Baku to host int'l conference on colonized island of Saint Martin

An international conference dedicated to the island of Saint Martin, which is under colonial rule of France and the Netherlands, will be held in Baku on the initiative of the Baku Initiative Group, Report informs.

The conference "French and Dutch colonialism in Saint Martin - one island, one people, one destiny" will be attended by representatives of Saint Martin people fighting against colonialism and striving for freedom, as well as leaders of anti-colonial organizations, members of parliament, human rights activists, NGO leaders, decolonization experts and researchers.

The conference will discuss the struggle of Saint Martin people for liberation from French and Dutch colonialism, work on bringing this issue to the agenda of relevant international organizations, and international legal mechanisms.

Saint Martin differs from other colonies in its characteristics. The island was colonized by both France and the Netherlands and has been divided between these two states since 1648. The French part of the island is called Saint-Martin, while the Dutch part is called Sint Maarten. These two empires made the island's governance systems, culture, and laws dependent on them.

The colonial heritage on the island continues to maintain influence in economic and political spheres. The strong influence of France and the Netherlands creates obstacles for Saint Martin people's attempts to determine their destiny.

This event in Baku will serve as a platform to call for international support for the Saint Martin people so that they can independently determine their future.