Seminar Series: Abstract

Under a new flag? Defining citizenship in New Caledonia
Nic Maclellan

For many years, France only had one category of citizenship, unlike other EU members that have variegated immigration and voting rights for citizens living in their overseas territories. However the 1998 Noumea Accord created a new separate category of citizenship for New Caledonians. These changes, later entrenched in the French constitution, involve derogations from previous constitutional principles such as equality of political rights for all French nationals. As political leaders attempt to transcend historic divisions in a multi-ethnic Pacific society, the definition of New Caledonian citizenship has important implications for voting, immigration and employment rights. This seminar will discuss how notions of citizenship and identity are evolving in New Caledonia, and how this will affect a decision on New Caledonia’s political status in coming years.