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'''Extrajudicial punishment''' is [[physical]] punishment without the permission of a court or legal authority, and as such, constitutes a violation of basic human rights (such as the right to [[due process]] and [[humane]] treatment). [[Agents]] of a [[state apparatus]] may sometimes carry out this type of punishment if they come to the conclusion that a person is an imminent threat to security. The existence of extrajudicial punishment is considered proof that some governments will break their own [[legal code]] if deemed necessary. [[Non-governmental]] or non-state actors, including private individuals, have also resorted to different forms of extrajudicial punishment, though such actions are more properly called [[assassination]], [[murder]] or [[vigilantism]] instead.
{{for|the former North American fur-trading district called New Caledonia|New Caledonia (Canada)}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = Nouvelle-Calédonie
|common_name = New Caledonia
|image_flag = Flag_of_France.svg
|image_coat = NC Armoires.gif
|image_map = New caledonia.jpg
|national_motto =
|national_anthem = ''[[La Marseillaise]]''
|official_languages = [[French language|French]]
|capital = [[Nouméa]]
|latd= |latm= |latNS= |longd= |longm= |longEW=
|largest_city = [[Nouméa]]
|government_type = <small>overseas territory of France</small>
|leader_title1 = [[President of France]]
|leader_title2 = High Commissioner
|leader_title3 = President
|leader_name1 =[[Jacques Chirac]]
|leader_name2 = Michel Mathieu
|leader_name3 = [[Marie-Noëlle Thémereau]]
|area_rank = 154th
|area_magnitude = 1 E8
|area = 18,575
|areami² = 7,359 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water =
|population_estimate = 237,000
|population_estimate_rank = 182nd
|population_estimate_year = July 2005
|population_census = 230,789
|population_census_year = September 2004
|population_density = 13
|population_densitymi² = 34 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 200th
|GDP_PPP = $3.158 billion <!--cia.gov-->
|GDP_PPP_rank = <small>not ranked</small>
|GDP_PPP_year = 2003
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $14,800
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = <small>not ranked</small>
|sovereignty_type = <small>Overseas territory of France</small>
|sovereignty_note = since 1853
|HDI = n/a
|HDI_rank = n/a
|HDI_year = 2003
|HDI_category = <font color=gray>unranked</font>
|currency = CFP franc
|currency_code = XPF
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = +11
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = [[.nc]]
|calling_code = 687
|footnotes =
}}
'''New Caledonia''', the foreshortened form of '''Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies'''<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/nc.html CIA World Factbook]</ref> ([[French language|French]]: ''Nouvelle-Calédonie'' or ''Territoire des Nouvelle-Calédonie et Dependances''; popular names: ''Kanaky'', ''Le caillou''), is a "''[[sui generis]]'' collectivity" (in practice an [[overseas territory]]) of [[France]], made up of a main [[island]] (''Grande Terre'') and several smaller islands. It is located in the [[subregion|region]] of [[Melanesia]] in the southwest [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]. At about half the size of Taiwan, it has a land area of 18,575.5 [[square kilometre]]s (7,172 [[square mile|sq mi]]). The population at the 2004 census was 230,789 inhabitants. It has an [[Internet]] [[country code]] [[top-level ___domain]] ([[ccTLD]]) of [[.nc]]. The capital and largest city of the territory is [[Nouméa]]. The currency is the [[CFP franc]].
==Existence==
Since 1986 the [[United Nations]] Committee on [[Decolonization]] has included New Caledonia on the [[United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories]]. New Caledonia will decide whether to remain within the French Republic or become an independent state in a [[referendum]] sometime after 2014.
Although the legal use of [[capital punishment]] is generally decreasing around the world, individuals or groups deemed immediately threatening — or even, in times of comparative stability, simply "undesirable" — to a government's ability to govern may nevertheless be targeted for killing [[extra-judicially]] by some regimes or their representatives. Such killing typically happens quickly, with skilled secret security forces on a covert basis, performed in such a way as to avoid massive public outcry and international criticism that would reflect badly on the state.
Another possibility is for [[overt]], [[uniformed security forces]] to kill the target, but often under circumstances that make it appear as [[self-defense]], such as by planting recently-fired weapons near his body, or [[fabricating evidence]] suggesting [[suicide by cop]]. In such cases, it can be surprisingly difficult to prove that the shooters acted wrongly. Because of the dangers inherent in any armed confrontation, even police or soldiers who would strongly, genuinely prefer to take their target alive may still kill him to protect themselves or civilians. Only in the most obvious cases, such as the [[Operation Flavius]] triple killing or the shooting of [[Jean Charles de Menezes]] will the authorities admit that [["kill or capture"]] was replaced with [["shoot on sight"]].
Its capital Nouméa is the seat of the [[subregion|regional]] [[international organization|organization]] the [[Secretariat of the Pacific Community]] (formerly the South Pacific Commission).
Extrajudicial punishment is a typical feature of [[totalitarianism|totalitarian]] and other [[political repression|politically repressive]] regimes using [[death squad]]s for this purpose, but even self-proclaimed or internationally recognized [[democracies]] have been known to use extrajudicial punishment under certain circumstances. In some cases, extrajudicial punishment may be planned and carried out [[covertly]] by a particular branch of a state and its specific agents, without previously informing other sectors or even without having been secretly ordered to commit such acts. The other branches of the state can tacitly approve of it after the fact, but they can also directly disagree with it depending on the circumstances, especially when complex intragovernment or internal policy struggles exist within a state's policymaking apparatus.
