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France's crimes were condemned at the UN event

Abbas Abbasov Executive Director, Baku Initiative Group

21 October 2024 17:49 (UTC +04:00)

The 142nd session of the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) is ongoing in the Geneva office of the UN, APA reports.

According to the report, within the framework of the session, the country report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of a number of countries, as well as France, will be heard.

A meeting for the interested parties was held at the Human Rights Committee on October 21, a day before France's national report. The Baku Initiative Group and the delegation of New Caledonia and French Polynesia participated in the meeting. BIG Executive Director Abbas Abbasov delivered a statement to the committee.

The statement reads:

"Distinguished Members of the Committee,

I stand before you today to highlight the ongoing denial of self-determination in New Caledonia and French Polynesia—two territories that remain under French control, despite persistent calls for decolonization and the right to self-governance.

Current Situation in New Caledonia:

The 2021 independence referendum in New Caledonia saw low voter turnout, as the Kanak people abstained to protest France's refusal to delay the vote despite the pandemic. The Kanak population views the results as illegitimate, with their right to self-determination undermined. France's push for constitutional changes to expand the electorate has sparked protests, resulting in 11 deaths, over 200 injuries, and increased military deployment since May 2024. We support the call for a UN visiting mission to assess the situation and engage with local Kanak leaders.

Current Situation in French Polynesia:

French Polynesia has limited autonomy, but France still controls key areas like foreign policy, defense, and law. The people continue to suffer from the long-term effects of France's nuclear testing. Many are now calling for greater autonomy or full independence, but France resists these efforts. This resistance undermines their right to self-determination, as recognized by UN Resolution 67/265, which re-listed French Polynesia as a Non-Self-Governing Territory.

Current situation in other colonies:

The ongoing unrest in Martinique and other overseas territories reflects deep-rooted frustrations over historical injustices, economic inequality, and lack of autonomy. These movements highlight the growing demand for accountability, reparations, and greater self-determination from colonial powers.

Conclusion and Call for Immediate Actions:

We urge the UN to review the 2021 New Caledonia referendum, call for the withdrawal of French military forces, and support a UN mission under the Special Committee on Decolonization to assess the situation and ensure all voices are heard.
France must provide compensation for its nuclear testing in French Polynesia, as outlined in UN Resolution 68/75, while recognizing the rights of the people of French Polynesia and New Caledonia to self-determination, justice, sovereignty, and sustainable development.
The United Nations must oversee a credible and fair path to self-determination for both New Caledonia and French Polynesia and other colonized territories based on the principles of international law and Resolution 1514 (XV).

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), led by Azerbaijan, has prioritized decolonization in its foreign policy. We urge NAM to support self-determination for New Caledonia and French Polynesia, as emphasized in the 2019 Baku Summit's Final Document, which identified the eradication of colonialism as a key goal.

Urgent action is needed to ensure the people of New Caledonia and French Polynesia can exercise their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The global community must unite to defend these rights and end colonial practices in the 21st century. "

It should be recalled that the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) submitted an alternative report to the UN Human Rights Committee exposing the colonial policy of France. That report was published on the official website of the UN Human Rights Committee.

https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=2737&Lang=en.