Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka has urged the United Nations to settle the outstanding peacekeeping reimbursements owed to Fiji, emphasizing that these funds rightfully belong to the Fijian people and should have already contributed to national development. Speaking during the visit of United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix at Black Rock Camp in Votualevu, Nadi, the Prime Minister highlighted the financial burden Fiji continues to bear in supporting global peacekeeping missions.
He reminded the international community that Fiji has consistently answered the call for peace, deploying soldiers and police officers to some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. Despite this unwavering commitment, the UN still owes Fiji hundreds of millions of dollars—funds that could have been invested in improving hospitals, roads, schools, and essential services.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s message was clear: Fiji has fulfilled its duty to global peace, and it is now time for the United Nations to fulfil theirs. The outstanding reimbursements are not merely unpaid accounts but represent opportunities for national progress and prosperity.
In response, Under-Secretary-General Lacroix acknowledged the growing complexity of peacekeeping operations, citing transnational crime, climate change, and technological threats such as drones and misinformation. He stressed the need for collective adaptation and cooperation among troop-contributing nations.
Fiji’s peacekeepers have earned international respect for their professionalism, courage, and sacrifice. The Prime Minister’s call serves as a powerful reminder that global peace must be matched by global fairness. Fiji has stood with the world in times of conflict; now, the world must stand with Fiji.