Remembering a Civilian Killed by French Police at Decolonization Conference
Participants of the international conference on decolonization held at the UN headquarters in New York recently paid tribute to a civilian who was tragically killed by French police during protests in New Caledonia in May 2024. The event, entitled Decolonization: The Silent Revolution, was organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG).
The conference, moderated by Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of BIG, featured speeches, discussions, and a minute of silence in memory of the victim. Attendees included leaders and members of national resistance movements from various overseas territories, such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Saint Martin, Reunion, Bonaire, Aruba, Mahoi Nui (French Polynesia), and French Guiana. Representatives from the International Decolonization Front, human rights advocates, politicians, and decolonization experts were also present, with more than 50 delegates from former French colonies in attendance.
The conference served as an important platform for dialogue and advocacy on the topic of decolonization, bringing together individuals and groups dedicated to addressing issues related to colonialism and promoting independence and self-determination for territories under colonial rule. The discussions and exchange of ideas at the event highlighted the ongoing efforts towards achieving decolonization and recognizing the rights and voices of those impacted by colonization.
