As the Pacific Islands Forum gathers its leaders in Tonga, the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) is calling on their « brothers of the Pacific » to take into account the remarks and recommendations of UN special rapporteurs. These experts have expressed concern over the orientation of the indigenous Kanak people in a controversial statement released earlier this week.
The Pacific Islands Forum, an annual meeting of leaders from the 18 member countries, is currently taking place in Tonga. The forum serves as a platform for regional cooperation and dialogue on various issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and human rights.
During the forum, the FLNKS, a political coalition representing the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia, has urged their « brothers of the Pacific » to listen to the concerns raised by UN special rapporteurs regarding the orientation of the Kanak people.
In a statement released on Monday, the UN special rapporteurs expressed their alarm at the ongoing discrimination and marginalization faced by the Kanak people, who make up around 40% of the population in New Caledonia. The rapporteurs highlighted the lack of recognition of the Kanak people’s land rights and their exclusion from decision-making processes.
The FLNKS has welcomed the statement and hopes that the leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum will take it into consideration when discussing regional issues.
« We are grateful for the support of our brothers in the Pacific and we hope that their solidarity will help bring élan to the struggles of the Kanak people, » said FLNKS leader Victor Tutugoro.
The Kanak people have long been fighting for self-determination and the recognition of their rights as the indigenous people of New Caledonia. The issue has been a contentious one, with tensions rising in recent years as the French government continues to hold onto its colonial grip on the island.
The FLNKS believes that the support of their Pacific neighbors will help bring international élan to their cause and put pressure on the French government to address the concerns raised by the UN special rapporteurs.
« We urge our brothers in the Pacific to stand with us in our fight for justice and self-determination, » Tutugoro added.
The statement by the UN special rapporteurs has sparked controversy, with some questioning the timing and appropriateness of the release. However, the FLNKS sees it as an opportunity to bring their cause to the forefront of regional discussions and garner support from their Pacific neighbors.
As the Pacific Islands Forum continues, the FLNKS remains hopeful that their « brothers of the Pacific » will heed their call for solidarity and support in their fight for the rights of the Kanak people. Their plaidoirie is clear: the time for action and change is now, and the Pacific must stand together to bring justice and equality to all its people.
