| NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Commonwealth in political union with the United States) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated: 06/17/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Saipan
88,662 (July 2009 est.)
Barack Hussein Obama
President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
President and Vice President elected via electoral college for a
four year term; eligible for a second term. Under the US
Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such
as Northern Marianas Islands, do not vote in elections for
US president and vice president
Next scheduled election: November 2008
four year term; eligible for a second term. Under the US
Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such
as Northern Marianas Islands, do not vote in elections for
US president and vice president
Next scheduled election: November 2008
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Benigno R. Fitial
Governor since 9 January 2006
Governor since 9 January 2006
Governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by
popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held
on 23 November 2009)
Next scheduled election: November 2013
popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held
on 23 November 2009)
Next scheduled election: November 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature with no administrative
divisions. Legal system is based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation
Executive: President and Vice President elected for four year terms, eligible for second term (not voted for by Northern
Mariana Islands residents); Governor and Lieutenant Governor elected for four years up to two consecutive terms by
Northern Mariana Islands citizens; election last held on 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November
2009); elections next to be held November 2013
Legislative: Bicameral Legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (18 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
two-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held
7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)
Judicial: Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court
divisions. Legal system is based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation
Executive: President and Vice President elected for four year terms, eligible for second term (not voted for by Northern
Mariana Islands residents); Governor and Lieutenant Governor elected for four years up to two consecutive terms by
Northern Mariana Islands citizens; election last held on 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November
2009); elections next to be held November 2013
Legislative: Bicameral Legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (18 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
two-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held
7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)
Judicial: Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court
| LANGUAGES |
Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%,
other 9.6% (2000 census)
other 9.6% (2000 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The first people to come to the Marianas arrived over 3500 years ago, probably from Southeast Asia through the
Philippines. The south islands were occupied early, the north later. The ancient people evolved into Chamorro people. An
ancient trading route between the central Carolinian islands brought ancestors of the Carolinians to Saipan. The first
European exploration of the area was that led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, who landed on nearby Guam and claimed
the islands for Spain. After being met offshore and accepting the refreshments offered to them by the native Chamorros,
the latter then in exchange helped themselves to a small boat belonging to Magellan's fleet. This led to a cultural clash
because in the old Chamorro culture there was little if any private property and to take something that one needed such as
a boat to fish with was not a crime and not thievery in their eyes. (The Catholic Church did much to introduce mores
against this practice, but even today, some young Chamorros hoping to revive their cultural heritage have come in conflict
with the law over this on the Islands.) Due to this cultural misunderstanding, over half a dozen locals were killed and a
village of 40 homes burned before the boat was retrieved, and the archipelago subsequently acquired the ignominious
name Islas de los Ladrones ("Islands of the Thieves"). Three days after he had arrived, Magellan fled the archipelago
under attack--a portentous beginning to its relationship with the Spanish. The islands were henceforth considered by
Spain to be annexed and therefore under their governance, from the Philippines, as part of the Spanish East Indies. The
Spanish built a Royal Palace in Guam for the Governor of the Islands (its remains can still be seen in 2006).Guam was an
important stop-over from Mexico for galleons carrying gold and other between the Philippines and Spain. There are
several unfound sunken Spanish galleons off Guam. In 1668 the islands were renamed by Padre Diego Luis de Sanvitores
to Las Marianas after Mariana of Austria, widow of Spain's Philip IV. Nearly all of the islands' native population (90%
-95%) died out under Spanish rule, but new settlers, primarily from the Philippines and the Caroline Islands, were brought
in to repopulate the islands. Despite this, the Chamorro population did gradually resurge, and Chamorro, Filipino and
Carolinian language and ethnic differences remain basically distinct in the Marianas to this day. The Marianas came under
German control for a brief period when Spain sold them to Germany, exclusive of Guam. In 1919 the Japanese invaded
and occupied these islands and the League of Nations, pre-cursor of the United Nations, awarded them to Japan by
mandate. The Japanese used the Islands as a military outpost. They did not treat the native population well. The Empire of
Japan captured Guam during World War II and Japanese governance of the Islands moved to Guam. The Japanese
annexation of the Marianas was not popular among its residents, and the Japanese forces have been accused of atrocities
during their occupation of the islands, including the torture and killing of the residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas.
