By Dare Akogun
As part of its efforts toward decolonization, Baku recently hosted an international conference titled “Bonaire’s Pathway from Baku through UN General Assembly to Self-Determination.”
The event was jointly organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, and the Movement for Change.
The conference aimed to rally international support for a draft resolution to be presented to the United Nations General Assembly.
The proposed resolution seeks to include Bonaire, currently under Dutch colonial rule, on the UN’s list of non-self-governing territories, thereby recognizing the island’s right to self-determination.
Moderated by Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, the conference convened representatives from various nations engaged in the fight against colonialism, including Bonaire, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Saint Lucia. Also in attendance were officials from the United Nations, international organizations, NGOs, and experts in the field.
In his opening remarks, Abbasov emphasized BIG’s ongoing commitment to raising global awareness about the impacts of colonialism in regions such as New Caledonia, Martinique, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Corsica.
“The Bonaire people’s right to self-determination is crucial and must be upheld,” Abbasov stated.
Throughout the event, discussions focused on Bonaire’s struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule and the strategies for escalating the issue within international organizations. Participants also explored the legal avenues available to support Bonaire’s quest for self-determination.
James Finies, the Founder of the Bonaire Movement for Change, expressed deep appreciation for the support received from BIG, the Azerbaijani government, and its people.
He highlighted the resilience of Papiamentu, Bonaire’s native language, which remains one of the few Caribbean languages to have withstood colonial suppression.
“For the first time, a group of Bonaire citizens is presenting their case on the global stage to secure the rights of current and future generations,” Finies remarked.
The conference also showcased videos detailing the efforts of the Baku Initiative Group and Bonaire’s ongoing struggle for self-determination.
The event concluded with the adoption of a statement affirming the rights of Bonaire and other territories still under colonial rule.
The Baku Initiative Group was formed during the conference on the elimination of colonialism held in Baku on July 6, 2023. The conference was part of the ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), chaired by the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Group is dedicated to supporting the global fight for freedom and the rights of peoples still living under colonial rule in the 21st century.
