Baku Initiative Group or BIG for short – is an international non-governmental organization that supports the development of international partnerships in the fields of decolonization and human rights . The group works to raise awareness about the lasting effects of colonialism and supports decolonization efforts through various initiatives, conferences, and collaborations with international organizations. The group's executive director is Abbas Abbasov. ^[1]

The Baku Initiative Group was founded by participants of the conference titled "Towards the Complete Elimination of Colonialism," which focused on the eradication of colonialism. The conference took place on July 6, 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement Coordination Office, chaired by the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the event, attendees engaged in discussions on France's ongoing colonial policies in Africa and other regions, addressing the challenges posed by these practices. The participants exchanged views on the necessary measures to combat colonial rule, support decolonization efforts, and promote self-determination for affected nations and territories.

As a result of these discussions, the Baku Initiative Group was officially established as a platform dedicated to fighting French colonialism and advocating for the complete elimination of colonial-era influences worldwide. The group aims to raise awareness, support decolonization efforts, and work towards achieving true independence for colonized nations through diplomatic engagement, international cooperation, and advocacy. The organization's office was opened on October 21, 2023, at the Winter Park Plaza in Baku. ^[2]

The report, titled Evolution of French Colonialism: A Political and Constitutional Analysis by Carlyle Corbin, was conducted in collaboration with our organization. However, it appears that you disregard the legitimate demands of Indigenous peoples in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Guiana, the Antilles, and other overseas territories. These demands arise from centuries of colonial domination and systematic marginalization policies.

The Baku Initiative Group has been established as a central platform for addressing the challenges of decolonization and the lasting consequences of colonialism and neocolonialism, particularly within the framework of French colonialism. In 2023-2025, the group organized events that brought together experts, academics, activists, and independence movements to discuss these issues.

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) organized five conferences at the United Nations Headquarters. The first, titled 'Decolonization: A Peaceful Revolution' (September 22, 2023, New York), highlighted the importance of a peaceful approach to achieving independence and sovereignty. This event convened decolonization experts and representatives from territories still under colonial domination.

Another conference, "Neocolonialism: Human Rights, Peace, and Security," was held on December 14, 2023, at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This international event coincided with the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, according to UN General Assembly Resolution No. 1514 (XV) of December 14, 1960. Representatives from 22 countries, including the last French colonies such as French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, New Caledonia (Kanaky), French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Corsica, and Wallis and Futuna, as well as representatives from former French colonies like Senegal and Algeria, gathered in Geneva under the auspices of the BIG.

As part of this series of events, the conference titled “Path to Decolonization: The Consequences of Assimilation and Its Impact on the Realization of Human Rights” was held on April 30, 2024, in Vienna. The event focused on a critical analysis of the cultural assimilation policy imposed by colonial powers, calling for its complete abolition. A key moment of the conference was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the political party Tāvini Huiraʻatira of French Polynesia and the BIG, aimed at developing relations and strengthening cooperation.

The following conference, titled “Towards Independence and Fundamental Freedoms: The Role of the C-24 in Eradicating Colonialism” (June 20, 2024, New York), highlighted the importance of the Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) in supporting peoples seeking self-determination.

On October 22, 2024, in Geneva, during the conference “The ICCPR and the Consequences of French Colonialism,” experts analyzed the impacts of French colonialism through the lens of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, focusing on persistent violations.

At the same time, in Baku, other events highlighted the consequences of French neocolonialism.

Thus, on February 24, 2024, the conference “Decolonization: The Awakening of the Renaissance” in Istanbul addressed the cultural and political renaissance of peoples seeking independence. On April 18, 2024, another conference on “New Caledonia: History, Contemporary Challenges, and the Expected Future” was held at the Parliament of Azerbaijan in Baku, where experts examined the current issues and prospects for New Caledonia.

On May 30, 2024, in Baku, the conference “The Right to Decolonization of French Polynesia: Challenges and Prospects” explored the obstacles and opportunities for the decolonization of French Polynesia. On July 17 and 18, 2024, the Congress of the Resistance of Nationalist and Independence Movements was held in Baku to strengthen solidarity among nationalist movements and activists. After two days of private discussions, leaders of political parties and movements seeking independence from French colonies agreed to establish the International Front for the Liberation of French Colonies. Representatives from 17 French and Dutch colonies signed the final declaration creating the International Liberation Front. Additionally, the participants approved the status of the Front.

On August 22, 2024, in Baku, the conference “The Bonaire Path from Baku to the UN General Assembly towards Self-Determination” provided an in-depth analysis of the progress made by Bonaire towards self-determination. From September 1 to 4, 2024, a forum in Baku explored the claims regarding the occupation of Mayotte by France during the conference “Illegal Occupation of the Island of Mayotte, Belonging to the Union of Comoros.”