==Name==
The name ''[[Caledonia]]'' derives from the [[Latin]] name of an area corresponding to modern [[Scotland]]. The name ''Kanaky'' is also in common usage in French, English and the indigenous languages. This name is favored by [[Melanesia]]n nationalists. The word comes from ''kanaka'', a [[Polynesian languages|Polynesian]] word meaning ''human'' used by Polynesians to call themselves. The word was later used by the French to call all the native inhabitants of the South Pacific Ocean, including the Melanesian (non-Polynesian) native inhabitants of New Caledonia. The word, turned into ''Canaque'' in French, became derogative. In the 1960s and 1970s, when the Melanesian native inhabitants started to organize themselves into political parties and ask for independence, this derogative word was turned into a symbol of political emancipation and pride. In 1983, during the period of political turmoil, the terms KANAK and KANAKY became political brand names and Caucasians ([[Caldoche]]s) realized the name had changed into a political statement.
In times of [[war]], [[natural disaster]], [[societal collapse]], or in the absence of an established system of [[criminal justice]], there may be an increased incidence of extrajudicial punishment. In such [[extreme circumstances]], police or military personnel may be authorised to [[summary execution|summarily execute]] individuals involved in [[rioting]], [[looting]] or [[violent acts]], especially if caught '' [[in flagrante delicto]]''.
==Geography==
{{main|Geography of New Caledonia}}
New Caledonia is located around {{coor dm|21|30|S|165|30|E|type:country}} in the southwest [[Pacific Ocean]], approximately 1,200 kilometres (746 mi) east of [[Australia]] and 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) northwest of [[New Zealand]]. The island nation of [[Vanuatu]] lies to the northeast.
A [[forced disappearance|"disappearance"]] occurs where someone who is believed to have been targeted for [[extrajudicial execution]] does not reappear alive. Their ultimate fate is thereafter unknown or never fully confirmed.
New Caledonia is made up of a main island, the '''Grande Terre''', and several smaller islands, the Belep archipelago to the north of the Grande Terre, the [[Loyalty Islands]] to the east of the Grande Terre, the [[Île des Pins]] to the south of the Grande Terre, the [[Chesterfield Islands]] and [[Bellona Reefs]] further to the west.
==Around the world==
The Grande Terre is by far the largest of the islands, and the only mountainous island. It has an area of 16,372 square kilometres (6,321 sq mi), and is elongated northwest-southeast, 350 kilometres (217 mi) in length and 50 to 70 kilometres (31–44 mi) wide. A mountain range runs the length of the island, with five peaks over 1,500 meters (4,900 ft). The highest point is Mont Panié at 1,628 meters (5,341 ft) elevation . The total area of New Caledonia is 19,060 square kilometres, 18,575 square kilometres of those being land.
See [[NKVD troika]] and [[Special Council of the NKVD]] for examples from the history of the Soviet Union , where extrajudicial punishment "[[by administrative means]]" was part of the state policy. Most Latin American dictatorships have regularly instituted extrajudicial killings of their enemies; for one of the better-known examples, see ''[[Operation Condor]].''
<ref> http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3821/is_200610/ai_n17195860 </ref>
Some consider the killing of [[Black Panther Party|Black Panther]] [[Fred Hampton]] to have been an extrajudicial killing ordered by the [[United States]] government. Also, the U.S. has been accused of exercising a covert prison system set up by the [[CIA]] in several countries, especially [[Egypt]], to evade [[U.S. jurisdiction]]. <ref> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/01/AR2005110101644.html </ref> The deaths of the leaders of the leftist urban guerilla group Red Army Faction [[Ulrike Meinhof]], [[Andreas Baader]], [[Gudrun Ensslin]], and [[Jan-Carl Raspe]] is by some regarded as extrajudicial killings, a theory partly based on the testimony of [[Irmgard Möller]] .
The government of Israel has also been accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings, which they term "targeted assassinations," against leaders of organisations involved in carrying out attacks against Israel. The Israeli government and its defenders, however, consider these people to be [[enemy combatant]]s and not [[civilians]]; claiming they are legitimate military targets as per the [[Laws of war|rules of engagement]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
New Caledonia contains about one-quarter of the world's [[nickel]] resources. The mining is mostly done in [[open-pit mining]]
During the [[apartheid]] years [[South Africa|South Africa's]] security forces were also accused of using extra-judicial means to deal with their political opponents. After his release, [[Nelson Mandela]] would refer to these acts as proof of a [[Third force (South Africa)|Third Force]] . This was denied vehemently by the administration of [[F.W. de Klerk]]. Later the [[South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission]], led by Archbishop [[Desmond Tutu]] would find that both military and police agencies such as the [[Civil Cooperation Bureau]] and [[C10]] based at [[Vlakplaas]] were guilty off gross [[human rights violations]]. This led the [[International Criminal Court]] to declare apartheid a [[crime against humanity]].