This led to the Chamorros of Guam and Saipan bearing grudges against the Japanese, some which still remain after 65
years, despite Japanese tourists being a major contributor to the economies of Saipan and Guam. On June 15, 1944,
during World War II, U.S. Marines landed on the islands and eventually won the bitterly fought three-week Battle of
Saipan. The Marianas are a critical part of the last chapter of the war, as Guam and Saipan provided the take off point for
the bombing of Hiroshima. After Japan's defeat, the islands were administered by the United States as part of the United
Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; thus, defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the U.S. The
people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence, but instead to forge closer links
with the U.S. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union
with the U.S. was approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978. The Northern Mariana
Islands have also come into the news recently due to their connection to the scandals involving Jack Abramoff and
allegedly former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. As a direct result of lobbying by Abramoff and associates, the
Northern Mariana Islands received special federal subsidies. As well, Congressman Bob Ney allegedly received free trips
to the Northern Mariana Islands from Abramoff, in violation of federal law. The Northern Marianas Islands are also the
site of another controversy involving Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), Jack Abramoff, and Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA) and
the alleged links to the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association and the Northern Mariana Islands, role in stopping
legislation aimed at cracking down on sweatshops and sex shops” on the islands in 2001. The Northern Marianas Islands
allegedly harbor the most abusive labor practices of anywhere in the United States. According to the progressive think
tank American Progress Action Fund, "Human 'brokers' bring thousands there to work as sex slaves and in cramped
sweatshop garment factories where clothes (complete with 'Made in U.S.A.' tag) have been produced for all the major
brands."
Sources History of Nations; Wikipedia: History of Northern Marianas Islands
Philippines. The south islands were occupied early, the north later. The ancient people evolved into Chamorro people. An
ancient trading route between the central Carolinian islands brought ancestors of the Carolinians to Saipan. The first
European exploration of the area was that led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, who landed on nearby Guam and claimed
the islands for Spain. After being met offshore and accepting the refreshments offered to them by the native Chamorros,
the latter then in exchange helped themselves to a small boat belonging to Magellan's fleet. This led to a cultural clash
because in the old Chamorro culture there was little if any private property and to take something that one needed such as
a boat to fish with was not a crime and not thievery in their eyes. (The Catholic Church did much to introduce mores
against this practice, but even today, some young Chamorros hoping to revive their cultural heritage have come in conflict
with the law over this on the Islands.) Due to this cultural misunderstanding, over half a dozen locals were killed and a
village of 40 homes burned before the boat was retrieved, and the archipelago subsequently acquired the ignominious
name Islas de los Ladrones ("Islands of the Thieves"). Three days after he had arrived, Magellan fled the archipelago
under attack--a portentous beginning to its relationship with the Spanish. The islands were henceforth considered by
Spain to be annexed and therefore under their governance, from the Philippines, as part of the Spanish East Indies. The
Spanish built a Royal Palace in Guam for the Governor of the Islands (its remains can still be seen in 2006).Guam was an
important stop-over from Mexico for galleons carrying gold and other between the Philippines and Spain. There are
several unfound sunken Spanish galleons off Guam. In 1668 the islands were renamed by Padre Diego Luis de Sanvitores
to Las Marianas after Mariana of Austria, widow of Spain's Philip IV. Nearly all of the islands' native population (90%
-95%) died out under Spanish rule, but new settlers, primarily from the Philippines and the Caroline Islands, were brought
in to repopulate the islands. Despite this, the Chamorro population did gradually resurge, and Chamorro, Filipino and
Carolinian language and ethnic differences remain basically distinct in the Marianas to this day. The Marianas came under
German control for a brief period when Spain sold them to Germany, exclusive of Guam. In 1919 the Japanese invaded
and occupied these islands and the League of Nations, pre-cursor of the United Nations, awarded them to Japan by
mandate. The Japanese used the Islands as a military outpost. They did not treat the native population well. The Empire of
Japan captured Guam during World War II and Japanese governance of the Islands moved to Guam. The Japanese
annexation of the Marianas was not popular among its residents, and the Japanese forces have been accused of atrocities
during their occupation of the islands, including the torture and killing of the residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas.
This led to the Chamorros of Guam and Saipan bearing grudges against the Japanese, some which still remain after 65
years, despite Japanese tourists being a major contributor to the economies of Saipan and Guam. On June 15, 1944,
during World War II, U.S. Marines landed on the islands and eventually won the bitterly fought three-week Battle of
Saipan. The Marianas are a critical part of the last chapter of the war, as Guam and Saipan provided the take off point for
the bombing of Hiroshima. After Japan's defeat, the islands were administered by the United States as part of the United
Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; thus, defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the U.S. The
people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence, but instead to forge closer links
with the U.S. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union
with the U.S. was approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978. The Northern Mariana
Islands have also come into the news recently due to their connection to the scandals involving Jack Abramoff and
allegedly former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. As a direct result of lobbying by Abramoff and associates, the
Northern Mariana Islands received special federal subsidies. As well, Congressman Bob Ney allegedly received free trips
to the Northern Mariana Islands from Abramoff, in violation of federal law. The Northern Marianas Islands are also the
site of another controversy involving Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), Jack Abramoff, and Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA) and
the alleged links to the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association and the Northern Mariana Islands, role in stopping
legislation aimed at cracking down on sweatshops and sex shops” on the islands in 2001. The Northern Marianas Islands
allegedly harbor the most abusive labor practices of anywhere in the United States. According to the progressive think
tank American Progress Action Fund, "Human 'brokers' bring thousands there to work as sex slaves and in cramped
sweatshop garment factories where clothes (complete with 'Made in U.S.A.' tag) have been produced for all the major
brands."
