BIG presents report on human rights violations in France's overseas territories

A report has been prepared on human rights violations in France's overseas territories.

Report informs that the document prepared by the Baku Initiative Group reflects human rights violations in overseas territories, violations of freedom of speech and expression, voting rights, and obstacles to expressing their will.

At a press conference regarding the presentation of the report, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Abbas Abbasov stated that France's cultural assimilation policy negatively affects local cultures. Against this background, there are risks regarding the preservation of local languages as the French language is prioritized in the education system.

The conference noted that France's nuclear tests and pesticide use in overseas territories cause environmental pollution and damage to the health of local populations.

Representatives from the French colonies of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Mayotte spoke about the problems existing in their states. They stated that France's colonial policy, steps to control and intervene in the economy, culture, and ecology led to deepening social-ecological problems, deforestation, consequences such as water shortages, and serious problems in areas like education, healthcare, culture, and infrastructure.