===Climate===
[[Image:New Caledonia - S199828000484.jpg|thumb|250px|right|New Caledonia from space]]
New Caledonia lies astride the [[Tropic of Capricorn]], between 19° and 23° south latitude. The climate of the islands is [[tropical]], and rainfall is highly seasonal, brought by trade winds that usually come from the east. Rainfall averages about 1,500 millimetres (59 in) yearly on the Loyalty Islands, 2,000 millimetres (79 in) at low elevations on eastern the Grande Terre, and 2,000-4,000 millimetres (79–157.5 in) at high elevations on the Grande Terre. The western side of the Grande Terre lies in the [[rain shadow]] of the central mountains, and rainfall averages 1,200 millimetres (47 in) per year.
==Extra-judicial killings==
===Ecology===
Unlike many of the Pacific islands which are of relatively recent volcanic origin, New Caledonia is an ancient fragment of the [[Gondwana]] super-continent. New Caledonia and New Zealand separated from Australia 85 million years ago, and from one another 55 million years ago, and New Caledonia still carries many unique and [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] plants and animals of Gondwanan origin. (see [[Biodiversity of New Caledonia]] and [[Endemic Birds of New Caledonia]]). The best known is a hen-sized bird, the Cagou or [[Kagu]], which cannot fly, has a large crest, and a funny cooing, and whose song and image serves as an emblem. The [[Niaouli]] tree, which also grows in [[Australia]] and [[New Guinea]], is of medical interest, as
its sap gives Gomenol, which smells like camphor and is used to treat head colds.
:''For extrajudicial executions see also [[Assassination]] ''
Before the Europeans arrived, there was no mammal other than the Roussette (aka flying fox), a big vegetarian [[megabat|bat]], a local delicacy.
Extrajudicial killings are the illegal killing of leading political, trades union, dissident and/or social figures by either the state government, [[state authorities]] like the armed forces and police (as in [[Liberia]] under [[Charles G. Taylor]] ), or by [[criminal outfits]] like the [[Italian]] [[Mafia]].
The islands make up two terrestrial eco-regions, the [[New Caledonia rain forests]] on the Loyalty Islands, Ile des Pins, and the eastern side of Grand Terre, and the [[New Caledonia dry forests]] in the rain shadow on the western side of Grand Terre. As the Europeans settled on the dry west coast and left the east to Kanaks, the political division maps the natural one.
Extrajudicial killings and [[death squads]] are most common in the Middle East (mostly in Palestine and [[Iraq]]) <ref> http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=FUL20051124&articleId=1315 </ref> <ref> http://www.electronicintifada.net/bytopic/extrajudicial-killings.shtml </ref> <ref> http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engamr510792005 </ref> <ref> http://www.brusselstribunal.org/FullerKillings.htm </ref> <ref> http://soccerdad.baltiblogs.com/archives/2007/06/24/extrajudicial_killings_hamas_style.html </ref>, Central America<ref>http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/US_ThirdWorld/deathsquads_ElSal.html</ref>
New Caledonia's freshwater ecology also evolved in long isolation, and the [[New Caledonia rivers and streams]] are home to many endemic species.
<ref>http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAMR290151996?open&of=ENG-SLV</ref>
<ref>http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/publications/elsalvador2/index.html</ref> , [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]] <ref> http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48723123_world_bangladesh_release_journalist_and_rights_activist </ref>
, [[India]] and Kashmir <ref> http://usa.mediamonitors.net/content/view/full/44302 </ref>
<ref> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6367917.stm </ref>
<ref> http://www.gharib.demon.co.uk/reports/ustates.htm </ref>
<ref> http://sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/09-19_Extrajudicial_Killings.php?uid=1954 </ref> <ref> http://www.tamilnation.org/intframe/us/060529ustamils.htm </ref>
<ref> http://www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/hrfeatures/HRF71.htm </ref> several nations or regions in [[Equatorial Africa]]<ref>http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/30001/story.htm</ref>
, many parts of [[South America]] <ref> http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAMR190082007 </ref>, [[Chechnya]] , <ref> http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article2293482.ece </ref>, [[Russia]]<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6163502.stm</ref>
, [[Uzbekistan]], [[North Ossetia]], parts of [[Thailand]] <ref> http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2003/407/ </ref>
<ref> http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=11686 </ref> and in the [[Philippines]] <ref> http://www.pinoyhr.net/ </ref> <ref> http://hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0607/ </ref> <ref> http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2692483.ece} </ref> <ref> http://www.radiopinoyusa.com/radiopinoy_news.php?id=NEWS-00592} </ref>
<ref> http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07271.htm </ref> <ref> http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=11686 </ref>.
The 3 different modern examples are listed in the sub-headings below, along with the 'Cold War' to help to illustrate the point.
The [[New Caledonia Barrier Reef]], which surrounds the Grande Terre and the Île des Pins, is the second-largest [[coral reef]] in the world after Australia's [[Great Barrier Reef]], reaching a length of 1,500 kilometres (930 mi). The reef has great species diversity, is home to endangered [[dugong]]s ''(Dugong dugon)'', and is an important nesting site for [[Green Sea Turtle]] ''(Chelonia mydas)''.
===Cold war usage===
==Administration==
[[Image:NC Armoires.gif|190px|thumb|left|Official [[emblem]] ([[Nautilus]]).]]