Sources History of Nations; Wikipedia: History of Northern Marianas Islands
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally
generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts
for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in
recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of
cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the
most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under
duty and quota exemptions.
generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts
for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in
recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of
cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the
most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under
duty and quota exemptions.
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic system,
whereby the Governor is head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. The Northern Mariana Islands are a
commonwealth in political union with the United States. Federal funds to the Commonwealth are administered by the
Office of Insular Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Executive power is exercised by the government.
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament. The Judiciary is independent of
the executive and the legislature. Local government is carried out through three regional mayors.
The Northern Mariana Islands and the United States reached a Covenant Agreement effective 4 November 1986. The
Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands became effective 1 January 1978.
Historically, the Northern Mariana Islands have been subject to the colonizing powers of Spain, Germany, Japan, and the
United States under a United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Agreement. Each power contributed elements
that mixed with local indigenous cultures to form the current political culture of the Northern Mariana Islands.
When United States citizenship was granted in 1986 to people who qualified as descendants of the Northern Marianas,
few among the island's native population had been adequately prepared for democracy. As a result, politics in the
Northern Mariana Islands is often "more a function of family relationships and personal loyalties" where the size of one's
extended family is more important than a candidate's personal qualifications. Both scholarly works and the authors of the
controversial website Saipansucks.com charge that this is nepotism carried out within the trappings of democracy.
In November 2008, the Northern Mariana Islands held its first election for a delegate to the United States Congress.
Gregorio "Kilili" Sablan won the election, and will begin his term of office in January 2009.[1] The delegate will serve as a
member to some House committees and may vote in those committees, but the delegate is not permitted to vote on bills
up for vote among all members of the House.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Northern Marianas Islands
whereby the Governor is head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. The Northern Mariana Islands are a
commonwealth in political union with the United States. Federal funds to the Commonwealth are administered by the
Office of Insular Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Executive power is exercised by the government.
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament. The Judiciary is independent of
the executive and the legislature. Local government is carried out through three regional mayors.
The Northern Mariana Islands and the United States reached a Covenant Agreement effective 4 November 1986. The
Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands became effective 1 January 1978.
Historically, the Northern Mariana Islands have been subject to the colonizing powers of Spain, Germany, Japan, and the
United States under a United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Agreement. Each power contributed elements
that mixed with local indigenous cultures to form the current political culture of the Northern Mariana Islands.
When United States citizenship was granted in 1986 to people who qualified as descendants of the Northern Marianas,
few among the island's native population had been adequately prepared for democracy. As a result, politics in the
Northern Mariana Islands is often "more a function of family relationships and personal loyalties" where the size of one's
extended family is more important than a candidate's personal qualifications. Both scholarly works and the authors of the
controversial website Saipansucks.com charge that this is nepotism carried out within the trappings of democracy.
In November 2008, the Northern Mariana Islands held its first election for a delegate to the United States Congress.
Gregorio "Kilili" Sablan won the election, and will begin his term of office in January 2009.[1] The delegate will serve as a
member to some House committees and may vote in those committees, but the delegate is not permitted to vote on bills
up for vote among all members of the House.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Northern Marianas Islands
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
The U.S. State Department does not issue an annual Country Report regarding the Human Rights practices of the United
States and its territories. It does, however, assess the Human Rights condition of foreign countries as stated below:
The protection of fundamental human rights was a foundation stone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago.
Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The United States understands that the existence of human rights helps secure the peace, deter
aggression, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, strengthen democracies, and prevent humanitarian crises.
Because the promotion of human rights is an important national interest, the United States seeks to:
States and its territories. It does, however, assess the Human Rights condition of foreign countries as stated below:
The protection of fundamental human rights was a foundation stone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago.
Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The United States understands that the existence of human rights helps secure the peace, deter
aggression, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, strengthen democracies, and prevent humanitarian crises.
