Geneva, Switzerland – James Finies and Davika Bissessar from
Bonaire Human Rights (BHRO) recently participated in an international
conference at the United Nations in Geneva, organized by the Baku Initiative
Group. The event brought together parliamentarians, experts, and policymakers
to discuss the lasting impact of French and Dutch colonialism, with a focus on
justice, self-determination, and human rights, in line with the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
A key issue raised was Holland’s violation of the ICCPR,
particularly Articles 1 and 2. Article 1 affirms the right of all peoples to
self-determination, including control over their resources and political
status. Article 2 mandates that everyone whose rights are violated must have
access to an effective remedy, even against own officials.
Following their participation in UN events in New York, the BHRO
delegation traveled to Geneva to engage in these important discussions. During
the conference, they submitted a formal historical complaint to the UN Human
Rights High Commissioner, denouncing ongoing human rights violations by the
Dutch government in Bonaire. The complaint calls for justice, accountability,
and respect for the Bonairean people’s human and self-determination rights.
On October 23, 2024, BHRO also participated in a hybrid
conference titled "Empowering Youth, Indigenous Peoples, and Small Island
States in Promoting Environmental Rights and Climate Justice" at Domaine
de la Pastorale in Geneva. Organized by the Geneva Centre for Human Rights
Advancement and Global Dialogue, the event focused on the environmental rights
of vulnerable communities, particularly indigenous peoples and small island
states impacted by climate change.
The Bonaire delegation highlighted the intersection of climate
justice and colonialism, raising concerns about the "Pact for the Future”
slogan “not to leave any one behind” the dire urgent threat to Bonaire’s
native population due to Dutch settler-colonization. They emphasized that
Bonaireans face the risk of cultural and physical disappearance long before
climate change exacerbates other global crises.
Representatives from territories including Guadeloupe,
Martinique, French Guiana, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Sint Maarten, and
Bonaire participated, alongside diplomats from Russia, Switzerland, Kazakhstan,
and others. Both conferences underscored the link between historical colonial
injustice, human rights, and the need for justice in these remaining colonized
regions.
This event marks an important step in BHRO’s continued advocacy
for the rights of Bonaire’s people on the global stage.
Bonaire Human Rights
Organization
Kaya Libertador Simon
Bolivar 26
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599 786 4576 /
+599 782 5664
Email: organizationbonairehumanrights@gmail.com
Website: www.bonairehumanrights.org
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