An international conference titled "Independence of Reunion: A Look at France's Colonial Heritage and Path to Sovereignty" dedicated to the French colony of Reunion Island is being held in Baku.

Report informs that the event, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, is attended by representatives of the Reunion 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 focus on the work being done to bring the recognition of the Reunion people's right to self-determination to the agenda of relevant international organizations and the international legal mechanisms in this regard.

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

The colonial heritage in Reunion Island continues to have its impact in economic, political, and social spheres. France's dominant position and strong influence mechanisms on the island create serious obstacles to the local people's efforts to achieve political and economic independence.

In the economic sphere, this influence manifests itself in issues such as the island's high dependence on France in terms of foreign trade and investments, the weakening of local production, and increasing unemployment rates. In the political sphere, the governance models and institutional mechanisms implemented by France not only limit the Reunion people's right to self-determination but also minimize their participation in decision-making.

The conference will serve as a platform calling for international support for the Reunion people to independently determine their future.