Activists praise Azerbaijan for hosting UN conference on decolonisation

Activists from around the world gathered at the United Nations in New York for the international conference “Decolonisation: Silent Revolution,” thanking Azerbaijan for hosting the event and supporting global discussions on indigenous rights and decolonisation.

Viro Xulue, a leading figure in the independence movement of New Caledonia, was one of the key speakers at the conference, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He thanked the Azerbaijani government and the Baku Initiative Group for organising the important event. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan and the Baku Initiative Group for providing this platform,” Xulue said during a conversation with Report. “This conference offers a unique opportunity to highlight the struggles of indigenous peoples, particularly the Kanaks of New Caledonia.”

The young activist took the opportunity to draw attention to the ongoing fight for independence in his homeland, referencing last year’s unrest, which he described as a near-civil war against colonial forces. He emphasised that the fight for self-determination in the Pacific region is more urgent than ever.

“This conference is a crucial moment for us to bring forward recommendations regarding the situation in New Caledonia. The Kanak people are committed to exercising our right to self-determination, and we must ensure that New Caledonia remains on the UN decolonisation list,” Xulue stated. “Decolonisation cannot be sidelined. It is our right, and we are determined to realise it.”

Daniel Muriel, chief strategic advisor to the president of the MODEMAS movement in Martinique, also spoke at the conference, extending her appreciation to Azerbaijan for facilitating the gathering. Muriel, speaking on behalf of the International Front for Decolonisation — a collective representing territories such as Corsica, Martinique, Polynesia, and Réunion — underscored the importance of collective action.

“Our shared history is one of resistance. Our ancestors endured oppression, and today, as the world enters a new, multipolar phase, long-silenced voices are finally being heard,” she said. “We must now build political bridges between our territories, creating our union and diplomacy to advocate for our collective rights.”

Muriel concluded by reaffirming her belief in the right of all territories to self-determination, highlighting the need to build new, just institutions. “Freedom is something we must build, live, and protect. It is time for our voices to shape the future,” she added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev