Baku to Host International Conference on Colonial Legacy of Saint Martin Island

The Baku Initiative Group will hold an international conference dedicated to Saint Martin Island, under French and Dutch colonial rule in Baku, on December 6.

Azernews reports that the conference titled "French and Dutch Colonialism in Saint Martin – One Island, One People, One Destiny" will feature representatives from the Saint Martin community, who are fighting against colonialism and striving for freedom, as well as leaders of anti-colonial organizations, members of parliament, human rights defenders, NGO leaders, and experts and researchers on decolonization.

The conference will discuss the struggle of the Saint Martin people against colonialism under French and Dutch rule, as well as the work being done to bring this issue to the agenda of relevant international organizations and the international legal mechanisms involved.

It is worth noting that the island of Saint Martin is unique compared to other colonies both during and after the colonial period. The island has been colonized by both France and the Netherlands and has been divided between these two states since 1648. The French part of the island is called Saint-Martin, while the Dutch part is known as Sint Maarten. These two empires have controlled the island's governance, culture, and legal systems.

The colonial legacy on the island continues to impact the economic and political spheres significantly. The strong influence of France and the Netherlands hinders the Saint Martin people's efforts to determine their own destiny.

This event will serve as a platform to call for international support for the Saint Martin people to independently determine their future.