The Chamorro community of Guam challenges US military expansion, citing human rights abuses and cultural destruction. On October 14, Prutehi Litekyan submitted a complaint to the UN seeking intervention for ongoing violations against their rights as Indigenous people. Human Rights Watch supports this initiative, calling for recognition of their struggles and a detailed investigation into the aftermath of militarization.
The Chamorro community in Guam, permitted to its identity and heritage, feels the heavy fist of US military presence since World War II. This has ravaged sacred lands and vital resources, threatening their way of life. On October 14, the advocacy group Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian advanced a complaint to the UN, accusing the US of severe human rights abuses against their people, highlighting broader consequences of ongoing colonization. The grievance insists on the negative impacts of US military expansion, such as the destruction of critical habitats and freshwater sources vital to the Chamorro people’s survival. Despite being US citizens, they face disenfranchisement, lacking representation in Congress and the inability to vote in presidential elections. This situation underscores a complex colonial legacy that continues to shape their lives today. Human Rights Watch has taken a keen interest, probing into how military operations impact the island and its Indigenous culture. Chamorro activists report systematic efforts by the US to quash their aspirations for self-determination, with the military’s presence disrupting traditional practices and harvesting grounds essential for medicinal knowledge and healing traditions held by Chamorro women, or yo’åmte. In their complaint, the Chamorro groups have asked for a special rapporteur’s visit to firsthand assess the ramifications of the military buildup. They seek an in-depth report addressing the human rights violations owed to them, hoping this will prompt the US government to acknowledge and rectify the issues at stake. Human Rights Watch has voiced its robust support for this initiative, underscoring the urgency of recognizing the Chamorro people’s rights and addressing their ongoing struggles. They call for an account of human rights concerns to be taken seriously, advocating for the community’s need for healing and justice within their own homeland.
Guam, a territory held by the US since World War II, stands as one of the last officially recognized colonies. The relationship between the Chamorro people and the US is complex, defined by colonial legacies that diminish their rights and freedoms. As the US military continues to expand, the Chamorro community grapples with the erosion of their cultural identity and loss of connection to sacred lands and resources.
The ongoing militarization of Guam exemplifies the struggle of the Chamorro people against colonization and the fight for their human rights. With limited representation in US governance, their cries for justice resonate deeply. By seeking international intervention, they aspire to reclaim their autonomy and safeguard their cultural heritage for future generations. The response from entities like Human Rights Watch highlights the urgent need for accountability and action.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