On October 3, 2024, the conference 'French Neocolonialism Policy in Africa' examined the consequences of French neocolonialism in Africa. On November 13, 2024, also in Baku, the conference 'Eco-Colonialism: The Environmental Legacy of Colonial and Neocolonial Exploitation' focused on the environmental impacts of colonial and neocolonial exploitation.

On November 18, 2024, during the session at COP29, the meeting 'Solidarity for a Decolonized and Green Future' explored the links between decolonization and sustainable development. On this occasion, Azerbaijan demonstrated its diplomatic strength and commitment to foreign policy by hosting the event professionally and opening its doors to all participating nations.

On December 6, 2024, the conference "French and Dutch Colonialism in St. Martin - One Island, One People, One Destiny" addressed the lasting impacts of both French and Dutch colonialism on the island of St. Martin. The event emphasized the shared struggles of the island’s people under both colonial powers, highlighting the need for unity and collective action towards self-determination. Experts and activists came together to discuss how these colonial legacies have shaped the island’s identity and how its people can move forward with a unified vision for their future.

On January 21, 2025, the conference "The Independence of Réunion: Reassessing France's Colonial Heritage and the Path to Sovereignty" explored the complex history of French colonialism in Réunion and its ongoing impact on the island. The event highlighted the growing movement for independence and sovereignty, with experts and activists examining the island’s colonial past and its path toward self-determination. Discussions focused on the need to address the legacy of French rule and the importance of fostering a new political and cultural identity for the people of Réunion.

The Baku Initiative Group supports the decolonization of the following colonial territories:

New Caledonia: (French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean) ^[3][4]

Status: A special status within the French Republic, with a long-standing independence movement. In 2021, a referendum on independence was held, but the majority voted to remain within France. ^[5] However, there are still ongoing calls for independence.^[6]

French Polynesia: (Autonomous collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean)

Status: It enjoys a high degree of autonomy but is still an overseas territory of France. There have been discussions about its potential independence, though these are not widespread.^[7]

French Guiana: (Overseas region of France in South America)

Status: An integral part of France, serving as an overseas region and department. Calls for independence or greater autonomy have not gained significant traction.

Guadeloupe: (French overseas region and department in the Caribbean)

Status: An overseas department of France with a degree of autonomy, but part of the French Republic. There are minor movements calling for independence.^[8]

Saint Martin: (French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean)

Status: A collectivity of France, with a status similar to that of a department, but not fully integrated.^[9] The Dutch side of the island is separate (Sint Maarten),^[10] and there have been occasional calls for further autonomy.^[11]

Bonaire: (Special municipality of the Netherlands in the Caribbean)

Status: While Bonaire is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is a special municipality and not a colony in the traditional sense.^[12] However, some local movements have advocated for greater autonomy from the Netherlands.^{[13] [14]}

Martinique: (French overseas region and department in the Caribbean)

Status: An overseas department of France. There have been occasional calls for independence, but they have not gathered substantial momentum compared to some other territories.

Corsica: (French island in the Mediterranean)

Status: An integral part of France, although there are notable regional autonomy movements advocating for greater independence or self-determination.^[15]

Comoros: (Independent, with a claim on Mayotte)

Status: The Comoros islands are independent, but Mayotte remains a French overseas department.^[16] Comoros claims Mayotte, and this remains a point of contention,^[17] with Mayotte's continued status as a French territory being disputed.^[18]

Réunion: (French overseas region in the Indian Ocean)

Status: An integral part of France, located in the Indian Ocean.^[19] It is often included in discussions regarding decolonization due to its status as a French overseas region and its ongoing debates around local autonomy and identity.^[20]

Wallis and Futuna: (French overseas territory in the Pacific)

Status: A French overseas territory with a degree of local autonomy. The islands' connection to France is mainly administrative, and there has been some discussion about self-determination, though these have not gained significant international attention.

In July 2024, with the support of the Baku Initiative Group, representatives of France's last colonies established the International Decolonization Front in Baku. This congress, backed by the Baku Initiative Group, marked a significant step in the global decolonization movement, uniting the voices of regions still grappling with the legacy of colonialism.

On January 23-24, 2025, representatives from former French colonies convened in Kanaky (New Caledonia) for the first meeting of the International Decolonization Front.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was the official adoption of a symbol for the International Decolonization Front. The Iron Fist, associated with the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, was chosen to represent the collective struggle against colonialism and the ongoing fight for self-determination and sovereignty. The adoption of the Iron Fist as a symbol signifies a unified stance in the battle against colonial oppression and reinforces the pursuit of justice for occupied territories.