United Nations' view Independence movement in Puerto Rico

since 1953, un has been considering political status of puerto rico , how assist in achieving independence or decolonization . in 1978, special committee determined colonial relationship existed between , puerto rico.

note un s special committee has referred puerto rico nation in reports, because, internationally, people of puerto rico considered caribbean nation own national identity. recently, in june 2016 report, special committee called united states expedite process allow self-determination in puerto rico. more specifically, group called on united states expedite process allow people of puerto rico exercise right self-determination , independence. ... allow puerto rican people take decisions in sovereign manner, , address urgent economic , social needs, including unemployment, marginalization, insolvency , poverty .

2012 status referendum

the independence movement has not attracted wide support. in status referendum in 2012, had two-part vote, 5.5% voted independence. analysts noted results ambiguous because of issues related structure of questions , supporters of commonwealth status urging voters abstain voting on second question. journalist roque planas, co-founder of latin american news dispatch, wrote editor in huffington post:

similarly, reported new york daily news, juan gonzalez, journalist , co-host of tv show democracy now! said:

in october 2013, economist reported on island economy s dire financial straits. referring 2012 referendum, said puerto rico unlikely become state time soon. because island remains territory, decision out of boricuas’ hands...the legislature highly unlikely prioritise puerto rican statehood bill...the republican party surely use every tactic @ disposal block statehood bill, island voters have been overwhelmingly supportive of democratic party presidential candidates , expected vote same party congressional seats if statehood approved congress.

the washington post reported in december 2013 that, since puerto ricans became citizens in 1917, have been divided on relationship mainland on whether become state, become independent, or self-governing territory under control.

2017 status referendum

the previous plebiscites provided voters 3 options: statehood, free association, , independence. 2017 referendum offer 2 options: statehood , independence/free association. if majority vote latter, second vote held determine preference: full independence nation or associated free state status independence free , voluntary political association between puerto rico , united states.

the white house task force on puerto rico offers following specifics: free association type of independence. compact of free association establish mutual agreement recognize united states , puerto rico closely linked in specific ways detailed in compact. compacts of sort based on national sovereignty of each country, , either nation can unilaterally terminate association. content of compact of free association might cover topics such role of military in puerto rico, use of u.s. currency, free trade between 2 entities, , whether puerto ricans u.s. citizens.

governor ricardo rosselló in favor of statehood develop economy , solve our 500-year-old colonial dilemma ... colonialism not option .... it’s civil rights issue ... 3.5 million citizens seeking absolute democracy, told news media. benefits of statehood include additional $10 billion per year in federal funds, right vote in presidential elections, higher social security , medicare benefits, , right government agencies , municipalities file bankruptcy. latter prohibited.

statehood might useful means of dealing financial crisis, since allow bankruptcy , relevant protection. according government development bank, might solution debt crisis. congress has power vote allow chapter 9 protection without need statehood, in late 2015 there little support in house concept. other benefits statehood include increased disability benefits , medicaid funding, right vote in presidential elections , higher (federal) minimum wage.

at approximately same time referendum, puerto rico s legislators expected vote on bill allow governor draft state constitution , hold elections choose senators , representatives federal congress. regardless of outcome of referendum , vote on bill, action united states congress necessary implement changes status of puerto rico under territorial clause of united states constitution.