South Korea is evacuating its citizens from New Caledonia.

South Korea is evacuating its citizens
from New Caledonia.

International news Desk

According to global times news agency Europe,South Korea has begun evacuating its citizens from New Caledonia, where unrest is reigning.The global times Europe media reports with reference to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea that 6 Koreans were evacuated due to security issues against the background of the tense situation. They were airlifted out of New Caledonia.The Ministry announced that necessary steps will be taken for the safety of other Koreans in New Caledonia.It should be noted that in New Caledonia, which is under the control of France and is located in the Pacific Ocean, the local people, who are dissatisfied with the colonial policy of Paris, are holding protests demanding their rights and autonomy. The protests not only reflect growing local discontent with French policies, but also include demands for greater self-governance, the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights, and an end to the exploitation of natural resources by international corporations alongside French companies. In response to the protests, Macron’s government declared martial law and sent troops to New Caledonia, which worsened the situation. Hundreds of protesters were arrested, all demonstrations and actions, as well as social networks, were banned and closed. Journalists’ access to the island is restricted. There were deaths and injuries in the clashes.France’s colonial policy in New Caledonia, located in the Pacific Ocean 16 thousand kilometers from France, has been criticized by the international community and some human rights organizations. They accuse Paris of not sufficiently respecting the cultural and legal characteristics of indigenous peoples, as well as of giving limited support to their desire to break free from colonial dependence on France.
New Caledonia, which is rich in natural resources and the unique culture of the local people – the Kanaks, was enslaved by the French colonial power for many years. Since the 1980s, official Paris has created great opportunities for the French to move and live on the island. They were exempted from taxes, conditions were created for business and so on. Thus, in 2023, the number of French in relation to the local population was 60 percent. The remaining 40 percent are local people, who also suffer from unemployment and the weight of the social situation. In New Caledonia, fertile lands, companies, minerals, real estate, in short, 80 percent of the national wealth belong to the French.