Because the promotion of human rights is an important national interest, the United States seeks to:
- Hold governments accountable to their obligations under universal human rights norms and international human rights
instruments; - Promote greater respect for human rights, including freedom from torture, freedom of expression, press freedom, women's
rights, children's rights, and the protection of minorities; - Promote the rule of law, seek accountability, and change cultures of impunity;
- Assist efforts to reform and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights and the UN Commission on Human Rights; and - Coordinate human rights activities with important allies, including the EU, and regional organizations.
29 February 2008
U.N. Resumes Struggle To Meet Contemporary Decolonisation Target
The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation met February 28th to begin its annual consideration of the remaining
sixteen non self-governing territories. In the Atlantic/Caribbean, the territories in question are Bermuda, Turks and Caicos Islands,
Cayman Islands, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and the US Virgin Islands. The commonwealth/territory of Puerto
Rico is not on the U.N list although two consecutive White House reports in 2005 and 2007 have confirmed its non self-governing
political status – so perhaps they should be on the list.
In the Pacific, the territories are American Samoa and Guam administered by the U.S. The commonwealth/territory of the Northern
Mariana Islands is not on the U.N. list but expanding U.S. Congressional control is becoming increasingly clear, effectively eroding
what was originally thought as an autonomous arrangement – at least that was the agreement. Perhaps, they should also be on the
U.N. list. Other territories are Tokelau (admirably) administered by New Zealand, and New Caledonia administered by France.
Other ‘listed’ territories include Pitcairn and St. Helena (U.K.).
The organizational session of the meeting proceeded in the usual manner with an opening statement by Secretary General Ban Ki
Moon who announced the election of officers which included Indonesia as chairman, Cuba and Congo as vice chairs, and Syria as
Rapporteur. Indonesia replaced St. Vincent and the Grenadines who chaired for the previous two years. Of the 28 members of the
committee, nine are small island territories from the Caribbean and Asia/Pacific, and the chairmanship of the committee, up to this
point, had rotated between the Caribbean during the 1990s and the Pacific in the new decade.
Another set of listed territories under review of the committee are those subject to sovereignty disputes. Gibraltar is claimed by U.
K. and Spain, Falkland Islands/Malvinas is claimed by U.K. and Argentina, and Western Sahara is claimed by Morocco and the
Frente Polasario. This might explain the formal presence of an interesting array of additional member countries which attended the
event, including Argentina and Brazil which represent the strong Latin American position on the sovereignty of the Malvinas
Islands. Spain, of course, was present as it is party to the disputed sovereignty with the U.K. over Gibraltar. The interest of other
non- committee members such as Thailand, Turkey, Lebanon and Malaysia is less certain, and subject to interesting speculation.
An interesting diversion from previous practice occurred as the U.S. delegate sat in his designated committee seat as the
administering power of the three territories under U.S. administration. The U.S. usually attends the meeting, but does not occupy
their seat since they had formally withdrawn their cooperation with the Special Committee in the early 1990s. Perhaps they were
seated in deference to the presence of the Secretary-General. Maybe it also signals that they may wish to resume formal
cooperation with the committee. One can only hope.
Click here to read more »
U.N. Resumes Struggle To Meet Contemporary Decolonisation Target
The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation met February 28th to begin its annual consideration of the remaining
sixteen non self-governing territories. In the Atlantic/Caribbean, the territories in question are Bermuda, Turks and Caicos Islands,
Cayman Islands, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and the US Virgin Islands. The commonwealth/territory of Puerto
Rico is not on the U.N list although two consecutive White House reports in 2005 and 2007 have confirmed its non self-governing
political status – so perhaps they should be on the list.
In the Pacific, the territories are American Samoa and Guam administered by the U.S. The commonwealth/territory of the Northern
Mariana Islands is not on the U.N. list but expanding U.S. Congressional control is becoming increasingly clear, effectively eroding
what was originally thought as an autonomous arrangement – at least that was the agreement. Perhaps, they should also be on the
U.N. list. Other territories are Tokelau (admirably) administered by New Zealand, and New Caledonia administered by France.
Other ‘listed’ territories include Pitcairn and St. Helena (U.K.).
The organizational session of the meeting proceeded in the usual manner with an opening statement by Secretary General Ban Ki
Moon who announced the election of officers which included Indonesia as chairman, Cuba and Congo as vice chairs, and Syria as
Rapporteur. Indonesia replaced St. Vincent and the Grenadines who chaired for the previous two years. Of the 28 members of the
committee, nine are small island territories from the Caribbean and Asia/Pacific, and the chairmanship of the committee, up to this
point, had rotated between the Caribbean during the 1990s and the Pacific in the new decade.
