Geneva: The 142nd session of the UN Human Rights Committee, currently held in Geneva, has become a platform for condemning France’s colonial policies, particularly in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, according to a report from APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) presented a critical view of France’s approach towards its overseas territories during a meeting a day before France’s national report was scheduled. Abbas Abbasov, BIG’s Executive Director, addressed the committee, emphasizing the denial of self-determination in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, which remain under French control despite repeated calls for decolonization.
Abbasov detailed the situation in New Caledonia, where a 2021 independence referendum saw low voter turnout due to the Kanak people’s protest against France’s refusal to delay the vote amidst the pandemic. The referendum’s legitimacy is contested, and recent protests against proposed constitutional changes to expand the electorate have le
d to significant unrest and violence. Abbasov called for a UN mission to engage with local leaders and assess the situation.
In French Polynesia, Abbasov highlighted the limited autonomy and ongoing control by France over critical areas such as foreign policy and defense. He criticized the long-term effects of France’s nuclear testing on the local population and the resistance against calls for greater autonomy or independence. The BIG has also urged the UN to intervene and review the handling of these territories, stressing the need for France to acknowledge and compensate for its past actions.
Furthermore, Abbasov mentioned unrest in other French territories like Martinique, pointing to broader issues of economic inequality and historical injustices. He advocated for the UN’s active role in ensuring a fair path to self-determination based on international law and historical resolutions.
The statement concluded with a call for immediate actions, including the withdrawal of French military forces and suppo
rt for self-determination efforts under the UN’s Special Committee on Decolonization. The Non-Aligned Movement’s support was also highlighted, underscoring its commitment to eradicating colonialism as affirmed in the 2019 Baku Summit’s Final Document.
The session has cast a spotlight on France’s colonial legacy and the ongoing impact of its policies on the rights and autonomy of its overseas territories. The full details and outcomes of the session are expected to influence international perspectives and actions concerning decolonization efforts.