week, citing concerns that the resolution extends beyond the intended scope of the process.
The resolution in question titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: Eradicating Colonialism in all its forms and Manifestations” was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation or C-24 (that Fiji is part of) in June 2024 and was tabled at the 79th Session of United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee last Thursday. It was passed on a majority vote – with 99 voting in favour. Fiji was the only country that voted against it. Sixty-one did not vote.
In the statement posted on its Facebook page, Fiji reiterated its commitment to the principles of decolonisation and self-determination, aligning with the positions of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and MSG, referencing ongoing regional processes, particularly in New Caledonia. It stated that as one of only two Pacific countries in the C-24 and through its participation in the Fourth Committee, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonisation.
However, it stated that the resolution that was presented to the Fourth Committee last week expanded the resolution’s scope which it argued included “sensitive issues” outside the mandate of the C-24 and Fourth Committee.
“[It] would benefit from a separate process, in recognition of its significance,” the Fiji Government statement said of the expanded scope.
The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is currently working with the UN Secretariat to clarify these concerns, which will be reflected in the committee’s report to the General Assembly, it further stated.
