THE HAGUE – The United Nations is calling on the Netherlands to more rapidly address the backlogs on Bonaire. The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights wants the disparities between European and Caribbean Netherlands to be reduced, particularly in the areas of poverty, social security, housing, healthcare, and the high cost of living.
In a letter to parliament, the cabinet states that it takes the UN’s recommendations seriously. According to the government, the perspective of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius was explicitly included in its response, after the UN Committee indicated it wanted more information on the implementation of human rights in Caribbean Netherlands.
The UN also calls on the Netherlands to ensure that residents of Bonaire receive the same protection of economic, social and cultural rights as residents of European Netherlands. The island must also be more actively involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of policy. Additionally, the Committee advocates for greater attention to climate adaptation, affordable energy and Bonaire’s resilience to the effects of climate change.
The cabinet notes that measures have been taken in recent years, including increases in minimum wages and benefits, investments in affordable housing, and additional resources to improve basic financial security in Caribbean Netherlands. Nevertheless, the UN underlines that further steps are needed to bridge the gap with European Netherlands.
Background
James Finies has for some time been conducting an international lobbying campaign at the United Nations through his own organisation, focused on the constitutional status of Bonaire. He is not part of the official Dutch delegation that spoke with the UN Committee on the human rights treaty. To date, it remains unclear in what formal capacity Finies participates in UN meetings and how his international travel is financed. Questions submitted to the United Nations on this matter have so far gone unanswered.
The parliamentary letter and the accompanying UN recommendations make no mention of Finies or other unofficial representatives of Bonaire.
