Why BHRO Declined the Baku Initiative Group Washington Conference
Recently, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) and James Finies made the decision to distance themselves from the conference held in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2026, entitled “Right of Return and Self-Determination: Double Standards and Selective Approaches,” organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG).
For BHRO, every international conference we attend and every platform from which we speak carries a message. Our participation in international events must always reflect our principles, our strategy and the interests of the people of Bonaire. In this case, we concluded that participation in this conference would not have reflected our approach.
While internet searches and some media reports suggested that BHRO and James Finies participated in the conference, this was not the case. BHRO respectfully declined the invitation because our work follows a carefully developed international strategy centered on diplomacy, the United Nations and its established mechanisms.
As an organization accredited to the United Nations and an Associated Member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, BHRO recognizes its responsibility to uphold the highest standards of international advocacy.
Over time, BHRO concluded that the advocacy approach adopted by the Baku Initiative Group no longer aligns with our United Nations-centered mandate and long-term diplomatic strategy. Our work is grounded in constructive engagement through established international mechanisms, and we believe this approach best serves the long-term objectives of the struggle that James Finies has led since 2004.
Since 2016, BHRO’s advocacy has focused on constructive engagement with UN Member States, United Nations human rights mechanisms, treaty bodies and the decolonization framework established under the UN Charter. We have also built relationships with international organizations such as COPPPAL, OECS, CARICOM Member States and Mercosur.
Every meeting, written submission, intervention and diplomatic engagement forms part of a long-term strategy designed to strengthen international protection for the people of Bonaire. This approach requires consistency, credibility and a clear strategic focus.
For that reason, BHRO and James Finies have made it clear that the statements, declarations, recommendations or positions expressed by participants from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba during the Washington conference do not represent the views of BHRO, James Finies or the people of Bonaire.
Each island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands has its own constitutional history, political realities and priorities. While there may be areas of common concern, there are also significant differences that cannot simply be grouped together under a single narrative.
Bonaire’s situation is unique.
Since the constitutional changes of October 10, 2010, following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Bonaire has experienced profound demographic transformation. According to data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, CBS, native Bonerians, who once constituted the overwhelming majority of the population, now account for less than thirty percent.
This rapid demographic shift raises serious questions regarding the preservation of Bonaire’s cultural identity, language, heritage and the ability of its people to exercise meaningful participation in decisions affecting their future.
These concerns distinguish Bonaire’s circumstances from those of the other Caribbean territories within the Kingdom. This distinction is important.
For BHRO, maintaining an independent voice is essential to protecting the integrity of Bonaire’s case before the international community. Our advocacy must remain focused, principled and consistent with the diplomatic strategy we have pursued over many years.
Sometimes diplomacy is measured not only by where you choose to speak, but also by where you choose not to.
That was the decision BHRO and James Finies made regarding the Washington conference, and we remain confident that it was the right one.