A NEW report by the Pacific Peoples’ Mission to Kanaky New Caledonia has exposed continuing injustices under French administration, warning that France’s actions are undermining the Kanak people’s right to self-determination and breaching international decolonisation commitments.
Led by the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG), the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), and the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia (EPKNC), the mission visited the territory in April 2025 following invitations from Kanak customary and church leaders.
Its report, released this week, documents systemic inequality, political interference, and structural discrimination that have deepened mistrust in France’s governance.
“The Pacific Mission in Kanaky New Caledonia is a reminder of our Pasifika connexion with our families across the sea”, said Pastor Billy Wetewea of the EPKNC.
“We never exist alone but because of others, and we are all linked to a common destiny”.
He added that the Kanak struggle “is shared by every people in our region still striving to define their own future,” calling the mission “an act of solidarity grounded in faith and regional unity”.
Among the mission’s findings are widening socio-economic inequalities, a health system in decline, and the overrepresentation of Kanak youth in prisons–now over 80% of the incarcerated population.
The report also condemned France’s decision to postpone provincial elections, describing it as “a blatant new attack on the voice of the Caledonian people”.
Mission representative Joey Tau, Coordinator of PANG, said the visit offered “an original political mandate to support de-escalation and promote dialogue” but also to question “what led to March 2024–it just didn’t happen overnight.”
He emphasised that “the struggle of the Kanak people is not merely political, it’s about social justice, environmental stewardship, and identity.” Tau added.
“This mission highlighted the urgent need for regional solidarity. It’s about how best we can provide lasting support, not only in times of crisis but in the long run.”
For Emele Duituturaga, another mission representative, the testimonies gathered revealed a community feeling punished for its resistance.
“The word we heard again was ‘collective punishment”, she said.
“It was clear this crisis didn’t happen overnight; people have been dissatisfied for years.”
Duituturaga highlighted the courage of young people “on the front line” and the pain of women “who cried every night wondering whether their children would come home.”
She said the mission reaffirmed Pacific unity.
“We came as a people to say we belong together. Colonialism separated us, but this report is an embodiment of our commitment to each other.”
The mission’s report calls for fair elections under international observation, renewed political dialogue, and Pacific-led mediation to restore trust and place Kanaky “firmly on the path to self-determination and justice.”
The report further urges Pacific governments to ensure Kanaky remains on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and to revitalise regional solidarity mechanisms supporting self-determination and justice.