Baku Initiative Group to join UN international event on decolonization efforts

The 35th session of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent will take place from December 2 to 6 at the UN headquarters in New York.

This significant international platform focuses on defending the rights of people of African descent and addressing the consequences of historical injustices, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

As part of the session, a parallel event titled “Restorative Justice and Decolonization: Protecting the Rights of People of African Descent in Colonized Territories” will be held. Organized by the Human Rights Organization of Bonaire, the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the UN, and the UN Working Group, the event will spotlight key issues of justice and decolonization.

Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), will represent the organization at the session. BIG will present its projects aimed at addressing the legacy of colonialism and discuss initiatives for restoring the rights of oppressed peoples.

The session and the parallel event will emphasize historical injustices, socio-economic inequalities, and human rights challenges faced by people of African descent. The discussions aim to identify barriers under international law and propose actionable recommendations for achieving long-term solutions.

Baku Initiative Group’s role in decolonization efforts

The Baku Initiative Group plans to showcase its achievements and ongoing projects, highlighting its commitment to advancing the rights of peoples impacted by colonialism. BIG has played a pivotal role in advocating for international recognition of these rights and addressing historical injustices.

Notably, the group has significantly contributed to the struggle of Bonaire’s people to achieve liberation from colonial rule. By working on initiatives related to cultural heritage, human rights, and legal frameworks, BIG has fostered tangible progress in decolonization efforts.

A key milestone was the international conference hosted in Baku on August 22, 2024, titled “The Path to Bonaire’s Self-Determination: From Baku to the UN General Assembly.” The event brought together representatives from Bonaire and distinguished figures, including officials, human rights activists, NGO leaders, and scholars from countries such as Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, St. Lucia, the UK, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

The conference explored international legal mechanisms to support Bonaire’s independence and efforts to restore the island to the UN’s List of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Azerbaijan’s leadership in decolonization

The active involvement of the Baku Initiative Group underscores Azerbaijan’s leadership in global decolonization efforts and its dedication to restoring the rights of peoples affected by colonialism.

The international community has praised BIG’s efforts, which are at the forefront of global initiatives to support the freedom and rights of oppressed peoples. Through its participation in the upcoming session, BIG continues to advance its mission to address the enduring impacts of colonialism and promote justice on an international scale.

By Khagan Isayev