Along with other Pacific Ocean's territories of [[French Polynesia]] and [[Wallis and Futuna]], New Caledonia is part of the [[French Republic]]. Its official status, unique in the French Republic, is said to be ''[[sui generis]]'', because New Caledonia is the only French subdivision that is not a ''[[collectivité territoriale]]''. New Caledonia was a [[French colonial empire|colony]] until 1946, then an overseas territory (''[[territoire d'outre-mer]]'', or ''TOM'') from 1946 to 1999. The capital is [[Nouméa]], the only major [[conurbation]] in the territory.
[[Image:Nguyen.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[General]] [[Nguyễn Ngọc Loan]] summarily executes [[Nguyễn Văn Lém]].]]
== Administrative divisions ==
{{main|Administrative divisions of New Caledonia}}
[[Administrative division|Administratively]], the archipelago is divided into three [[province]]s: [[Islands Province]] (''Province des Îles'' = [[Loyalty Islands]]), [[North Province]] (''Province Nord'' = the northern mainland) and [[South Province]] (''Province Sud'' = the southern mainland). It is further subdivided into thirty-three [[Commune in France|commune]]s.
The former [[Soviet Union]] and [[Communist Bloc]] country used to also killed dissidents this way to, during the [[Cold War]]. Those who were not killed were sent to '[[Gulag]]' prison camps.
In addition, a parallel layer of administration exists for Kanak tribal affairs; these are called ''aires coutumières'' ("traditional spheres") and are eight in number ([http://www.gouv.nc/static/pages/outils/telechargement/aires_coutum.zip see map of the "aires coutumières"]). Their jurisdiction does not encompass non-Kanaks living within these zones. The ''aires coutumières'' more or less correspond to the indigenous language areas and/or areas of pre-French tribal alliances.
[[Nguyễn Văn Lém ]] (referred to as Captain Bay Lop) (died 1 [[February 1968]] in Saigon ) was a member of the [[Viet Cong]] who was summarily executed in [[Saigon]] during the [[Tet Offensive]]. The picture of his death would became one of may an anti- [[Vietnam War]] icons in the [[Western World]]. <ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nguy%E1%BB%85n_V%C4%83n_L%C3%A9m </ref>
==History==
The western [[Pacific]] was first populated about 50,000 years ago. The Austronesians moved into the area later. The diverse group of people that settled over the [[Melanesian]] [[archipelago]]s are known as the [[Lapita]]. They arrived in the [[archipelago]] now commonly known as New Caledonia and the [[Loyalty Islands]] around 1500 BC. The [[Lapita]] were highly skilled navigators and agriculturists with influence over a large area of the [[Pacific]].
During the 1960s throughout the 1970s death squads were used against the [[Viet Cong]] cadre as well as supporters in neighbouring countries notably [[Cambodia]]. See also [[Phoenix Program]] (also known as Phung Hoang). The [[Viet Cong]] also used death squads of their own against civilians for political reasons. {{Facts|date=February 2007}}
From about the 11th century Polynesians also arrived and mixed with the populations of the archipelago.
The use of computers by the American forces to compile lists of 'suspects' as well as the indefinite detention of 'suspects' in 'black' locations as well as their detention, torture, and execution without judicial oversight or protection is typical of American [[black ops]] in the Post World War II era.
[[Argentina]] used extrajudicial killings as way of crushing the [[liberal]] and [[communist]] opposition to the military [[Junta]] during the '[[Dirty war]]' <ref> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_War </ref> of the late [[1960's]] and most of the [[1970's]]. The [[Chilean]] Junta of [[1972]] to [[1992]] also committed such killings to. See [[Operation Condor]] for examples.
Europeans first sighted New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands in the late 18th century. The British explorer [[James Cook]] sighted [[Grande Terre]] in 1774 and named it ''New Caledonia''. Caledonia being the Latin name for Scotland. During the same voyage he also named the islands to the North of New Caledonia the [[New Hebrides]].
Also during the [[Communist]] versus [[Capitalist]] [[Salvadoran civil war]], death squads achieved notoriety when [[far-right]] [[vigilantes]] [[assassinated]] [[Archbishop Óscar Romero]] for his social activism in [[March 1980]]. In [[December 1980]], three [[United States|American]] [[nuns]] and a lay worker were raped and murdered by a [[military unit]] later found to have been acting on specific orders. [[Death squads]] were instrumental in killing hundreds of peasants and activists. Because the death squads involved were found to have been soldiers of the [[Salvadoran military]], which was receiving U.S. funding and training from American advisers during the Carter administration. <ref> http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/US_ThirdWorld/deathsquads_ElSal.html</ref>During the [[El Salvador Civil War|Salvadoran civil war]], death squads achieved notoriety when far-right vigilantes assassinated Archbishop [[Óscar Romero]] for his social activism in March 1980 . In December 1980, three American nuns and a lay worker were raped and murdered by a military unit later found to have been acting on specific orders. Death squads were instrumental in killing hundreds of peasants and activists. Because the death squads involved were found to have been soldiers of the Salvadoran military, which was receiving U.S. funding and training from American advisors during the [[Jimmy Carter|Carter]] administration, these events prompted outrage in the U.S. and led to a temporary cutoff in military aid from the [[Ronald Reagan|Reagan]] administration.