Another set of listed territories under review of the committee are those subject to sovereignty disputes. Gibraltar is claimed by U.
K. and Spain, Falkland Islands/Malvinas is claimed by U.K. and Argentina, and Western Sahara is claimed by Morocco and the
Frente Polasario. This might explain the formal presence of an interesting array of additional member countries which attended the
event, including Argentina and Brazil which represent the strong Latin American position on the sovereignty of the Malvinas
Islands. Spain, of course, was present as it is party to the disputed sovereignty with the U.K. over Gibraltar. The interest of other
non- committee members such as Thailand, Turkey, Lebanon and Malaysia is less certain, and subject to interesting speculation.
An interesting diversion from previous practice occurred as the U.S. delegate sat in his designated committee seat as the
administering power of the three territories under U.S. administration. The U.S. usually attends the meeting, but does not occupy
their seat since they had formally withdrawn their cooperation with the Special Committee in the early 1990s. Perhaps they were
seated in deference to the presence of the Secretary-General. Maybe it also signals that they may wish to resume formal
cooperation with the committee. One can only hope.
Click here to read more »
No Reports from Freedom House mentioning Northern Mariana Islands after exhaustive search of their database. Please
forward any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of Northern Mariana Islands to the
Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
forward any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of Northern Mariana Islands to the
Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
No Reports from Amnesty International mentioning Northern Mariana Islands after exhaustive search of their database.
Please forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of Northern Mariana
Islands to the Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
Please forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of Northern Mariana
Islands to the Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
United States Human Rights Progress 1999
The mistreatment of migrant workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory in the North
Pacific Ocean, received heightened scrutiny by Congress, the administration, and human rights organizations. Companies operating
in the islands mistreated thousands of laborers, primarily from China, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, who had become essentially
indentured workers in garment manufacturing plants; these abuses had been allowed because the CNMI authorities were exempt
from normal federal immigration, trade, and worker protection statutes. During the year, legislation to address human rights
violations in the CNMI was introduced in Congress and actively supported by the Clinton administration. The Department of the
Interior prepared a report that documented the trafficking of Russian and Chinese women for prostitution as well as an overall
worsening of conditions for foreign workers.
Click here to read more »
The mistreatment of migrant workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory in the North
Pacific Ocean, received heightened scrutiny by Congress, the administration, and human rights organizations. Companies operating
in the islands mistreated thousands of laborers, primarily from China, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, who had become essentially
indentured workers in garment manufacturing plants; these abuses had been allowed because the CNMI authorities were exempt
from normal federal immigration, trade, and worker protection statutes. During the year, legislation to address human rights
violations in the CNMI was introduced in Congress and actively supported by the Clinton administration. The Department of the
Interior prepared a report that documented the trafficking of Russian and Chinese women for prostitution as well as an overall
worsening of conditions for foreign workers.
Click here to read more »
Report on the Alien Worker Population in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
by The Secretary of the Interior
Washington, DC
April 2010
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In title VII of Public Law 110-229, the Congress requested that the Secretary of the Interior provide information and
recommendations regarding alien workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The requests and
abbreviated responses are:
I. CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST
The Consolidated Natural Resources Act (CNRA, Public Law 110-229, May 8, 2008, title VII, Section 702) requires that the
“Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Governor of the Commonwealth, shall
report to the Congress no later than two years after the date of enactment of Public Law 110-229. The report shall include:
(1) the number of aliens residing in the Commonwealth;
(2) a description of the legal status (under Federal law) of such aliens;
(3) the number of years each alien has been residing in the Commonwealth;
(4) the current and future requirements of the Commonwealth economy for an alien work force; and
(5) such recommendations to the Congress, as the Secretary may deem appropriate, related to whether or not the Congress should
consider permitting lawfully admitted alien workers lawfully residing in the Commonwealth on such enactment date to apply for
long-term status under the immigration and nationality laws of the United States.”
V. RECOMMENDATIONS
CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST
(5): Recommendations to the Congress, as the Secretary may deem appropriate, related to whether or not the Congress should
consider permitting lawfully admitted alien workers lawfully residing in the CNMI on such enactment date to apply for long-term
status under the immigration and nationality laws of the United States.
Response: Consistent with the goals of comprehensive immigration reform, we recommend that the Congress consider permitting
alien workers who have lawfully resided in the CNMI for a minimum period of five years to apply for long-term status under the
immigration and nationality laws of the United States.
