Published on: 2026-05-07
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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France must guarantee that any political and constitutional reforms concerning the future of New Caledonia will only be carried out with the full participation of the Kanak indigenous people. Experts from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination stated this on Thursday.
The Committee expressed serious concern that recent Paris initiatives could undermine the political architecture created by the 1998 Noumea Agreement. This document has been the basis for the gradual decolonization of the territory, recognition of Kanak identity, expansion of autonomy, and preparation for resolving the political future of New Caledonia. Experts believe that attempts to change electoral legislation and political mechanisms without the consent of the Kanaks could negatively affect their right to participate in the political process.
The Committee paid particular attention to the fact that reforms affecting the rights of the Kanaks were initiated without their participation. In early 2025, the French authorities conducted closed negotiations in Boujivalent, which concluded with a new political agreement and a draft law on the expansion of the electorate. At the same time, key institutions of the Kanak people were not invited to participate in the discussions. Experts emphasized that the current process format, promoted by the French government, is no longer multilateral and excludes the involvement of the people of New Caledonia as an equal party.
The committee called on France to ensure the real participation of the Kanaks in any reforms affecting their rights and interests, to conduct transparent and honest consultations with representative institutions, and to achieve a free, prior, and informed consent of the indigenous people when making decisions about the future of the territory. Experts emphasized that any measures related to the decolonization and self-determination of New Caledonia must be based on inclusive dialogue.
Separately, the Committee expressed deep concern regarding reports of excessive and disproportionate use of force by French law enforcement agencies during protests in May 2024, including instances of lethal force. There were also reports of the detention of several Canadian human rights defenders linked to the independence movement in prisons on the mainland territory of France without their consent.
The committee called on Paris to conduct independent investigations of all cases of excessive use of force, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure full compensation for the victims.
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