The 4th session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent began this week at the UN headquarters in New York, bringing renewed international scrutiny to France and the Netherlands over their continued control of several overseas territories.
Established by a UN General Assembly resolution on August 2, 2021, the forum aims to address the historical and contemporary injustices rooted in slavery and colonialism.
This year’s session drew particular attention thanks to the collaboration between the Forum and the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an international platform advocating decolonization through international law. BIG enabled the participation of representatives from territories still under French and Dutch rule, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Sint Maarten, Réunion, Bonaire, Aruba, Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), and French Guiana.
Speaking at the session, BIG Executive Director Abbas Abbasov detailed his organization’s efforts to support territories still under colonial control, expressing regret that these regions “continue to suffer from the colonial regime to this day.”
Abbasov also announced an upcoming international conference titled “Decolonization: The Quiet Revolution” to be held on April 15, organized by BIG in cooperation with the Permanent Forum. He invited all UN member states to attend.
Several representatives from France's overseas territories took the floor to denounce the ongoing colonial policies. Delegates from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, and Sint Maarten called for stronger unity and collaboration in achieving independence and self-determination.
In addition, the session featured the presentation of a detailed report, “The Evolution of French Colonialism: A Political and Constitutional Study,” authored by recognized UN expert Carlyle Corbin. Commissioned by BIG, the report explores France’s post-colonial governance structure and the lingering political and constitutional mechanisms used to maintain influence over its territories.
The session reinforced growing international calls for concrete steps toward decolonization and reparative justice, particularly in regions where colonial influence persists under the guise of overseas administration.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production site in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
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U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production site in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production site in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
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