The Bonaire Human Rights was present and witnessed this historic moment and welcomes the approval by the Chair of the UN Fourth Committee on 16th October 2025 of the resolution supported by 101 countries, with 51 abstentions—including the Netherlands and other European countries —to establish an International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. This global decision represents a historic victory for justice and equality for all colonized and non-self-governing peoples.
This achievement follows James Finies and Davika Bissessar of BHRO's years of advocacy, whose relentless international campaign brought global recognition to the island’s struggle and helped inspire this historic United Nations decision.
The Work of James Finies and BHRO: A Voice for Bonaire - This resolution carries profound importance for Bonaire, a Caribbean territory that continues to endure the effects of modern-day colonialism. In 2017, Bonaire was unilaterally annexed by the Netherlands and anchored into the Dutch Constitution as a so-called “Public Entity,” despite the people’s 65% rejection in the 2015 referendum against integration under Dutch rule.
Failure of Local Leadership - This betrayal of the people’s will was made possible not only by the Dutch government but also by the lack of leadership among Bonaire’s politicians—particularly within the Democratic Party (DP), Union Patriótiko Boneriano (UPB), Movementu di Pueblo Boneriano (MPB), and M21. These parties passed a motion in the Island Council in 2017, consenting to Bonaire’s embedding in the Dutch Constitution. They failed to defend the people’s rights, choosing political convenience over their sacred duty to uphold Bonaire’s right to self-determination and self-governance.
Violation of International Law - The collaboration of local politicians in Bonaire’s annexation represents one of the darkest moments in the island’s modern history—a direct violation of the United Nations Charter and General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), which guarantees all peoples the right to self-determination. Since that political act, Bonaireans have suffered economic marginalization, loss of land, cultural erosion, and increasing poverty.
A Call to Action - The International Day Against Colonialism must serve as a wake-up call for Bonaire and the world. Modern colonial domination must be exposed, and accountability must extend not only to colonial powers but also to local collaborators who maintain injustice through silence and complicity.
BHRO calls upon the people of Bonaire to recognize the failure of irresponsible leadership and demand new, courageous leaders who will defend truth, justice, and Bonaire’s right to self-determination.
The Ongoing Struggle for Bonaire - Bonaire’s annexation was not progress—it was regression. BHRO President James Finies continues to appeal to the nations of the world to restore Bonaire to the United Nations List of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This step is vital to protect Bonaire’s people—now a vulnerable minority of barely 30%, along with its diaspora—who, like the island’s turtles, flamingos, mangroves, and coral reefs, face extinction under colonial pressure.
UN International Day Against Colonialism will serve each year as a powerful reminder of the world’s commitment to end all forms of colonialism.
Injustices should stop, and the people of Bonaire will not rest until their right to govern their own land is fully restored.
