A new report has exposed continuing injustices for Kanaky people living under French administrators in New Caledonia, which is undermining the Indigenous population's right to self-determination and movement towards independence.

The report jointly commissioned by the Pacific Network on Globalisation, the Pacific Conference of Churches, and the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia has warned France's actions are breaching international obligations to one of its most resistant territories to its rule in the region.

The vested parties tied under the Pacific Peoples' Mission to Kanaky New Caledonia banner conducted checks throughout April of this year, but did not release its final documents until November.

They found that systemic inequality, political interference and structural discrimination have only deepened Kanaky people's mistrust in France's governance of the Melanesian homeland.

Among the mission's findings are a widening of socio-economic inequalities, a health system in decline and the overrepresentation of Kanaky youth in prisons - now greater than 80 per cent of the incarcerated population on Grand Terre, the territory's chief island.

Kanaky people represent around 40 per cent of New Caledonia's 270,000 residents, which also includes nearly a further 30 per cent of Europeans over three waves: Caldoche descendants from 19th-century colonial French prisoners, historical free French settlers, and modern-day French migrants called Zoreilles.

The report also condemned France's decision to postpone and delay provincial elections, describing it as "a blatant new attack on the voice of the Caledonian people".

Pacific Network on Globalisation coordinator, Joey Tau, said past talks had offered "an original political mandate to support de-escalation and promote dialogue" among French administrators ruling the territory on behalf of the Paris government, while also leading him to question "what led to March 2024 - it just didn't happen overnight" when dialogue broke down with Kanaky leaders.

What ensued was violent protests during which 13 people were killed, the declaration of a state of emergency in New Caledonia, in addition to the deployment of the French army to restore order.

Mr Tau wanted to emphasise that "the struggle of the Kanaky people is not merely political: it's about social justice, environmental stewardship, and identity".

"This mission highlighted the urgent need for regional solidarity," Mr Tau said at the launch of the report on Friday.

"It's about how best we can provide lasting support, not only in times of crisis but in the long run".

The mission's report calls for fair elections under international observation, a 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 neighbouring Pacific governments to ensure Kanaky people remain on the list of the United Nations' non-self-governing territories and to revitalise regional solidarity mechanisms supporting self-determination and justice.

For Emele Duituturaga, an independent consultant in the mission from Kanaky ancestry living in Australia, the individual testimonies revealed the Indigenous community has felt punished for its resistance to colonial rule.

"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."

Ms 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".

However, she said the mission reaffirmed a Melanesian unity.

"We came as a people to say we belong together," she said.

"Colonialism separated us, but this report is an embodiment of our commitment to each other."

Pastor Wetwea of the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia said that the Kanaky 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".

"The Pacific Peoples' Mission to Kanaky New Caledonia is a reminder of our Pasifika connexion with our families across the sea," Pastor Billy Wetewea said.

"We never exist alone, but because of others, and we are all linked to a common destiny."