The 142nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee is happening at this time in Geneva. During this session, reports from different nations are being reviewed, including France. These reports are related to the nation’s performance, such as how well these countries are following the rules of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. One crucial aspect of this international covenant is that nations must protect the right to self-determination.
This means still people have the right to make decisions about their future, especially those who live in colonial areas. This is according to the statement of the United Nations Charter.
The central attention of this session is France. This is because this nation is still involved in colonial and non-colonial practices. There are many global efforts that have been made to end colonialism, but France continues to control different regions. This raises serious concerns about France’s commitment to respecting human rights and self-determination. It is crucial to review France’s actions to gain deep knowledge of whether the nation aligns with international human rights standards or not.
France’s colonial practices report is presented in front of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. This report was submitted by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG). It is available on the official site of the Committee that explored France’s continuous dominance over its regions
On October 21, a meeting was held at the Human Rights Committee. BIG, along with representatives from New Caledonia and French Polynesia, were also take part in this conversation. BIG’s Executive Director, Abbas Abbasov, strongly opposed France’s illegal referendum in New Caledonia. He highlighted the nation’s attempts to amend the electoral code. These changes upset the Kanak people, resulting in widespread protests.
According to Abbasov, this protest due to France’s action took the lives of almost 10 people and 400 injured in New Caledonia. He emphasized France’s dangerous policies, especially for the people living in the region.
Abbasov shed light on the health issues connected to France’s nuclear tests in Polynesia. He stressed that these tests had harmed local communities. He said that independence is the right of everyone. So, the people of French Polynesia desire independence, but France’s unwillingness to support this goal is preventing the realization of UN Resolution 67/265, which calls for self-determination.
Abbasov also looked at the wider effects of French rule on other regions, highlighting the historical injustices they had to deal with. He highlighted these regions’ economic hardships and lack of sovereignty, highlighting the need for reform and increased independence for all places impacted by colonial authority.
As the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement and a member of its Troika, Abbasov emphasized the crucial role that Azerbaijan plays in the struggle against colonialism. To determine its future, he suggested that New Caledonia hold a fresh referendum under UN supervision. Abbasov also asked the UN Special Decolonization Committee to assess the situation in the area and demanded that French armed soldiers leave it.
In addition, he called on France to pay for the damage their nuclear experiments in Polynesia had caused. Abbasov pushed for the people of French Polynesia and New Caledonia to have the opportunity to select their own political status, a right known as self-determination. In order to guarantee justice and openness in the procedures impacting these people, he emphasized the significance of UN supervision in these areas. This strategy demonstrates a dedication to self-governance and human rights.
