Following a backlash from members of the public, the Fiji Government has finally addressed its controversial vote against the United Nations Resolution Implementation of the Declaration on the granting of independence to Colonial countries and peoples: Eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.
Fiji was the only country that voted against the draft resolution, whereas 99 countries voted in favour and 61 abstained.
The draft resolution was discussed by the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) in June this year and was tabled at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on October 17.
A Fiji Government statement said Fiji was one of two Pacific countries that were members of C-24 and were a consistent voice in addressing the issue of decolonisation.
“Through the C-24 and the Fourth Committee, Fiji aligns with the positions undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), in its support for the annual resolution on decolonisation entitled ‘Implementation of the declaration on the granting of independence to Colonial countries and peoples’,” the statement said.
The statement also said that Fiji delivered the MSG joint statement at the plenary of the Fourth Committee on October 15.
It reaffirmed the group’s support and provided an update on the regional processes in New Caledonia, which was consistent with the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting communique.
“The new resolution presented at the Fourth Committee on October 17, expands the substance of the annual resolution to include sensitive issues that are beyond the mandate of the C-24 and the Fourth Committee and would benefit from a separate process, in recognition of its significance.
“The Fiji Government reiterates its support of the regional position of the Pacific Island Forum, and the Melanesian Spearhead Group on decolonisation and self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter.
“The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York is working with the Secretariat to clarify this matter within its process, and this will be reflected in the committee’s report to the General Assembly for its consideration.”
