BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The Executive
Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Abbas Abbasov has sent
an appeal to the Pope of Rome in support of the decolonization
process of Corsica, Trend reports.
The letter highlights the ongoing efforts to support the
decolonization process and battle colonialism’s new
manifestations.
The appeal reads:
“Your Holiness,
It is with profound respect and great appreciation for your
unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the dignity of all
peoples that I take the liberty of addressing this letter to
you.
I have the honor of writing to you in my capacity as Executive
Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an international
non-governmental organization established during the ministerial
meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Baku, Republic of
Azerbaijan, in July 2023. This initiative, endorsed by the
participants, aims to support decolonization processes and combat
colonial and neo-colonial practices.
In the establishment document of the organization, the delegates
affirmed that ‘The subjection of peoples to alien subjugation,
domination, and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental
human rights, is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, and
is an evil that should speedily be brought to an end.’
The BIG brings together representatives of anti-colonial
movements from countries and territories still subjected to
colonial domination. It is, however, deeply disheartening to
observe that, among the many calamities that have marked human
history, colonialism continues in the 21st century to transcend
religious, ethnic, geographical, and cultural boundaries.
The establishment of BIG within the Non-Aligned Movement is no
coincidence. In fact, this is a logical continuation of the active
participation and contribution of Azerbaijan during its
chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019-2023 and currently
as a member of the “Troika”.
As part of its activities grounded in respect for international
law, the BIG has organized nearly 20 international conferences in
various locations, including at the United Nations
headquarters.
During the recent 29th Conference of the Parties on Climate
Change (COP29), held in Baku from November 11 through November 22,
our Group was particularly active. We organized around ten events
condemning colonial and neocolonial practices in today’s world.
These activities greatly benefited from the participation of the
representatives from Corsica, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Martinique,
Guyana, Guadeloupe, Bonaire, Saint Martin, and Mayotte.
The international community is well aware of your dedication to
the decolonization process. Your words during the forum
‘Colonialism, Decolonization, and Neo-Colonialism: A Perspective of
Social Justice and the Common Good,’ held on March 30-31 at the
Casina Pio IV in Vatican City, deeply moved us: ‘The subjugation
and exploitation of peoples through the use of force or cultural
and political penetration is a crime.
Your Holiness,
I recently learned of your planned visit to Corsica on December
15. According to Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo, ‘Corsica is a
land that has preserved its Catholic religious tradition,’ yet its
people have long been struggling to maintain their unique identity,
culture, and aspirations in the face of modern governance
dynamics.
Corsica’s history speaks of remarkable resilience and cultural
richness, embodied in its language, traditions, and distinct
heritage. However, external domination has often hindered the
people’s efforts to preserve their identity and sovereignty.
Recently, the Corsican people even submitted a motion to the
Corsican Assembly requesting the inclusion of the island on the
list of countries to be decolonized. On 19 November, 2024, once
again Corsica was deprived of the right to speak its language after
the Marseille Administrative Court of Appeals banned the
decision.
Decolonization is much more than a political process; it is a
moral and spiritual journey toward the restoration of God-given
dignity for all peoples.
I respectfully request that you consider the situation in
Corsica during your visit to the island. I firmly believe that your
presence will bring hope and encouragement not only to the Corsican
people but also to all those across the globe who remain under
colonial rule.
May God continue to bless Your Holiness with wisdom and grace as
you guide the Church through these challenging times.”
