Regional Body PARLACEN Backs Bonaire’s UN Re-Listing

The Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) has formally expressed its support for the re-listing of Bonaire on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, issuing a Declaration of Solidarity presented by Member of Parliament of the Dominican Republic, Hon. Catalina Olea Salazar. This is according to a recent statement issued by the Bonaire Human Rights Organisation (BHRO).

PARLACEN, the regional parliamentary body uniting elected representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, as well as associate members including Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, aims to promote political cooperation, human rights, and regional development.

The declaration highlights 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 Bonaireans has reportedly fallen from 80% to 30%, reflecting significant demographic and cultural impacts.

This declaration follows similar actions by Parlasur, the South American Mercosur parliament, whose members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela, alongside associate members Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. In December 2024, Parlasur also voiced support for Bonaire, reflecting ongoing advocacy by James Finies and BHRO.

During the PARLACEN plenary assembly in Guatemala City, the declaration emphasised that “dignity and self-determination are universal rights, not internal matters of colonial powers,” calling on Latin American and Caribbean governments to oppose all forms of colonial domination. “Supporting Bonaire is therefore not only an act of solidarity — it is a moral duty grounded in justice, democracy, and human dignity,” the declaration stated.

James Finies, speaking on behalf of BHRO, expressed gratitude for PARLACEN’s support: “We thank Ms. Olea Salazar and PARLACEN for this important step. Relisting Bonaire at the UN is a critical move to safeguard our culture, language, and heritage, and to address the ongoing challenges faced by our community.”

After more than 965 days of advocacy, BHRO remains committed to collaborating with international and regional partners to ensure the well-being of the Bonairean people and preserve their cultural identity.