Azerbaijan's decolonisation efforts instill confidence among nations grappling with neocolonialism

A member of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration addressed the grave impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism during a seminar organized by C24 - the UN Special Committee on the Situation concerning the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

According to Report, Farid Soltanov, representing the Foreign Policy Department, highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts in decolonization, which have garnered trust and support from various quarters, including France's overseas territories and nations affected by neo-colonialism.

Soltanov underscored the establishment of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an international NGO formed to combat colonialism, following a conference titled "Towards the Total Elimination of Colonialism." Since its inception, BIG has organized numerous international conferences, including events in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Istanbul, and Baku, and participated as a special guest in the NAM Parliamentary Network's third conference.

Moreover, Soltanov emphasized Azerbaijan's active involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which it chaired from 2019 to 2023. During its tenure, Azerbaijan promoted multilateralism and initiated parliamentary, youth, and women's networks within the NAM.

Addressing the serious repercussions of colonialism and neo-colonialism, including violations of fundamental rights and restrictions on freedoms, Soltanov stressed the importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and C24 to advance the objectives of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

He concluded by expressing Azerbaijan's willingness to host future meetings of C24 and urged member countries to collaborate closely with BIG in the global fight against colonialism and neo-colonialism.