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Executive Director: Baku Initiative Group supports the struggles of peoples living under colonial oppression -VIDEO

Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group

15 April 2025 09:54 (UTC +04:00)

The Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), Abbas Abbasov, spoke at the Fourth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, APA reports.

In his speech, Abbas Abbasov congratulated the newly elected chairperson on their appointment, wished them success in their future activities, and also expressed gratitude to the previous chair, Ms. Sumera, for her effective and memorable leadership.

He noted that the Baku Initiative Group, established in July 2023 during the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, consistently and resolutely supports the struggles of peoples living under colonial oppression and neocolonial regimes for freedom and independence, embracing solidarity and practical assistance as its duty.

"It should be noted that African and African-descended peoples have not been spared the tragedies caused by colonialism. The rights to life, freedom, equality, cultural identity, and decolonization are not privileges. These are universal human rights enshrined in the UN Charter, the Bandung Principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, and many other international documents. Yet, for many African countries and people of African descent, these rights remain far from reality and continue to be mere aspirations.

Over the past two years, our organization has hosted nearly 30 international conferences. These gatherings have brought together representatives and leaders of independence movements from territories affected by colonial oppression—such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Bonaire, Saint Martin, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, Corsica, and others—along with decolonization experts and researchers, to address the lingering harms of colonial legacy.

Today, we are not merely discussing history—we are shaping the future. This Forum serves as a vital platform to amplify the voices of historically marginalized African-descended peoples on a global scale.

Tomorrow, the Baku Initiative Group will organize an event titled 'Decolonization: The Silent Revolution.' I take this opportunity to invite the distinguished participants of this Forum to join us in discussing the challenges faced by African-descended communities.

Let me reiterate: This struggle is not just about rectifying past injustices. It is about building a fairer, more inclusive future—one that upholds human dignity and rights for all," Abbas Abbasov emphasized.