BIG executive director makes statement at UN meeting on people of African descent

Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Abbas Abbasov has made a statement at the 35th session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, Report informs.

The 35th session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent was held at the UN headquarters in New York. This event is recognized as one of the most important international platforms for protecting the rights of African peoples and addressing the consequences of historical injustice.

In his speech, Abbasov detailed BIG's activities, support for regions under colonial policy oppression, and cooperation with African peoples. On behalf of the Group, he expressed solidarity with the call for justice from Africans and people of African descent.

"We have united to overcome the deep and ongoing consequences of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. These historical injustices have caused enormous damage, and restoring justice is crucial. Regions such as Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Mayotte, Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Réunion continue to struggle with the long-term legacy of colonialism. These territories face ongoing socio-economic and political problems stemming from historical colonial domination, which continue to hinder their development and self-determination. BIG continues to defend their interests, advocating for the inclusion and representation of these regions in international organizations. In this context, we have organized numerous international and thematic conferences and provided significant support in preparing appeals to global institutions. These initiatives aim to ensure effective representation and secure the rights, intentions, and concerns of these communities in the global arena, creating conditions for successful advocacy and activity on their behalf. We demand the creation of a comprehensive global reparations framework that includes legal, cultural, educational, economic, and psychological elements," Abbasov added.

He noted that "reparations should be developed within the framework of international human rights law, including the Rome Statute and General Assembly Resolution 60/147, which provide affected communities access to justice regardless of time passed."

"Reparations should also include the return of cultural heritage samples and artifacts, reform of legal, economic, and social systems that contribute to inequality," he said.

Abbasov noted that BIG proposes a comprehensive approach to restoring the rights of people of African descent and achieving a fair and sustainable reparative structure: "We encourage educational reforms alongside economic initiatives to create a legal framework for reparations, ensure the return of cultural heritage samples, and empower isolated communities. We also seek to facilitate mental and emotional rehabilitation through reparations programs to address the lasting psychological impacts of past injustices. Furthermore, we call for reparative measures that promote systemic changes addressing the persistent inequalities faced by descendants of those affected by colonialism. Our organization reaffirms its commitment to supporting the global movement for reparative justice. We will continue to advocate for these goals in international forums and work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to ensure a fair and sustainable reparations process. We call for decisive action to correct past wrongs and build a more just, equitable future for all."