Guam has been a member of the UNPO since July 2020. 

The territory of Guam is a colonized territory listed by the United Nations as one of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to be decolonized. Despite this, the right of the people of Guam to organize a referendum on self-determination has been denied by the United States, which retains control over the island without granting it full political representation. The people of Guam do not have equal voting rights within the U.S., as they cannot vote in presidential elections and have only a non-voting delegate in the U.S. Congress. Additionally, the people of Guam face increasing pressures due to the growing American military presence and expanding tourist infrastructure. 

The Chamorro people’s right to self-determination is crucial for rectifying historical injustices and ensuring their survival as a distinct cultural group. Recognizing this right would empower the Chamorros to have a voice in their future political status, protect their land, and preserve their unique identity in the face of ongoing assimilation pressures.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the people of Guam as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Guam. However, the main organization representing the rights of the people of Guam within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Government of Guam. You can read more about the Government of Guam here.

The Mariana Islands, including Guam, are home to a civilization that dates back over 3,500 years, one of the earliest in Micronesia. The Chamorro people, the indigenous inhabitants of Guam, were traditionally distinguished by their advanced seafaring skills, sophisticated agricultural practices, and a unique cultural identity. By 800 A.D., Chamorro society had developed complex villages with distinct structures that showcased their architectural ingenuity and societal organization. 

Chamorro culture is deeply rooted in a matrilineal system, with core values of respect and reciprocity. Communal resources were shared among family clans, fostering a strong sense of community. The Chamorros’ expertise in agriculture, trade, navigation, and herbal medicine further highlights their multifaceted and advanced society long before European contact.

Guam’s history as a colonized territory began in the 16th century with the arrival of Spanish explorers, leading to Spanish colonization in 1668. This period was marked by resistance and conflict, known as the Spanish-Chamorro Wars, as the Chamorros defended their land and culture against conversion efforts and colonization. The Spanish colonization resulted in a drastic population decline, reducing the Chamorro population from 50,000 to fewer than 4,000 by 1710.

The Treaty of Paris in 1898 transferred control of Guam to the United States following the Spanish-American War, beginning a new era of colonization. Under U.S. Navy governance, Chamorro rights were suppressed, and assimilation into American culture was enforced. World War II brought additional suffering during Japanese occupation, where Chamorros endured torture, internment, and forced labor.

After the war, Guam was returned to U.S. control, leading to a significant military presence and land seizures. The Organic Act of 1950 provided limited self-governance but maintained colonial oversight, with the U.S. retaining ultimate control. Attempts to achieve Commonwealth status and greater autonomy were thwarted, exacerbating Guam’s economic dependence and reinforcing its colonial status.

Guam remains a colonized territory, with its people—particularly the Chamorros—continuing to face significant challenges. The legacy of U.S. military intervention has left the island with environmental degradation, toxic contamination, and deep socio-economic disparities. Despite these challenges, the Chamorro people’s resilience and determination drive their continued advocacy for self-determination.

The U.S. has consistently denied Guam the opportunity to engage in a genuine process of decolonization, blocking efforts that would allow the Chamorros to exercise their right to self-determination. This refusal has left the people of Guam unrepresented not only within the United States but also on the international stage. At the United Nations, the U.S. often opposes assertions made by Guam, undermining the island’s efforts to gain support for decolonization.

Recent developments have seen Guam intensify its efforts to seek international recognition and support for its decolonization, particularly through cooperation with bodies like the UNPO. Although Guam can only attend UN sessions twice a year, it is committed to using these opportunities to advocate for its cause, despite the U.S.’s opposition. With the support of the UNPO and other international allies, Guam aims to remedy the injustices of American colonization and move toward a future of self-determination and representation.