International conference on neocolonialism kicks off in Geneva PHOTO/UPDATED

An international conference on the topic “Neo-colonialism: human rights, peace and security”, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, started at the UN office in Geneva.

Representatives of former and current French colonies who spoke at the conference described the dire consequences of the policy of neocolonialism that Paris continues to pursue in these countries and regions, according to Report.

In particular, it was noted that France grossly interferes in the internal affairs of its former colonies, pursues a policy of destabilization in these countries and at the same time grossly violates fundamental human rights in the regions it currently holds under its colonial rule, illegally exploits their natural resources.

It was noted that the inhabitants of those resource-rich countries lived in far worse conditions than the French mainland, with unemployment and poverty rates many times higher.

France's nuclear tests and uranium enrichment activities in those territories have caused serious health consequences for the local population and caused great damage to the environment. Paris also continues its policy of artificial assimilation of indigenous peoples and resettlement of illegal migrants, thus trying to hinder the struggle of local people for independence.

A joint declaration is expected to be adopted at the end of the conference.

13:20

An international conference on "Neo-colonialism: human rights, peace and security" organised by the Baku Initiative Group has started at the UN office in Geneva.

According to Report, the conference is attended by representatives of 22 countries and territories - USA, UK, France, Türkiye, Switzerland, Algeria, Pakistan, Serbia, Qatar, Senegal, Cameroon, Vietnam, Union of Comoros, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, New Caledonia, Corsica, Martinique, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Solomon Islands, as well as some 50 representatives from two international organisations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women).

Leaders of various NGOs working in the field of human rights and decolonisation and representatives of foreign media will also participate in the event.

The conference will include statements from representatives of former and current French colonies on France's gross violations of human rights. Officials from a number of countries have indicated that they will make statements.

A joint declaration is expected to be adopted at the end of the conference.

10:00

An international conference on the topic “Neo-colonialism: human rights, peace and security”, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, is starting at the UN office in Geneva.

The conference is timed to coincide with December 14, the day the UN General Assembly adopted the “Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,” Report informs.

The conference will be attended by representatives of 22 countries - USA, UK, France, Türkiye, Switzerland, Algeria, Pakistan, Serbia, Qatar, Senegal, Cameroon, Vietnam, Union of Comoros, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, New Caledonia, Corsica, Martinique, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Solomon Islands, as well as about 50 representatives of two international organizations - the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women).

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) was formed on July 6, 2023, in Baku, by participants in the conference "Total Elimination of Colonialism" as part of the ministerial assembly of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was presided over by the Republic of Azerbaijan.

BIG supports the fight for the freedom of nations in various parts of the world that are still subject to colonization even in the twenty-first century.

On October 20, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku hosted the international conference "Neocolonialism: Violation of Human Rights and Injustice," organized by the Baku Initiative Group.

Representatives from 14 countries and marine territories under French colonial rule (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Guiana, Martinique, and Guadeloupe), as well as Corsica, are attending the conference.