British and North American [[whaling|whalers]] and [[sandalwood]] traders became interested in New Caledonia and tensions developed as their approach became increasingly dishonest (an arrogant attitude and cheating became commonplace). Europeans used [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]] and [[tobacco]] amongst other things to [[barter]] for commodities. Contact with Europeans brought new diseases such as [[smallpox]], [[measles]], [[dysentery]], [[influenza]], [[syphilis]] and [[leprosy]]. Many people died as a result of these diseases. Tensions developed into hostilities and in 1849 the crew of the ''Cutter'' were killed and eaten by the Pouma clan.
One of the earliest cases of extradudical killings was in Wiemar [[Germany]] <ref> http://econ161.berkeley.edu/movable_type/2003_archives/001832.html </ref>.
As trade in [[sandalwood]] declined it was replaced by a new form of trade. [[Blackbirding]] involved enslaving people from New Caledonia, the [[Loyalty Islands]], [[Vanuatu]], [[Papua New Guinea]] and the [[Solomon Islands]] to work in sugar cane plantations in [[Fiji]] and [[Queensland]]. The trade ceased at the start of the 20th century.
===Middle east===
Catholic and Protestant missionaries first arrived in the nineteenth century. They had a profound effect on indigenous culture. They insisted people should wear clothes to cover themselves. They eradicated many local practices and traditions.
The [[Israeli intelligence]] and [[Hamas]] [[Militants]] have been in a steady war of attrition with each other, regularly killing local officials since the [[Fatah]] / Hamas [[civil war]] began in early [[2007]]. [[Iraq]] has also suffered badly since the post-invasion insurgency of [[2005]].
The island was made a French possession in 1853 in an attempt by [[Napoleon III]] to rival the British colonies in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. Following the example set by the [[United Kingdom|British]] in nearby [[Australia]], between 1854 and 1922 France sent a total of 22,000 convicted felons to [[penal colonies]] along the south-west coast of the island; this number includes regular criminals as well as political prisoners such as Parisian socialists and [[Kabyle]] nationalists. Towards the end of the penal colony era, free European [[settlers]] (including former convicts) and Asian contract workers by far out-numbered the population of forced workers. The indigenous Kanak populations declined drastically in that same period due to introduced diseases and an [[apartheid]]-like system called ''Code de l'Indigénat'' which imposed severe restrictions on their livelihood, freedom of movement and land ownership.
===Philippines===
New Caledonia has been on a [[United Nations list of non-self-governing territories]] since 1986. This list includes such places as the [[American Samoa]], the British [[Falkland Islands]] or the New Zealand territory of [[Tokelau]], but noticeably it does not include places like [[Tibet]], [[Scotland]] or [[West Papua]], which has led to its reputation as a politically biased list. Agitation by the [[Front de Libération Nationale Kanak Socialiste]] ([[FLNKS]]) for independence began in 1985. The FLNKS (led by the late [[Jean-Marie Tjibaou]], assassinated in 1989) advocated the creation of an independent state of 'Kanaky'. The troubles culminated in 1988 with a bloody [[Ouvéa cave hostage taking|hostage taking in Ouvéa]]. The unrest led to agreement on increased autonomy in the [[Matignon Accords, 1988|Matignon Accords]] of 1988 and the [[Nouméa Accord]] of 1998. This Accord describes the [[devolution]] process as "irreversible" and also provides for a local Caledonian citizenship, separate official symbols of Caledonian identity (such as a "national" [[vexillology|flag]]), as well as mandating a referendum on the contentious issue of independence from the French Republic sometime after 2014.
Death squads were especially active in this country during the American invasion of the [[1950s]] and the regime in the 1980s; they continue to be active as of 2007.
==Politics==
[[Image:Flag of New Caledonia.svg|thumb|right|200px|Flag of New Caledonia|Flag of the independence movements.]]
{{main|Politics of New Caledonia}}
The unique status of New Caledonia is in between that of an independent country and a normal [[Département d'outre-mer|overseas ''département'']] of France. On the one hand, a territorial Congress (''[[Congrès du territoire]]'') and a government of the territory have been established, and a devolution of powers is organized by the 1998 [[Nouméa Accord]]. Key areas such as taxation, labour law, health and hygiene and foreign trade are already in the hands of the territorial Congress. Further competence will supposedly be given to the territorial Congress in the near future. Eventually, the French Republic should only remain competent for foreign affairs, justice, defense, public order, and treasury.
The [[New People's Army]] ('''NPA''') groups known as "[[Sparrow Units]]" were active in the mid-1980s, killing government officials, police personnel, military members, and anyone else they targeted for elimination. They were also supposedly part of an NPA operation called "[[Agaw Armas]]" ([[Filipino]] for "[[Stealing Weapons]]
A New Caledonian "citizenship" has also been introduced: only New Caledonian "citizens" have the right to vote in the local elections. This measure has been criticised, because it creates a second-class status for French citizens living in New Caledonia who do not possess New Caledonian "citizenship" (because they settled in the territory recently). New Caledonia is also allowed to engage in international cooperation with independent countries of the [[Pacific Ocean]]. Finally, the territorial Congress is allowed to pass statutes that are derogatory to [[French law]] in a certain number of areas.