Click here to read more »
by The Secretary of the Interior
Washington, DC
April 2010
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In title VII of Public Law 110-229, the Congress requested that the Secretary of the Interior provide information and
recommendations regarding alien workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The requests and
abbreviated responses are:
I. CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST
The Consolidated Natural Resources Act (CNRA, Public Law 110-229, May 8, 2008, title VII, Section 702) requires that the
“Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Governor of the Commonwealth, shall
report to the Congress no later than two years after the date of enactment of Public Law 110-229. The report shall include:
(1) the number of aliens residing in the Commonwealth;
(2) a description of the legal status (under Federal law) of such aliens;
(3) the number of years each alien has been residing in the Commonwealth;
(4) the current and future requirements of the Commonwealth economy for an alien work force; and
(5) such recommendations to the Congress, as the Secretary may deem appropriate, related to whether or not the Congress should
consider permitting lawfully admitted alien workers lawfully residing in the Commonwealth on such enactment date to apply for
long-term status under the immigration and nationality laws of the United States.”
V. RECOMMENDATIONS
CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST
(5): Recommendations to the Congress, as the Secretary may deem appropriate, related to whether or not the Congress should
consider permitting lawfully admitted alien workers lawfully residing in the CNMI on such enactment date to apply for long-term
status under the immigration and nationality laws of the United States.
Response: Consistent with the goals of comprehensive immigration reform, we recommend that the Congress consider permitting
alien workers who have lawfully resided in the CNMI for a minimum period of five years to apply for long-term status under the
immigration and nationality laws of the United States.
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DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
08 June 2010
WHEREAS, under Article III § 10 of the Constitution the Governor has the authority and duty to take the necessary steps to
respond to emergencies
NOW THEREFORE, a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is declared due to the imminent
incapacity of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) to provide critical power generation service to the CNMI and the
extreme, immediate threat such condition poses to the Commonwealth ofthe Northern Mariana Islands. In order to meet this
imminent threat, the Constitutional authority provided under Article III § 10 is invoked, including, but not limited to, authority to:
1. suspend all statutory or regulatory provisions as required; and
2. the reprogramming of funds necessary to meet this emergency.
8. The Governor repeatedly asked the Legislature to provide the CNM with the budget that will allow for timely utility bill payments,
concurrent with reduced expenditures in other areas so that the CNMI can live within its financial means. Alternatively, the
Governor has asked the Legislature for authority to reprogram. The Legislature has failed to provide either.
9. As a result, the CNMI now faces a crisis - electricity will stop within days because the Government has failed to pay CUC for
the millions of dollars of electricity, and the oil producing it, which the Government has consumed.
10. CUC has enough diesel fuel for Saipan's power needs through June 08 of this coming week, Tinian through June 18,2010, and
Rota through June 12,2010.
11. If CUC cannot secure the fuel oil needed for its generators, the following will happen immediately, meaning by Wednesday,
June 9:
a. all power generation on Saipan will cease;
b. the sewage collection and treatment system will cease;
c. the Hospital will convert to emergency power, with enough oil for just a day or two. Then its lights and air conditioning
will cease, its refrigeration of drugs and medicines will cease, its laboratory will shut down, its treatment of dialysis patients will
cease, and the respirators breathing for patients would shut down. The ICU (intensive care unit) and neonatal patients provided
with medicines by pumps and electric syringes would lose these treatments. The bodies in the morgue would no longer be
refrigerated. Food for patients could no longer be cooked or preserved; and
d. public safety equipment would cease operating, traffic lights immediately, and communications and jail electric security
facilities as soon as stocks of emergency diesel oil ran out; and
e. those hotels requiring CUC power to produce drinking water through reverse osmosis, to cool their rooms, and to cook
their food would have to shut down facilities;
f. those members of the community who live at home and are at risk - the old, the very young and the very ill - would lose air
conditioning and refrigeration.
12. All government offices would close, including those required to process payments and food stamps to our neediest citizens.
13. This situation would be intolerable. It is avoidable - if the Governor had the legal ability to reprogram funds right now, the
CNMI Treasury could provide CUC with the funds needed to buy oil immediately.
14. There is no Legislative relief coming. For months the Legislature has failed to approve a budget that provides enough money for
the Government to pay its utility bills while providing for other essential government services that are within the Government's
financial means. The Legislature has declined to respond to the entreaties of the Administration to avoid this crisis.
15. There is no alternative to providing this relief other than an order from the Governor. Inaction will produce a disaster. A
declaration of emergency would provide the Governor with authority to take the necessary steps to avert this crisis.
16. This declaration of emergency is necessary to protect the health and safety of our children, our senior citizens, businesses and
all other CNMI residents and visitors.
