The "Colonialism: Erasure of Religious and National Identity" conference in Baku gathers leaders of independence movements and political prisoners' families to discuss the suppression of identity under colonial rule, global anti-colonial movements, and reparations.

An international conference titled "Colonialism: Erasure of Religious and National Identity" commenced in Baku on 29 March, organised by the Baku Initiative Group.

The event brings together leaders and representatives of independence movements, alongside families of political prisoners, from territories under French and Dutch colonial rule, including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Corsica, Martinique, Réunion, Bonaire, French Polynesia, Mayotte, and Wallis and Futuna.

Discussions centre on the suppression of religious and national identity under colonial rule, encompassing assimilation policies, restrictions on indigenous languages, repression of religious practices, enforced name changes, and the distortion of history to align with imperial narratives. The conference also explores the repercussions of colonial policies, global anti-colonial movements, the preservation of national heritage, the release of political prisoners, and calls for reparations.

Furthermore, the conference is expected to include the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Baku Initiative Group and one of the independence movements.

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