Description

International Tribunal on Violation of Human Rights in Puerto Rico and Vieques by the United States of America

In November 2000, the International Tribunal on Violation of Human Rights in Puerto Rico and Vieques by the United States. The Tribunal denounced US colonialism in Puerto Rico since the invasion and conquest of 1898, and found the US government guilty of denying the people of Puerto Rico the right to self-determination. The US military occupies 12% of the land area of Puerto Rico and 75% of the island of Vieques, the site of concerted protests against long-term bombing training that has reduced parts of the island to rubble and contaminated the land and water. The Tribunal calls for sovereignty for Puerto Rico, removal of all military installations, and redress for all damage caused to natural resources and injuries to people.

Caribbean, political theory — self-determination; Puerto Rico — economic conditions; Puerto Rico — history — autonomy and independence movements; Vieques Island [Puerto Rico]; United States — military policy

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 27, No. 4 (2000): 143-151