Baku: The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has reached a new milestone with its recent inclusion in the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s report titled ‘Programme of Activities for the Implementation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent in 2025.’
According to Trend News Agency, BIG is highlighted in this document as the sole non-governmental organization (NGO) among global civil society groups dedicated to decolonization and supporting the independence of peoples on small islands. In May 2025, BIG submitted a report detailing its activities to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Its inclusion in the Secretary-General’s report underscores BIG’s standing as a reliable international partner and its crucial role in amplifying the voices of those affected by colonization.
The report from BIG details several international events, including a conference titled ‘Independence of R©union: Reflections on France’s Colonial Legacy and Path to Sovereignty,’ held on January 21, 2025, and an international media tour from February 24-26, which included journalists from French and Dutch colonies. Additionally, a conference named ‘Decolonization: A Quiet Revolution’ took place on April 15 at the UN headquarters in New York, officially registered as a parallel event of the Fourth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
These initiatives played a significant role in showcasing BIG’s efforts on decolonization and human rights to a global audience. Executive Director Abbas Abbasov, along with representatives from colonized territories, made significant contributions during the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum at the UN General Assembly.
As a part of its ongoing commitment during the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, BIG launched the ‘Reparations: Facing the Legacy of Colonialism’ initiative and initiated an international petition advocating for the acknowledgment of colonial oppression and reparations. The report condemns former colonial powers for evading responsibility for historical injustices and emphasizes that reparations are both a legal and moral obligation, rooted in justice and human dignity.