Washington, D.C.- – Statement of Puerto Rico’s sole representative in Congress, Jenniffer González-Colón, on the discussion of the political status of Puerto Rico at the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization.
“It is no surprise that Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela, who are amongst the worst human rights violators and anti-democratic regimes in the world, are once again calling for Puerto Rico’s independence in an attempt to advance their anti-American agenda and grow their influence in the region. The people of Puerto Rico strongly reject this attempt. For 106 years, Puerto Ricans have been proud American citizens, participated in the U.S. Armed Forces in record numbers, and our Island has been home to important United States military outposts across the Western Hemisphere.
As a U.S. territory and under the U.S. Constitution, it is Congress—not the United Nations, and certainly not a Committee made up of authoritarian regimes like Communist China, Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, and Venezuela—that has the ultimate responsibility to address Puerto Rico’s political status. The U.S. House of Representatives has approved historic legislation that would enable the Island the opportunity to democratically determine our own future, and we will continue to fearlessly advocate for it.
Time and time again, Puerto Ricans have made it abundantly clear through our votes, in fair and democratic elections—something these nations should take a page from—that we want to join our fellow Americans on an equal footing as a full-fledged State of the Union. I’m confident that when the time comes, voters in Puerto Rico will ratify our desire for statehood and full equality as American citizens.
These dictatorships have no credibility amongst responsible nations. If they were serious about self-determination, then why don’t they allow for free and fair elections overseen by credible domestic and international observers? Why do they continue to jeopardize the security and prosperity of all of their citizens? Why don’t they call on Russia to end its unprovoked, inhumane, and illegal invasion into Ukraine? The violence, persecution, intimidation, repression that the people in these countries face every day are evidence of the hypocrisy of the so-called leaders of these nations. Sitting on this Committee while enjoying impunity for their crimes is an insult to those of us who deeply cherish democracy and freedom.
To the people of Puerto Rico and our fellow Americans across States, take a hard look at who’s calling for the Island’s independence. These are not our friends and allies.”
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