The French Ambassador to the Pacific: “The press release from the 4 special rapporteurs acting in their own contains serious allegations that are factually inaccurate”

Véronique Roger-Lacan, the French Ambassador to the Pacific, reacts to the press release from the 4 special rapporteurs acting in their own name within the framework of the special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

As indicated in the press release from the High Commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia, the press release published on the 20th August by 4 special rapporteurs acting in their own name within the framework of the special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council contains serious allegations that are factually inaccurate and raise many serious questions as to their basis.

France has been notified by the special procedures of the Human Rights Council on the situation in New Caledonia, in writing, and will respond within the set deadlines, in accordance with the procedures governing these referrals, in particular the principle of adversarial proceedings. It emphasizes that this press release does not take into account its reactions, to come.

France recalls that the positions expressed by the holders of the special procedures do not represent those of the United Nations Human Rights Council or those of the United Nations Secretariat.

France cooperates fully with the United Nations on New Caledonia within the framework of the Decolonization Committee and the General Assembly. France recalls that during the 3rd referendum on the self-determination of New Caledonia, United Nations experts noted on the ground the regularity of the vote. It will continue this cooperation and will continue to act in full transparency and in close dialogue with the region and in particular the Pacific Islands Forum (see FR statement of the 10th June 2024 at the UN on C24).