The Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) concluded a historic week of participation at the United Nations when they departed Bonaire on January 28, after organizing a legal lecture on the case of Bonaire presented by Dr. Byron-Cox. This week marked a notable achievement in which the voices of women and girls of Bonaire were not only heard but also personally recognized at the highest levels of the United Nations.
As part of its ongoing advocacy work, BHRO participated in the Civil Society Town Hall with Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held on January 29 at the UN Headquarters in New York. This participation formed part of BHRO’s broader efforts to raise international awareness about democratic deficiencies, gender inequality, and colonial governance structures that continue to affect Bonaire.
On Friday, January 30, BHRO delivered a formal intervention during the “Global Multi-Stakeholder Hearing” in preparation for the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The intervention shed light on the lived realities of women and girls in Bonaire, who continue to face systematic exclusion from decision-making, economic opportunities, and access to public services. Special attention was given to the ongoing marginalization of the local language Papiamentu in schools, governance, justice, and institutional systems — an exclusion that reinforces inequality and silences community participation.
The multi-stakeholder hearing, a key element of the revitalization process of the CSW and the UN Pact for the Future, brought together civil society actors from around the world. In this forum, BHRO emphasized that gender equality cannot be achieved where colonial structures, concentrated economic power, and corrupt political practices deny communities their right to meaningful participation in shaping their own future.
Following BHRO’s intervention, an extraordinary and unexpected moment occurred. Her Excellency Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, requested a personal meeting with representatives of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization. Through her office, the BHRO delegation was invited to speak directly with Gumbonzvanda an unprecedented gesture of recognition.
Her Excellency expressed that the testimony regarding Bonaire had deeply touched her, acknowledging the human, cultural, and social impact of the issues presented. She requested direct contact information with BHRO, signaling a continued commitment at the highest level of the United Nations.
“This moment represents a shift from years of invisibility to direct recognition,” BHRO stated. “It confirms that when communities speak clearly and courageously about injustice, even deeply entrenched systems can no longer ignore them.”
BHRO emphasized that this participation and action strengthen its commitment to continue defending the rights, dignity, and visibility of women, girls, and the people of Bonaire in general, and to strive for governance and self-determination based on consent, participation, and cultural respect.
