A recent report issued by the Pacific Peoples’ Mission has shed light on the persistent injustices confronting the Kanak people under French administration in New Caledonia. The findings underscore that France’s policies are undermining the Kanak people’s right to self-determination, in violation of international obligations regarding decolonization.
Conducted in April 2025 with the backing of the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG), the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), and the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia (EPKNC), the report was initiated at the request of local Kanak leaders. Released this week, it details systemic inequalities and discrimination that have eroded trust in French governance, leaving the situation in New Caledonia fraught with volatility.
Pastor Billy Wetewea of the EPKNC spoke on behalf of the Kanak community’s shared struggles, stating, “We never exist alone but because of others, and we are all linked to a common destiny.” The report highlights troubling trends, including rising socio-economic disparities, a crumbling health system, and an alarming statistic revealing that over 80% of the incarcerated population comprises Kanak youth.
The report also criticized France’s decision to delay provincial elections, characterizing it as a “blatant new attack on the voice of the Caledonian people.” Joey Tau, a representative of the mission, emphasized that this situation underscores the urgent need for renewed political dialogue and collaboration within the region to foster understanding and rebuild trust.
Emele Duituturaga, another mission representative, conveyed sentiments of collective punishment felt within the community, underlining the ongoing dissatisfaction that has led to persistent crises. The mission calls upon Pacific governments to advocate for fair elections under international scrutiny, promote dialogue, and maintain the presence of Kanaky on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This, they argue, is essential for garnering support from the Pacific community to restore justice and self-determination for the Kanak people.
Despite these significant challenges, the report is viewed as a hopeful call for a unified Pacific approach to provide enduring support beyond times of crisis. It resonates with a commitment to the Kanak people’s pursuit of autonomy and encapsulates the spirit of solidarity among Pacific nations, aspiring to carve out a just future for all.