Baku Initiative Group: Double standards main obstacle in fight against colonialism

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG), created on July 6, 2023 by participants of the conference “Towards the Complete Elimination of Colonialism” in Baku, supports the struggle for the freedom of peoples in various regions of the world still suffering from colonialism in the 21st century.

In an interview with Report, the group's executive director Abbas Abbasov spoke about BIG's future plans, the fight against colonialism, the role of the Baku Platform and more.

- Since its foundation, the Baku Initiative Group has implemented a number of important initiatives dedicated to the fight against neo-colonialism. What projects does BIG plan to implement by the end of the year?

- First of all, I would like to thank you for your interest in the activities of our organisation. As you know, the decision to establish the Baku Initiative Group was announced on 6 July this year during the international conference "Towards the Complete Elimination of Colonialism", which was held on the margins of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan.

As you have stressed, our organization has implemented important initiatives to combat colonialism and neocolonialism in a short time. For example, on September 22, 2023, our group held an international conference "Decolonisation: A Quiet Revolution" in New York at the headquarters of the UN General Assembly, and on October 20, the second international conference on colonialism, "Neocolonialism: Violation of Human Rights and Injustice", was organized in Baku.

In line with the work plan of our organization, we intend to hold several events by the end of this year and continue to work to strengthen bilateral relations with organizations operating in the territories affected by colonialism.

- As you know, next year the NAM chairmanship will pass from Azerbaijan to Uganda. However, as executive director of the group, you have stated that the fight against neo-colonialism will continue. How do you assess the Baku platform supporting the struggle for freedom of the peoples of different regions of the world still suffering from colonisation in the 21st century?

- You correctly noted that BIG has become a platform for discussing important issues, and the Baku Platform will play a key role in actively supporting representatives of regions that are still suffering from colonialism. During the opening of the headquarters of the Baku Initiative Group in Baku, we held the first meeting. The agenda included a discussion of our further steps in the fight against neocolonialism and colonialism.

I believe that the creation of BIG and the continuation of the struggle against colonialism even after the end of Azerbaijan's chairmanship in the NAM, as well as the address of President Ilham Aliyev to the participants of the international conference "Neocolonialism: Violation of Human Rights and Injustice" is a high indicator of our country's strong support for those who fought and continues to fight to this day.

- The Baku Initiative Group aims to fight not only against French colonialism but also in general with colonial policy in the modern world. What measures does your organization plan to take in the future to receive support from influential States in the fight against colonialism and neocolonialism?

- BIG is not directed against specific countries or international organizations. Our organization was created to fight against colonialism and neocolonialism within international law, norms and principles. We are not looking for the support of influential States - our activities are designed to resist colonialism. We are open to cooperation with States that are ready to fight against colonialism in the 21st century and support anti-colonial efforts. BIG is always ready to cooperate with such countries and is glad of their support.

- Why do you think the problem of colonialism and the growing tendencies towards its new manifestations in the twenty-first century are still unresolved?

- You know, the problem of colonialism and the introduction of neocolonialism continue due to several factors.

For example, France's geopolitical interests in New Caledonia and French Polynesia are to ensure its presence in the Pacific region. The total territory of France, including overseas areas, is almost 675,000 square kilometres, while the area of its European territory is slightly more than 551 square kilometres. Today it is no secret that France is the second largest country - owner of colonies in the world in terms of total area and control over overseas territories.

Another important factor for France and its presence in these regions is the natural resources and wealth of the colonized territories. In these regions, human rights, the right to self-expression are violated and the local population is actually deported. The existence and even the strengthening of neocolonialist tendencies are due to the fact that countries that proclaim themselves supporters of democracy and the protection of human rights are in fact pursuing a policy of colonialism.

- At the international conference "Neocolonialism: Violation of human rights and Injustice" held in Baku, representatives of 14 countries, as well as Corsica and overseas territories of France spoke about France's gross interference in the internal affairs of its former colonies and its violation of human rights in the current ones. Why do you think, despite this, this state retains the image of one of the most democratic in the world?

- Frankly speaking, I don't quite agree with you. During the conversation with representatives of overseas regions suffering from the colonial policy of France, they repeatedly stressed that official Paris is actively and effectively pursuing a policy to preserve the image of the "most democratic" with the help of local and foreign media. However, this image of France does not correspond to the realities of the current international political arena. Many politicians and experts have repeatedly stated and continue to talk about France's gross interference in the internal affairs of other States and the violation of human rights in its current colonies.

- Why do you think the world community does not respond to the calls of anti-colonial movements to support their efforts to ensure respect for the fundamental rights to freedom, reparation and development?

- You know, this is largely due to the double standards that exist in the modern world.

For example, Azerbaijan also faced this problem at the time. The Armenian armed Forces have occupied 20 per cent of our country's lands for about 30 years.

Despite the binding four resolutions of the UN Security Council of 1993 confirming the ownership of these territories to Azerbaijan and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the territory of our country, this was not done. As a result, Azerbaijan, relying on Article 51 of the UN Charter, restored its territorial integrity itself.

Today, the reaction of the world community to the fight against colonialism and neocolonialism is not at the level that we would like to see.

As BIG, we will continue our activities in the direction of supporting the regions suffering from colonialism, their efforts to ensure respect for the fundamental rights to freedom, reparation and development of these regions.

I repeat, our group is ready to cooperate with France and other countries in the fight against colonialism. It is important to note that this is not the work of several months or one year, we started our activities literally two months ago. We are confident that we will succeed in the fight against colonialism and neocolonialism in the future.