Finies Christian, member of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, stated: "Decolonization means putting people above systems."
He spoke at an international conference organized by the Baku Initiative Group on the topic "The Role of Youth in Urban Planning in the Decolonization Process."
Christian emphasized climate change as a particularly sensitive issue: "Problems in the seas, rising temperatures, and environmental pressures threaten our future. Young people must have a seat at the decision-making table."
He called for development that is human rights-based, sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered: "We demand adequate housing policies, equal educational opportunities, protection of local land rights, investment in community ownership, preservation of cultural heritage, and meaningful participation in decisions about our communities and islands."
Referring to the UN CESCR report on the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Christian noted: "Human rights should apply everywhere in the Caribbean, not just in certain places. As a young person, I do not want to inherit inequality. UN conventions say no one will be left behind."
He labeled the continued colonial governance and exclusion of youth from decisions about their lands as injustice: "Decolonization means putting people above systems, communities above profit, and placing youth at the center of decision-making."