Click here to read more »
08 June 2010
WHEREAS, under Article III § 10 of the Constitution the Governor has the authority and duty to take the necessary steps to
respond to emergencies
NOW THEREFORE, a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is declared due to the imminent
incapacity of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) to provide critical power generation service to the CNMI and the
extreme, immediate threat such condition poses to the Commonwealth ofthe Northern Mariana Islands. In order to meet this
imminent threat, the Constitutional authority provided under Article III § 10 is invoked, including, but not limited to, authority to:
1. suspend all statutory or regulatory provisions as required; and
2. the reprogramming of funds necessary to meet this emergency.
8. The Governor repeatedly asked the Legislature to provide the CNM with the budget that will allow for timely utility bill payments,
concurrent with reduced expenditures in other areas so that the CNMI can live within its financial means. Alternatively, the
Governor has asked the Legislature for authority to reprogram. The Legislature has failed to provide either.
9. As a result, the CNMI now faces a crisis - electricity will stop within days because the Government has failed to pay CUC for
the millions of dollars of electricity, and the oil producing it, which the Government has consumed.
10. CUC has enough diesel fuel for Saipan's power needs through June 08 of this coming week, Tinian through June 18,2010, and
Rota through June 12,2010.
11. If CUC cannot secure the fuel oil needed for its generators, the following will happen immediately, meaning by Wednesday,
June 9:
a. all power generation on Saipan will cease;
b. the sewage collection and treatment system will cease;
c. the Hospital will convert to emergency power, with enough oil for just a day or two. Then its lights and air conditioning
will cease, its refrigeration of drugs and medicines will cease, its laboratory will shut down, its treatment of dialysis patients will
cease, and the respirators breathing for patients would shut down. The ICU (intensive care unit) and neonatal patients provided
with medicines by pumps and electric syringes would lose these treatments. The bodies in the morgue would no longer be
refrigerated. Food for patients could no longer be cooked or preserved; and
d. public safety equipment would cease operating, traffic lights immediately, and communications and jail electric security
facilities as soon as stocks of emergency diesel oil ran out; and
e. those hotels requiring CUC power to produce drinking water through reverse osmosis, to cool their rooms, and to cook
their food would have to shut down facilities;
f. those members of the community who live at home and are at risk - the old, the very young and the very ill - would lose air
conditioning and refrigeration.
12. All government offices would close, including those required to process payments and food stamps to our neediest citizens.
13. This situation would be intolerable. It is avoidable - if the Governor had the legal ability to reprogram funds right now, the
CNMI Treasury could provide CUC with the funds needed to buy oil immediately.
14. There is no Legislative relief coming. For months the Legislature has failed to approve a budget that provides enough money for
the Government to pay its utility bills while providing for other essential government services that are within the Government's
financial means. The Legislature has declined to respond to the entreaties of the Administration to avoid this crisis.
15. There is no alternative to providing this relief other than an order from the Governor. Inaction will produce a disaster. A
declaration of emergency would provide the Governor with authority to take the necessary steps to avert this crisis.
16. This declaration of emergency is necessary to protect the health and safety of our children, our senior citizens, businesses and
all other CNMI residents and visitors.
Click here to read more »
Charged Guard Threatened Witness
June 15, 2010
Juvenile Detention Guard, Tyron Farley Reyes Fitial who was charged with deprivation of rights under color of the law, pleaded
innocent yesterday. He was ordered to be held without bail by Visiting Senior Judge Consuelo Bland Marshall of the Central District
of California.
At the hearing in the U.S. District Court of the NMI, U.S. Assistant Attorney Eric O'Malley's witness, FBI agent Hauejun Park,
testified that Fitial is being investigated for yet another rape of a minor at the Juvenile Detention Center. Earlier the Marianas Variety
quoted U.S. Assistant Attorney James Benedetto as saying three children were "involved in the case." This facility seems terribly
unsafe and dangerous, to say the least.
According to Park, Fitial used "physical and verbal violence" against the child-victim in this case.
Park also revealed that Fitial who is said to be the nephew of the governor, had threatened a witness in a phone call that was
recorded.
The Marianas Variety reported:
Marshall also granted O’Malley’s oral motion to give explicit orders to the Department of Corrections that Fitial should not be
released or granted furlough in any way except for medical assistance, with prior notice to the court or the U.S. Marshal, or with
the court’s approval.
Marshall also directed Fitial not to have any contact with any potential witnesses in the case.
Here is the judge's order.
You may recall that previously the Department of Corrections Commissioner was routinely granting furloughs even to Vicente
Aldan, a violent criminal who refused to turn in a handgun. Additionally, the governor and the Board of Parole which is overseen by
the Attorney General, has allowed the early release of some serious offenders. It is encouraging that while the CNMI DOC and
OAG have been careless in ensuring the protection of the community lately some judge's have made it clear that there would be no
furloughs or other means of release from prison in their recent orders.
