The Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) recently issued a strong Declaration of Solidarity for Bonaire, presented by Dominican Republic Member of Parliament Hon. Catalina Olea Salazar.
PARLACEN, the regional parliament of Central America and the Caribbean, brings together elected representatives from its member countries — Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama — along with associated countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, to promote political cooperation, human rights, and regional development.
The support and solidarity from countries across Central, South America, and the Caribbean to re-list Bonaire on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories underscores the urgent need to protect Bonaire’s identity, language, and cultural heritage. Since 2010, when Bonaire was incorporated into the Dutch Constitution without the consent of its people, the proportion of native Bonairians has fallen from 80% to just 30% today — highlighting serious demographic and cultural impacts.
This declaration aligns with recent actions, including those from Parlasur — the parliament of the South American Mercosur bloc, whose members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela, with associated countries such as Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname — in December 2024. These efforts reflect the continuous work of James Finies and the Bonaire Human Rights Organization to defend the rights of the Bonairian people.
The declaration for Bonaire, issued in Guatemala City during PARLACEN’s plenary assembly, emphasizes that human dignity and self-determination are universal rights, not internal matters of colonial powers. It calls on the governments and parliaments of Latin America and the Caribbean to take a strong stance against all forms of colonial domination. Supporting Bonaire is not merely an act of solidarity — it is a moral obligation grounded in justice, democracy, and human dignity.
“We are grateful to Ms. Olea Salazar and PARLACEN for this important step,” said James Finies. “Re-listing Bonaire at the United Nations is essential to protect our culture, language, and heritage and to confront the challenges faced by our community.”
After more than 965 days advocating abroad, BHRO remains committed to working alongside international and regional partners to protect the well-being of the Bonairian people and preserve their cultural identity.
Press release: Bonaire Human Rights Organization