The Human Rights Workshop held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, drew a full-to-capacity audience, with strong participation from Bonaireans and its inhabitants of all ages. The event featured a keynote address by James Finies, Founder of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO). His remarks set the tone for a powerful and historic gathering focused on strengthening human rights awareness on the island.
In a major milestone for the movement, Muhernan Fuerte PPP leaders Joseline Thielman and Phenice Frans-Piar officially joined as co-founders of bringing human rights information and education to Bonaire citizens and a renewed strength, experience, and representation to the mission of advancing human rights on Bonaire.
For the first time in Bonaire’s history, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization hosted this landmark Human Rights Lecture and Workshop under the campaign “We Also Have Rights”, in collaboration with United for Human Rights International. Local partners included We Dare To Care Foundation, Rinkon Edifikando Hóbennan na Madures Foundation, Muhernan Fuerte, Movementu Pa Kambio, and Nos Ta Futuro di Boneiru.
An important highlight of the program was an impressive presentation delivered by President Davika Bissessar Shaw, who spoke on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. During her address, she officially launched the Ambassadorship Program of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, opening the door for community members to become certified Human Rights Ambassadors.
Participants engaged in a dynamic program that included a human rights lecture, group workshops, campaign planning, a cultural presentation, and a short test leading to certification as Human Rights Advocates. The event concluded with a certificate ceremony celebrating newly empowered participants equipped with the knowledge and tools to promote and protect human rights on Bonaire.
This workshop also marked the launch of BHRO’s five-year campaign to advance the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which BHRO previously presented at the margins of the 80th UN General Assembly.
For more information and to register for the next workshop on January 18th, or to become a Human Rights Ambassador, please contact BHRO.
Cell/Whatsapp: +599 786 4576 – email: organizationbonairehumanrights@gmail.com
