Baku Initiative Group reports alarming human rights violations in French overseas territories PHOTO

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG), with support from the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organisations, has released a report highlighting human rights abuses, restrictions on freedom of expression, and environmental issues in France's overseas territories.

Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of BIG announced the report on October 25 at a press conference, Caliber.Az reports.

He outlined the comprehensive information compiled in the document, which details alleged human rights abuses in French overseas territories and addresses France’s reported attempts to restrict international awareness of these violations.

Among the issues raised were long-standing problems with infrastructure and access to drinking water in Mayotte. Abubakar Matuar, a member of Mayotte’s Maore Committee, also spoke at the press conference, expressing frustration over the years of neglect by French authorities.

“We have repeatedly approached the government about resolving these issues,” said Matuar. “The island has been blockaded since 2018.”

He also described the worsening water supply crisis on the island, saying, “For the past two years, we’ve only had access to drinking water once every two to three days.”

Ali Florent Meril, Deputy Secretary-General of the Guadeloupe People's Unity Party for Freedom, relayed alarming information about water supply in Guadeloupe: "Water supply has long been a significant problem in Guadeloupe, with the quality of water posing serious health risks to residents."

According to Meril, the water is unsuitable even for agricultural purposes.

"France continues to use substances that were banned as far back as the 1980s, which are poisoning the soil," he stressed.

The situation raises concerns not only for public health but also for the agricultural sector, highlighting the urgent need for reform and improved water management in the region.

The BIG report raises concerns about the quality of life in these territories, calling for greater accountability from France and international attention to these ongoing issues.

By Aghakazim Guliyev