Fiji withdraws from being a party to the Joint Statement on Human Rights violations in Xinjiang China

Fiji withdraws from being a party to the Joint Statement on Human Rights violations in Xinjiang China

By Vijay Narayan
Monday 30/10/2023
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

The Fiji Government has today announced its withdrawal from being a party to the Joint Statement on Human Rights violations in Xinjiang, China issued at the UN Third Committee on 18th October 2023.

Last week ABC reported that Fiji joined a group of 51 nations supporting a "cross-regional statement" delivered by the United Kingdom, which demands China end human rights abuses in the province and highlights a deeply critical report on Xinjiang by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In the statement, the countries highlight that the UN High Commissioner found "arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim minorities" in Xinjiang, which "may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity".

While issuing the statement after it’s withdrawal today, the Fiji Government says it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building enduring cooperation on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and “non-interference” with the domestic affairs of diplomatic partners.

Fiji says it attaches great value on its bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China and based on its policy of non-interference has withdrawn Fiji’s vote.

The Government says it avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Government of the People’s Republic of China the assurances of its highest consideration and its commitment to the relationship between the two countries. It was earlier reported that Fiji looks set to withdraw from the UN motion calling on China to address serious human rights violations in Xinjiang to avoid drawing a backlash from Beijing.

Fiji was the only Pacific country with diplomatic links to China to throw its weight behind the motion.

The bulk of the statement's 51 signatories are Western nations, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and a host of European countries.

They were joined by Japan, as well as four Pacific Island nations that recognise Taiwan rather than China.

Fiji's move to join surprised some observers, as Pacific countries with diplomatic ties to China usually keep quiet or back Beijing when Western nations try to ratchet up pressure on the emerging superpower over internal human rights abuses.

One senior Fiji government source told the ABC that the Foreign Affairs Secretary had instructed its mission in New York to "withdraw" from the statement, and suggested that its diplomats signed on without authorisation from Suva.

Questions sent to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka remain unanswered.

FEATURE NEWS
Aiyaz wants parliament and referendum threshold to be followed, AG stresses changes are necessary
As the coalition government gets ready to take the 2013 Constitution to the Supreme Court for a determination on the amendment provision, former Attor...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Lautoka launches 'I Recycle' program at Churchill Park
In a bid to address the country’s waste management crisis, various sectors came together to celebrate Global Recycling Day by launching the “I ...
4 hours ago

Fiji leads Investment and Trade mission to PNG for stronger economic relationship
A 20-member delegation from Fiji, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica will embark on a trade and investment ...
5 hours ago

Jittu Estate fire believed to be arson and suicide - NFA
The fire that claimed the life of a woman in Jittu Estate in Raiwaqa last Sunday is believed to be an arson and suicide case. National Fire ...
5 hours ago

4.15 tonnes meth bust: Justin Ho and others PTC set for April 7
The Pre-Trial Conference for Justin Ho and others, charged in relation to the $2 billion methamphetamine bust in Nadi involving 4.15 tonnes, will be ...
5 hours ago

Human bones found near Sigatoka resort
Bones of two humans have been found near a resort in Sigatoka. Police confirm resort workers were digging a drain when they discovered the ...
5 hours ago

Straight Talk Podcast

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
19 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
20 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
20 days ago

TOP