GENEVA: An international conference titled “The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Consequences of French Colonialism” was convened by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) on October 22, 2024, at the UN Geneva Office. The event coincided with the 142nd session of the Human Rights Committee, drawing attention to the ongoing impacts of French and Dutch colonialism.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the conference attracted a diverse group of attendees, including parliamentarians from regions with colonial histories, such as New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Martinique, among others. Representatives from NGOs, political parties, and diplomatic circles from Switzerland, Russia, and Kazakhstan also participated. Notably, Kemi Seba, a political activist and president of the “Urgencies Panafricanist” organization, was in attendance.

Discussions at the conference focused on the current human rights situations in territories affected by colonialism. Participants praised the efforts of the
Baku Initiative Group in amplifying the voices of those impacted by colonial violence on the international stage. Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of BIG, emphasized the organization’s commitment to advocating for the rights of colonized peoples despite pressures from France. He urged France to cease its persecution of pro-independence supporters collaborating with BIG.

Kemi Seba recounted her recent experience of detention and alleged torture by French security forces, drawing attention to the challenges faced by activists. The conference concluded with participants urging the UN and other international bodies to take concrete actions to dismantle colonial structures. Attendees donned T-shirts emblazoned with “End French colonialism!” and displayed placards denouncing colonial policies.