Azerbaijani NGO raises critical questions regarding colonialist impacts

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an Azerbaijani NGO working closely with countries living under colonial and neocolonial rule, has compiled its annual comprehensive report addressing highlighting the current challenges, socio-economic, and legal problems faced by affected territories.

The report will be officially launched and presentation on December 14, Caliber.Az reports, which marks Decolonization Day falling on the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration 1514 relating to colonial countries and people. It calls on the international community to unite in addressing the pressing issues stemming from colonialism as BIG aims to mitigate these impacts and promote global justice. 

Analyses of trade balances in colonized territories, resource utilization, and the effects of economic policies on their development are reflected in BIG's document. It identifies unequal resource distribution as a critical barrier to sustainable growth. The living conditions of local populations, unemployment rates, and access to education and healthcare receive particular attention.

Additionally, the report examines discrimination, legal challenges, limited participation of indigenous peoples in governance, and restrictions on their rights. Updates to the report are planned to be issued annually on Decolonization Day.

On December 14, 1960, the UN General Assembly adopted the "Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples", known as Resolution 1514 (XV), which affirms the right of colonized peoples to self-determination and remains a cornerstone of international law in the fight against colonialism.

By Nazrin Sadigova