"), where they raided government armories as well as stealing weapons from slain military and police personnel. A low level [[civil war]] with south [[Moslems]], [[Al-Qaeda]] sympathizers and [[communist]] insurgents has lead to a general break down of [[law and order]]. The [[Politics_of_the_Philippines#National_Government_of_the_Philippines|Philippines government]] has promised to curb the killings, but is itself implicated in many of the killings. <ref>http://www.pinoyhr.net/</ref>
====Extrajudicial Killings Summit====
On the other hand, New Caledonia remains a part of the French Republic but not perhaps an integral part. The four departments d'outremer proper of Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guyana all use the euro as their sole official currency but New Caledonia does not. The Inhabitants of New Caledonia are French citizens and carry French passports. They take part in the legislative and presidential French elections. New Caledonia sends two representatives to the [[French National Assembly]] and one senator to the [[French Senate]]. The representative of the French central state in New Caledonia is the [[High Commissioner of the Republic]] (''[[Haut-Commissaire de la République]]'', locally known as "''haussaire''"), who is the head of civil services, and who seats in the government of the territory.
The 22nd [[PUNO Supreme Court]] is set to hold a [[National Consultative Summit on extrajudicial killings]] on July 16 and 17, [[2007]] at the [[Manila Hotel]]. Invited representatives from the three branches of the government will participate (including the [[AFP]], the [[PNP]], [[CHR]], [[media]], [[academe]], [[civil society]] and [[other stakeholders]]).
It was decided in the Nouméa Accord that the territorial Congress will have the right to call for a [[referendum]] on [[independence]] after 2014, at a time of its choosing.
[[Puno]] will give the [[keynote speech]] and [[closing remarks]]. [[Puno]] searches for major solutions to solve forced disappearances.
The current president of the government elected by the territorial Congress is [[Marie-Noëlle Thémereau]], from the loyalist (i.e. anti-independence) ''[[Avenir Ensemble]]'' party ("Future Together"), which toppled the long-time ruling RPCR ([[Rally for Caledonia inside the Republic]]) in May 2004. "Future Together" is a party of mostly Caucasian and Polynesian New Caledonians opposed to independence but tired of the hegemonic and allegedly corrupt anti-independence RPCR. Their toppling of the RPCR (that was until then seen as the only voice of New Caledonian whites) was a surprise to many, and a sign that the society of New Caledonia is undergoing changes. "Future Together", as the name implies, is opposed to a racial vision of New Caledonian society, opposing Melanesian native inhabitants and the descendants of European settlers, and is in favour of a multicultural New Caledonia, better reflecting the existence of large populations of Polynesians, Indonesians, Chinese, and other immigrants. Some members of "Future Together" are even in favour of independence, though not necessarily on the same basis as the Melanesian independence parties.
During the first day of the summit, the speakers will present their respective papers comprising significant inputs from their respective sectors, while on the second day, the participants will break out into 12 groups (chaired by a Justice) and take part in a workshop. Local and international observers (the diplomatic corps and representatives from various international organizations) will be accredited.
==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of New Caledonia}}
Though still the largest group, the indigenous [[Melanesia|Melanesian]] [[Kanak]] community now represents 42.5% of the whole population, their proportion of the population having declined due to immigration and other factors. The rest of the population is made up of ethnic groups that arrived in New Caledonia in the last 150 years: [[European]]s (37.1%) (the majority [[French people|French]] with [[Germans|German]], [[Briton|British]] and [[Italian people|Italian]] minorities), [[Polynesian people|Polynesian]]s ([[Wallis and Futuna|Wallisians]], [[Tahitian]]s) (11.8%), [[Indonesian]]s (2.6%), [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]] (1.4%), [[Ni-Vanuatu]] (1.2%), and various other groups (3.9%), such as [[Malabar|Malabaris]] and [[Tamil people|Tamils]], [[Republic of India|Indian]]s (Hindu and Muslim), [[Sri Lanka]]ns, [[Bengali people|Bengalis]], [[Kabyles du Pacifique|Berbers]], [[Japanese people|Japanese]], [[Overseas Chinese|Chinese]], [[Fijian people|Fijians]] (Native Fijians and Fiji Indians), [[Arab people|Arabs]], [[West Indian]] (mostly from other French territories) and a small number of ethnic [[African]]s. Some of this immigration was a direct consequence of various conflicts around the world but in particular of the crumbling of the [[French colonial empire]].
The Kanak are known officially as [[Melanesian]]s. Similarly, those whose roots are in [[French Polynesia]] are known either as Tahitians (which excludes persons originating in the other archipelagoes of French Polynesia) or simply as Polynesians (which would include both Tahitians and Wallisians, as well as many other minor groups). Whites that have lived in New Caledonia for several generations are locally known as ''[[Caldoches]]'', whereas newcomers who have immigrated from metropolitan France are called ''[[Métros]]'' or ''[[Métropolitains]]''. Within the official statistical category "Europeans" no distinction is made between Caledonian-born whites and French-born whites, however it is estimated that approximately two thirds identify themselves with the Caldoche community while the rest see themselves primarily as [[French people|French]] immigrants. There is a significant contingent of people that arrive from France to work for a year or two and others that have come to retire. The Caldoche usually refer to themselves simply as ''calédoniens'' and may be either white (mostly French or [[German people|German]]) or white with an admixture of Asian, Melanesian or Polynesian ancestry. Caldoche culture has many similarities with [[culture of Australia|Australia]]n and [[Afrikaner]] culture. Until very recently the Kanak population held an economically disadvantaged position in New Caledonian society, while wealthy French expatriates formed the top of the socio-economic hierarchy. The Asian and Polynesian inhabitants dominate certain segments of the local economy.
