Today, Baku hosts an international conference on the theme "Réunion's Independence: A Look at France's Colonial Legacy and the Path to Sovereignty" dedicated to the French colony Réunion Island.

Axar.az reports that the event, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, is attended by representatives of the Réunion people fighting for independence, as well as leaders of anti-colonial organizations, human rights defenders, heads of non-governmental organizations, decolonization experts and researchers.

The conference will discuss the work done to put the recognition of the right of the Réunion people to self-determination on the agenda of relevant international organizations and international legal mechanisms in this regard.

Noted that Réunion Island was discovered by Portuguese travelers in the early 1500s. The island was captured by the French in 1642 during the reign of Louis XIV and named Bourbon Island. Three years later, the first permanent colony was established.

The legacy of colonialism on Réunion Island continues to have a lasting impact on the economic, political and social spheres. France’s dominant position on the island and its powerful influence mechanisms create serious obstacles to the efforts of the local people to achieve political and economic independence. In the economic sphere, this impact is manifested in issues such as the island’s high dependence on France for foreign trade and investment, the weakening of local production and the persistent high level of unemployment. In the political sphere, the governance models and institutional mechanisms implemented by France not only limit the right of the people of Réunion to self-determination, but also minimize their participation in the decision-making process.

This event will serve as a platform to call for international support for the people of Réunion to independently determine their future.