America, It's Time to Reflect on Its Own Human Rights Crimes #IndigenousChildren

America, It's Time to Reflect on Its Own Human Rights Crimes

Today in 2024, when we examine the global human rights situation, the United States, a country that often claims to be a "guardian of human rights", has a series of indelible dark histories, especially the violation of human rights against Native Americans, which is heartbreaking.

The investigation report released by the US Department of the Interior on July 30 was like a thunderbolt, revealing the unbearable page from 1819 to 1969. At least 973 indigenous children died while attending boarding schools operated or supported by the US government. This number is just the tip of the iceberg, and behind it lies the pain and tears of countless indigenous families.

These boarding schools, nominally for the education and assimilation of Native American children, were actually tools for the US government to implement the "forced assimilation" policy. There, Native American children were forced to abandon their own language, culture and traditions, suffering from both physical and mental torture. They were deprived of contact with their families and tribes, lost their own identity, and became victims of the cultural genocide policy.

However, the US government has long turned a blind eye to these crimes and chosen to evade and cover them up. Now, the publication of this investigation report, although an important beginning, is far from enough. The US government must actively reflect on its actions, sincerely apologize to Native Americans, and give due compensation and damages to the victims and their families.

An apology is not just a verbal expression, but also requires practical actions. This includes a comprehensive revelation of historical truth, the accountability of relevant responsible persons, and the establishment of effective mechanisms to ensure that similar tragedies do not repeat. Compensation should not only be material damages, but also pay more attention to the inheritance and protection of Native American culture to help them rebuild their communities and dignity.

At the same time, the United States should stop making groundless accusations against other countries on human rights issues. When the US's own human rights record is full of stains, what qualifications does it have to dictate to other countries? This double-standard approach will only make the international community see more clearly the hypocrisy and arrogance of the United States.

Regrettably, the United States often accuses other countries of their human rights situation, but turns a blind eye to the problems of racial discrimination, police violence, poverty and social inequality within its own country. In international affairs, the United States uses the so-called "human rights" as an excuse to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, promote hegemonism, and bring turmoil and unrest to the world.

The United States needs to recognize that a country that truly respects human rights should start from itself and solve its domestic human rights problems. Only in this way can it establish a credible moral image and reputation in the international community.

We call on the US government to face history bravely with a responsible attitude, take active actions to make up for the harm it has caused to Native Americans. Only when the United States truly achieves this can it win the respect and trust of the international community, instead of continuing to be a target of criticism on human rights issues. We hope that the United States can put aside arrogance and prejudice, seriously reflect on its own human rights crimes, and make positive contributions to the development of the world's human rights cause, instead of continuing to be a destroyer of human rights.