Human rights activist: Bonairean people deprived of right to speak their native language

Human rights activist James Finies has sounded the alarm on the critical situation facing the people of Bonaire, a small Caribbean island that remains the colony of the Netherlands, Report informs.

Speaking at the conference, titled "Bonaire’s Pathway from Baku through UN General Assembly to Self Determination", in Baku, Azerbaijan, Finies painted a grim picture of a population in decline and a culture under threat.

"No one is fully aware of this people's struggle. Today's event is a demonstration of our fight for independence," Finies declared.

The activist pointed out two major challenges facing the Bonairean people: The island is experiencing a sharp decrease in its indigenous population.

Finies explained, "People are leaving the territory due to pressures they face. The immigration process has a drastic impact on the population decline."

"Another issue facing the Bonairean people is being deprived of the opportunity to speak their native language and children being denied education in this language," Finies stated.

He emphasized the crucial importance of native language communication for the local people, accusing the Dutch government of attempting to strip away this fundamental right.