Except for a cursory statement by the governor's press secretary Angel Demapan, there have been no statements from any CNMI
official condemning the alleged behavior of this man or ensuring the community that there would be a complete investigation of the
facility's policies and personnel to ensure the safety of those young people being held there. Where is the community outrage?
Judge to Sanction OAG
Meanwhile the CNMI Office of the Attorney General has been told by Associate Judge David Wiseman that it faces sanctions for
the way it handles cases. The office has been under fire for incompetence and failure to adequately enforce the law.
The OAG dismissed the case of Joaquin Glenn Taman Rios who was charged by the AGO with one count of disturbing the peace,
and one count of child abuse or neglect in October 2009.
The Marianas Variety reported:
“The Office of the Attorney General, in particular, its criminal division, is hereby placed on notice that the court will consider the
pursuit of sanctions when appropriate for any such future handling of a criminal matter in this court.”
It appears that the government, Wiseman said, has only recently interviewed the witnesses and the victim, and based on such
interview the AGO claimed that “they do not have a case based on the witness and victim’s statements.”
“The court would be remiss if it just granted the government’s motion to dismiss without expressing its concern that such
practice in handling a criminal case by the prosecution leaves much to be desired and cannot and should not be tolerated,” Wiseman
said.
Click here to read more »
June 15, 2010
Juvenile Detention Guard, Tyron Farley Reyes Fitial who was charged with deprivation of rights under color of the law, pleaded
innocent yesterday. He was ordered to be held without bail by Visiting Senior Judge Consuelo Bland Marshall of the Central District
of California.
At the hearing in the U.S. District Court of the NMI, U.S. Assistant Attorney Eric O'Malley's witness, FBI agent Hauejun Park,
testified that Fitial is being investigated for yet another rape of a minor at the Juvenile Detention Center. Earlier the Marianas Variety
quoted U.S. Assistant Attorney James Benedetto as saying three children were "involved in the case." This facility seems terribly
unsafe and dangerous, to say the least.
According to Park, Fitial used "physical and verbal violence" against the child-victim in this case.
Park also revealed that Fitial who is said to be the nephew of the governor, had threatened a witness in a phone call that was
recorded.
The Marianas Variety reported:
Marshall also granted O’Malley’s oral motion to give explicit orders to the Department of Corrections that Fitial should not be
released or granted furlough in any way except for medical assistance, with prior notice to the court or the U.S. Marshal, or with
the court’s approval.
Marshall also directed Fitial not to have any contact with any potential witnesses in the case.
Here is the judge's order.
You may recall that previously the Department of Corrections Commissioner was routinely granting furloughs even to Vicente
Aldan, a violent criminal who refused to turn in a handgun. Additionally, the governor and the Board of Parole which is overseen by
the Attorney General, has allowed the early release of some serious offenders. It is encouraging that while the CNMI DOC and
OAG have been careless in ensuring the protection of the community lately some judge's have made it clear that there would be no
furloughs or other means of release from prison in their recent orders.
Except for a cursory statement by the governor's press secretary Angel Demapan, there have been no statements from any CNMI
official condemning the alleged behavior of this man or ensuring the community that there would be a complete investigation of the
facility's policies and personnel to ensure the safety of those young people being held there. Where is the community outrage?
Judge to Sanction OAG
Meanwhile the CNMI Office of the Attorney General has been told by Associate Judge David Wiseman that it faces sanctions for
the way it handles cases. The office has been under fire for incompetence and failure to adequately enforce the law.
The OAG dismissed the case of Joaquin Glenn Taman Rios who was charged by the AGO with one count of disturbing the peace,
and one count of child abuse or neglect in October 2009.
The Marianas Variety reported:
“The Office of the Attorney General, in particular, its criminal division, is hereby placed on notice that the court will consider the
pursuit of sanctions when appropriate for any such future handling of a criminal matter in this court.”
It appears that the government, Wiseman said, has only recently interviewed the witnesses and the victim, and based on such
interview the AGO claimed that “they do not have a case based on the witness and victim’s statements.”
“The court would be remiss if it just granted the government’s motion to dismiss without expressing its concern that such
practice in handling a criminal case by the prosecution leaves much to be desired and cannot and should not be tolerated,” Wiseman
said.
Click here to read more »
Joseph Robinette Biden, Sr.
Vice President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
Vice President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
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| Click flag for Country Report |
Eloy S. Inos
Lieutenant Governor since 1 May 2009
Lieutenant Governor since 1 May 2009
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
