BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. The media can
amplify the voices of solidarity, the Chairman of the Sikh
Federation of Canada, and a prominent representative of the
International Sikh Federation, Moninder Singh, told reporters, on
the margins of the international conference on “Media and
Decolonization: Rising Voices, Amplifying Narratives” in Baku,
Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.
“In today’s world, the media can play both a positive and an
extremely negative role. The media is capable of shaping entire
narratives that lead to the demonization of people and national
minorities, and subsequently to violence against them by state
institutions,” he said.
Singh noted that the media can also amplify voices of solidarity
and help those seeking the right to self-determination to be heard
and recognized.
“The International Conference on Decolonization, taking place in
Baku, is a very important platform for discussing the situation of
various communities around the world that are still experiencing
the consequences of colonialism. These people are striving for
freedom through the realization of the right to self-determination.
For the representatives of the Sikh people who are here today, this
conference is of great significance. We highly value both the forum
itself and the atmosphere of solidarity that is developing here
among different peoples,” he said.
The Chairman of the Sikh Federation noted that the Sikh people
have endured genocide, mass killings, and forced displacement, all
of which are consequences of the colonization process.
"Therefore, as we stand here today in Baku, we understand that
our strength comes from solidarity. Representatives of other former
colonies from around the world have gathered here. We have partners
such as the Baku Initiative Group. Baku itself is rapidly becoming
a hub for the Global South, where various movements, youth
organizations, and solidarity movements from around the world come
together. Here, they unite, build cooperation, and support one
another so that the right of all peoples to freedom is recognized,”
he said.
The conference was the first platform of its kind organized in
Azerbaijan, with the participation of media representatives from
former colonial territories
The conference was attended by leaders and representatives of
media organizations from former and current colonial territories,
journalists, political commentators, representatives of diaspora
organizations, experts in media and communications, representatives
of civil society institutions, researchers, diplomats,
representatives of government agencies, and local media
outlets.
Throughout the conference, participants discussed the role of
the media and the challenges it faces in amplifying the voices of
people and ethnic minorities who are subjected to neocolonial
exploitation and live under conditions of colonial dependence
within the international information space.
