May 15, 2026
James Finies from the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) wishes to inform the people of Bonaire of an important development achieved through sustained advocacy for the rights of local students within the educational system of Bonaire.
BHRO thank the parents of the children and families of Liseo High School, expressing their sincere appreciation for the efforts undertaken by BHRO, by James Finies and Davika Bissessar Shaw, advocating for fair educational opportunities for local students preparing for their examinations.
As never before following continuous dialogue with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Dutch Ministry of Education, and the Government of the Netherlands, BHRO raised concerns regarding conditions affecting students within Bonaire’s secondary education system in particular and education on Bonaire in general.
As part of these efforts, BHRO also traveled to United Nations Geneva, Switzerland, where the organization presented a formal complaint before the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) during the 7th Periodic Review of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The intervention highlighted serious concerns regarding education, equality, language, and the protection of students’ rights in Bonaire.
The Bonaire education case constitutes, among others, allegations of non-compliance with the right to education (UDHR Art. 26; ICESCR Art. 13; CRC Arts. 28–29), the prohibition of linguistic discrimination (ICERD Art. 5; ECHR Art. 14 in conjunction with Protocol No. 1, Art. 2), minority and mother-tongue language rights (CRC Art. 30), and equal access to non-discriminatory and equitable educational assessment under international human rights law.
After BHRO submitted an official letter to the Dutch Ministry of Education and international human rights bodies, requesting an additional 30 minutes for student examinations BHRO has received communications and is in dialogue with the Dutch Ministry of Education and that the Bonaire education case by BHRO was treated within the education ministry, fixed committee on education and the 2nd chamber and then recently followed by the breakthrough information that students of Liseo High School sitting exams in May 2026 will receive the additional examination time requested.
This development represents an important and meaningful step forward for the students of Bonaire and demonstrates the importance of persistent advocacy, international engagement, and the defense of fundamental human rights.
BHRO remains committed to continuing its work in defense of the people of Bonaire, particularly in the areas of education, equality, social justice, human dignity, and the protection of all fundamental rights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DF4KO_o8lI BHRO Bonaire Education Case Human Rights Council CESCR Geneva @7th Periodic Report of Netherlands