Pacific civil society calls for UN intervention in New Caledonia crisis

Around 30 organizations operating in the Pacific region have issued a joint statement condemning the atrocities committed by the French government against civilians in New Caledonia.

According to Report, the document highlights France's mismanagement of the decolonization process and calls for intervention by the UN and Pacific leaders.

The statement emphasizes that recent riots were sparked by the French government's attempt to forcibly change the electoral law in New Caledonia.

"In recent months, Kanak leaders have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of the proposed constitutional amendment to the local electoral law, which threatens the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination and endangers the ongoing peaceful dialogue on the future status of the territory," the statement said.

Accusing President Macron's government of colonialism, the document stresses that the proposed changes by France could turn the Kanak people into a minority in their land and obstruct their path to freedom. The statement concludes, "It is clear that the French government under Macron is incapable of handling the decolonization process. The UN must intervene to restore a more just and peaceful transition."