Elgün Hajiyev, head of the Baku Initiative Group’s department, informed that over 40 representatives from territories under colonial control by France and the Netherlands, including Corsica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), Kanaky (New Caledonia), Saint Martin, Bonaire, as well as delegates from the USA, France, Brazil, the Comoros Union, and the Netherlands, leading independence movement figures, decolonization experts, deputies, and researchers, will participate in the conference “Towards Independence and Fundamental Freedoms: C24’s Role in Ending Colonialism.” This was reported by “Trend.”
According to him, the purpose of organizing the conference is to support the just struggle of peoples suffering from neocolonialism, demonstrating their support within the norms and principles of international law in this area.
Hajiyev added that some invited individuals would not be able to attend the event.
“This is happening because the French government, without providing any grounds, is not allowing them to leave the country’s airports. We consider this a means of pressure. But this will not affect our struggle. We always support the just struggle of the colonies,” he said.
Then, the participants of the event reported on the problems faced by the territories they represent, including human rights violations by colonial countries, new trends in colonialism, noting that this conference will be a very important platform to bring their voice to the world.
New Caledonia’s Foreign Minister Michael Forrest said that his country is going through very difficult times due to the French government’s actions over the past month.
“We are here today to raise this issue at the international level, discussing with the Baku Initiative Group what we can do. It is very important for us to be here today,” he emphasized.
Professor Luiz Felipe from the Brazilian University also noted that violence is occurring in New Caledonia. According to him, colonization continues today, and it is very important to come together and discuss this.
James Finis, Vice President of the human rights organization “Bonaire,” noted that the residents of Bonaire are going through a very difficult period. According to him, the world needs to know about this to solve the problem.
“Through such events, we can make our voice heard. There is no platform or forum through which our voice would be heard. This is very important for us, and we are glad that tomorrow we will have such an opportunity,” he emphasized.
