On October 22, as part of the ongoing 142nd session of the Human Rights Committee at the UN office in Geneva, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) will hold an international conference titled "The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Consequences of French Colonialism," Report informs.
The event will be attended by parliamentarians, heads of non-governmental organizations and political parties, experts, scientists, and think tank researchers from territories under French and Dutch oppression - Martinique, New Caledonia, Guadeloupe, Bonaire, Saint Martin, French Polynesia, Mayotte, French Guiana, Corsica, as well as Guyana.
The participation of Kemi Seba, a well-known activist and fighter for the rights of African peoples, is also expected. The conference aims to discuss the social, political and environmental consequences of the colonial policies pursued by France and the Netherlands, and to call on the international community to support the decolonization process. In particular, the main objectives are to recognize the right to self-determination of peoples under colonial rule and to find solutions in accordance with the principles of international law to build a just future.
The conference will discuss in detail the historical and current consequences of French colonialism, as well as economic dependence, violations of social rights, and environmental problems in these territories. The application of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its impact on ensuring equal rights in colonial territories will be one of the main topics of the event. This platform also aims to become a voice for peoples remaining under colonial oppression, to defend their rights to sovereignty, and to create an environment for dialogue to build a sustainable and just future based on the requirements of international law.