Puerto Rico at the UN: 128 Years, Congressional Power, and the Right to Decide

Your voice matters! Leave a voice message of up to 60 seconds. / ¡Tu voz cuenta! Deja un mensaje de voz de hasta 60 segundos. If Puerto Rico’s colonial question was settled in 1953, why does Congress still exercise territorial authority over the island? In this episode of Puerto Rico, Open Your Eyes, Edwin Ortiz examines Washington’s call to end the mandate of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization—and why Cuba’s participation cannot justify dismissing the independent voices of Puerto Rican petitioners. Drawing on his appearance at the United Nations in June 2026, Edwin discusses the different futures advocated before the committee, including independence, statehood, and reunification with Spain. We examine UN General Assembly Resolution 748, the distinction between local self-government and political equality, and three important Supreme Court decisions: Puerto Rico v. Sánchez Valle, Financial Oversight Board v. Aurelius, and United States v. Vaello Madero. These cases address separate legal questions, but they document continuing congressional authority and unequal treatment. PROMESA’s unelected fiscal oversight board further illustrates the limits of Puerto Rico’s control over its own affairs. After 128 years under United States sovereignty, Edwin calls for a binding referendum that includes statehood, independence, and reunification with Spain—with clearly defined terms and the agreements necessary to implement the people’s decision. Reunification would require Spain’s consent and negotiated legal and international arrangements. Does the present relationship provide political equality—or preserve territorial subordination? Hosted by Edwin Ortiz, President of The National Puerto Rico & Spain Initiative. 📱 GET OUR FREE APP Find our videos, podcasts, articles, projects, social media, and ways to support our work—all in one place: https://app.puertoricoabranlosojos.com/ To add the app to your phone: • Android: Open the link in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Add to Home screen” or “Install app,” depending on the options shown. • iPhone: Open the link in Safari, tap the Share button, and select “Add to Home Screen.” Once added, tap the app icon on your home screen to visit us anytime. Subscribe, share this episode, and help keep Puerto Rican voices in the conversation. #PuertoRico #SelfDetermination #Decolonization #PROMESA #PuertoRicoOpenYourEyes