Puno announced that "the summit highlight will be a plenary session where each of the 12 groups shall report to the body their recommended resolutions. The reports and proposals will be synthesized and then transmitted to the concerned government agencies for appropriate action".
There have been frequent accusations by the pro-independence movement that the French government is attempting to skew the demographic balance between the ethnic communities by clandestinely settling thousands of people from mainland France among the white Caledonians. Censuses are extremely critical to the balance of power in New Caledonia, and the organisation of a new census was regularly postponed after 1996. Eventually the census was carried out in August and September 2004, amidst raging controversies over ethnic questions. Due to an intervention by French president [[Jacques Chirac]], questions asking for the ethnicity of people were deleted from the 2004 census, officially because they were deemed to contravene the [[Constitution of France|French Constitution]], which states that no distinction based on ethnicity or religion should be made among French citizens. The indigenous Melanesian Kanak leaders, who are extremely sensitive to ethnic balance issues, called for New Caledonians of Kanak ethnicity not to return census forms if questions regarding ethnicity were not asked, threatening to derail the census process. Eventually, the stalemate was resolved when the local New Caledonian statistical office (a branch of the national French statistical office [[INSEE]]) agreed to ask questions regarding ethnicity. However, it is not known whether questions regarding ethnicity were asked to all residents of New Caledonia, and at any rate no data have been released, leaving the ethnic tables from the 1996 census as the only information on ethnicity currently available.
The earlier slated [[Malacañang]]-sponsored "Mindanao Peace and Security Summit (July 8-10, 2007 at Cagayan de Oro City), focussed on how to make the anti-terror law, or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007, more acceptable to the public. <ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=75094 Inquirer.net, SC slates summit on extrajudicial killings]</ref><ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/49959/SC-slates-summit-on-extrajudicial-killings GMA NEWS.TV, Chief Justice unfazed by Palace meet]</ref>
According to the 2006 census, there were 219 246 inhabitants in New Caledonia as of July 2006. Kanak leaders were fearful of a large influx of white people from [[metropolitan France]] which would alter the ethnic balance in the territory but this has not happened.
On July 16, 2007, Justices, activists, militant leaders, police officials, politicians and prelates attended the Supreme Court's two-day summit at the Manila Hotel in [[Manila City]] to map out ways to put an end to the string of extrajudicial killings in the [[Philippines]]. Bayan was set to launch their "[[silent protest]]", but expressed support for the high court's initiative. Director Geary Barias, chief of the police's anti-killings Task Force Usig, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, [[Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim]], Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez, re-elected party-list Representatives Satur Ocampo (Bayan Muna) and Crispin Beltran (Anakpawis) attended. Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said that the "National Consultative Summit on Extrajudicial Killings and Forced Disappearances: Searching for Solutions," would help stop the murders. Delegates were given 12 to 15 minutes each to share their insights and knowledge about the matter. Yniguez accused the government of failing to actively pursue investigations on the hundreds of killings and the Catholic Church was alarmed that victims have been denied their "fundamental right" to live.
== Miscellaneous ==
* [[Communications in New Caledonia]]
* [[Economy of New Caledonia]]
* [[Military of New Caledonia]]
* [[Music of New Caledonia]]
* Sister city: [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], [[Australia]]
* Territorial disputes: nternational: [[Matthew Island|Matthew]] and [[Hunter Island]]s, claimed by [[Vanuatu]].
* [[Transportation in New Caledonia]]
Based on Yniguez-church's count, the number of victims of extrajudicial killings has reached 778, while survivors of "political assassinations," was pegged at 370. He also noted 203 "massacre" victims, 186 people who involuntarily disappeared, 502 tortured, and others who were illegally arrested. Yniguez similarly criticized the government's alleged insistence on implementing its Oplan Bantay Laya I and II (the military's counter-insurgency operation plans which militants have said consider legal people's organizations as targets).
== See also ==
* [[French overseas departments and territories]]
* [[Administrative divisions of France]]
* [[Islands controlled by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans]]
* [[Scouting in New Caledonia]]
Meanwhile, Bayan urged the Supreme Court to "check serious threats to civil liberties and basic freedoms" including the anti-terror law or the Human Security Act of 2007, which took effect on July 15 despite protests from leftist groups.
== Publications ==
* J.W. Anderson, ''Fiji and New Caledonia'' (London, 1880).
* Alfred Schreiner, ''La Nouvelle-Calédonie depuis sa découverte jusqu'à nos jours'' (Paris, 1882).
* León Vallée ''Essai d'une bibliographie de la Nouvelle-Cadédonie et dépendances'' (Paris, 1885).
* G. Griffith, ''In an Unknown Prison Land: An Account of Convicts and Colonists in New Caledonia'' (London, 1901).
* J.B. Alberti, ''La colonisation à la Nouvelle-Calédonie'' (Paris, 1909).
Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. will join Bayan and other leftist groups as petitioners in their formal pleading before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the law. Human rights lawyer Atty. Edre Olalia of the International Association of People’s Lawyers (IAPL) will serve as lead counsel. Bayan chair Carol Araullo said the respondents will include members of the Anti-Terrorism Council headed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Raul Gonzalez. Earlier, [CBCP president Angel Lagdameo] pointed out at least 5 provisions of the law that may threaten civil liberties: Sec. 19 allows detentions of mere suspects for more than three days in the event of an actual or terrorist attack, while Section 26 allows house arrest despite the posting of bail, and prohibits the right to travel and to communicate with others; Sec. 39 allows seizure of assets while Sec. 7 allows surveillance and wiretapping of suspects; Sec. 26 allows the investigation of bank deposits and other assets. <ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/51197/Justices-activists-prelates-map-out-ways-to-end-killings GMA NEWS.TV, Justices, activists, prelates map out ways to end killings]</ref>
== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|New Caledonia}}
* [http://dmoz.org/Regional/Oceania/News_Caledonia Open Directory Project - ''New Caledonia''] directory category
*{{fr icon}} [http://www.endemia.nc Endemic flora of New-Caledonia]
*{{fr icon}} [http://www.vie-publique.fr/decouverte_instit/instit/instit_3_7_0_q0.htm past and current developments of France's overseas administrative divisions like New Caledonia]
*{{fr icon}} [http://www.brousse-en-folie.com/ Brousse-en-folie] A popular local comic strip series
*[http://www.nouvelle-caledonie-tourisme.com/general/geo.htm General information and maps of the provinces, municipalities and the tribal zones]
*{{fr icon}} [http://www.kanaky-nouvelle-caledonie.com/ Tourism Information of New-Caledonia]
===United Kingdom (UK)===
== Footnotes==
In [[Northern Ireland]], various [[paramilitary]], [[terrorist]], [[quasi-political]], [[pseudo-religious]], and ''ad hoc'' state institutions killed without lawful excuse during [[The Troubles]].
<div class=references-small><references/></div>
<ref> http://www.btinternet.com/~chief.gnome/gordon16.htm </ref>
<ref> http://www.hrw.org/reports/1993/WR93/Hsw-09.htm </ref> <ref> http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/24/Opinion/A_grim_lesson_from_Ul.shtml </ref> <ref> http://naclaoimhtesolais.com/Reject%20The%20PSNI.htm </ref>
In [[England]] ''ad hoc'' [[racist]] and [[criminal]] [[gangs]] are also believed to behind most of the recent [[racist]] and [[Black-on-Black urban killings]]. The British state has apparently paid little attention to either the problems of [[gangland]] or [[racist killing]]s in the UK. <ref> http://customxml.com/rssnews/index.php?blog=3&title=damilola_killer_loses_attempt_to_quash_c&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 </ref> <ref> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2773771.stm </ref>
<ref> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1792334.stm </ref>
<ref> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4791094.stm </ref>
<ref> http://kcl.ac.uk/phpnews/wmview.php?ArtID=982 </ref>
== Human rights groups==
{{Overseas French departments and territories}}
Many [[human rights]] organisations like [[Amnesty International]] along with the [[UN]] are campaigning against extrajudicial punishment . <ref>
{{Administrative divisions of New Caledonia}}
http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/ </ref>
<ref> http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22046&Cr=rights&Cr1=council </ref>
<ref>http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAMR290151996?open&of=ENG-SLV</ref>
<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6814001/site/newsweek/</ref>
<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6802629/site/newsweek/</ref>
==In popular culture==
{{Countries and territories of Oceania}}
The subject of extrajudicial punishment was examined in the stage play and subsequent film '' [[A Few Good Men]] ''. In this film, two marines are put on trial for the death of another marine due to their administering of a ''[[Code Red]]'' (a [[military colloquial speech]] term for [[extrajudicial punishment]]) on him. The [[film]] sees the [[U.S. Marines]] acquitted of the crime, as it is shown that they were [[acting under orders from their superiors]], and therefore [[could not be held responsible for the consequences]].
== See also ==
* [[Assassination]]
* [[Death squad]]
* [[Extraordinary rendition]]
* [[Lynching]]
* [[Outlaw]]
* [[Human rights]]
* [[Summary execution]]
* [[Posse]]
* [[Prison rape]]
* [[Selective assassination]]
* [[Summary execution]]
* [[Summary justice]]
* [[Terrorism]]
* [[Vigilante]]
==External links==
<!--Categories-->
===Monitoring organizations===
[[Category:New Caledonia| ]]
*[[Amnesty International]]
[[Category:Emergency laws]]
*[http://www.ansarburney.org/ Ansar Burney Trust] (Pakistan and the Middle East)
[[Category:Melanesia]]
*[[Human Rights Watch]]
[[Category:Special territories of the European Union]]
[[Category:Special territories]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes]]
[[Category:Oceania]]
[[Category:Proposed countries]]
==References==
<!--Interwiki-->
<references/>
{{Link FA|hr}}
[[Category:Capital punishment]]
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[[Category:Criminal law]]
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[[Category:Human rights abuses]]
[[zh-min-nan:Sin Calédonie]]
{{Category:Extrajudicial killings}}
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