We, the undersigned, demand the recognition of the material and moral damages inflicted on peoples who have suffered from colonial oppression throughout history and the provision of adequate reparations. Colonial policies have led to the exploitation, enslavement, ethnic discrimination, and severe socio-economic crises affecting millions of people. The effects of colonial rule persist today, manifesting in structural inequalities, economic dependency, and cultural erasure. As Frantz Fanon stated in 1961, "Colonialism and imperialism have not settled their debt to us once they have withdrawn from our territories."

For centuries, colonial empires amassed vast wealth at the expense of subjugated peoples, stripping nations of their resources, destroying indigenous governance systems, and imposing foreign rule through force. 

While direct colonial rule has ended in most parts of the world, its economic and political legacies remain entrenched. 

Colonial powers as France and Netherlands continue to benefit from systems established during imperial domination, while many formerly colonized nations struggle with economic instability, political fragmentation, and social crises rooted in colonial exploitation. From the transatlantic slave trade to the forced displacement of indigenous populations, colonial policies have led to intergenerational trauma and economic stagnation. Countries affected by colonialism, such as the Kanaky (New Caledonia), Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), Guadeloupe, Wallis et Futuna, Martinique, French Guiana, Saint-Martin, Bonaire, Reunion, Mayotte, are still grappling with the lasting repercussions, including unfair trade systems, illicit financial flows, and the burden of imposed debt. 

Reparations are not merely a moral imperative; they are a necessity for global justice and sustainable development.

This demand for reparations is firmly rooted in established international legal frameworks:

-        United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) – The "Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples" recognizes the right of peoples to self-determination and declares colonialism in all its forms unlawful.

-        Durban Declaration of the United Nations (2001) – Confirms the legal basis for providing compensation to peoples harmed by slavery, colonialism, and racism, acknowledging the enduring economic and social consequences of these injustices.

-        United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent – The forum highlights the systemic discrimination and socio-economic disadvantages faced by communities of African descent due to the legacies of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.

-        United Nations General Assembly`s Document A/78/552 S/2023/796 - The address by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to the participants of the International Conference on the theme “Neocolonialism: human rights violations and injustice”, held on 20 October 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

-        United Nations General Assembly`s Document A/78/611 S/2023/905 - the address by Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to participants at the international conference on “Decolonization: Women’s Empowerment and Development”, held on 21 November 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

-        Precedent Law of the European Court of Human Rights – Various rulings on historical injustices establish a legal precedent for recognition and compensation.

-        Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (17 July 1998, Article 75 - Reparations to victims) – Provides legal grounds for addressing colonial crimes within the framework of war crimes and crimes against humanity, setting accountability for those responsible.

-        Positions of the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – These regional organizations have consistently advocated for reparations and formal apologies to address the socio-economic impacts of colonial heritage.

These legal documents and frameworks reaffirm that the demand for reparations is grounded in established international law. They collectively recognize the historical injustices of colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination, emphasizing the need for accountability and redress. The recognition of reparatory justice by the United Nations, regional organizations, and international courts highlights the legitimacy of claims for formal apologies, compensation, and structural reforms.

Our Demands:

1.       Recognition of Historical Accountability – The social, economic, and cultural damages caused by colonial governance must be acknowledged in international tribunals, leading to legal frameworks ensuring reparative justice.

2.       Official Apology – Nations and institutions that carried out colonial oppression must formally apologize, recognizing their responsibility for historical injustices and their lasting consequences.

3.       Decent compensation – The economic damages suffered by colonized peoples must be assessed through independent international reports, leading to adequate compensation and economic support initiatives.

4.       Debt Cancellation and Economic Assistance – Many former colonies continue to suffer under debts imposed by colonial administrations or post-colonial financial institutions. Unfair economic structures must be dismantled, including the cancellation of unjust debts and the restructuring of global trade policies to benefit formerly colonized nations.

5.       Social and Cultural Support – Colonial powers must contribute to the restoration of destroyed cultural heritage, the return of stolen artifacts, and the funding of educational and social programs aimed at reversing historical damage.

6.       International Legislative Initiative – The UN and other international organizations must adopt new laws ensuring reparations for colonial injustices, reinforcing legal accountability for crimes committed under imperial rule.

7.       Recognition of Environmental Destruction – Colonial extractive industries led to severe environmental degradation in many regions. Reparative measures must include ecological restoration efforts and sustainable development programs.

We believe that fulfilling these demands will not only compensate for past injustices but will also contribute to global social equality, economic stability, and human dignity.