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PRESS RELEASE Calls for Emergency Cultural Rights Intervention

For Immediate Release

November 14, 2025

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Haile Selassie I Church Secretary and Sovereign Human Rights Advocate Calls for Emergency Cultural Rights Intervention and Reconstruction Authority for Trench Town & Rastafari Communities After Hurricane Melissa


The Empress Menen Human Rights Institute and the Haile Selassie I JAH RasTafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church have issued an urgent call for a rights-based redevelopment framework for Trench Town and other indigenous/Rastafari communities across Jamaica, following the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.


This call is formally issued by Karen Francis, acting in her dual capacity as:


• Secretary of the Haile Selassie I JAH RasTafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church

• Sovereign Human Rights Advocate under international indigenous and cultural rights conventions


Today’s Human Rights Brief identifies longstanding cultural rights violations, fragmented funding, and the absence of sustainable development planning for communities globally recognized as the birthplace of reggae, Rastafari, and African Diaspora cultural identity.


Official Statement


“In my capacity as Secretary of the Haile Selassie I Church and as a sovereign human rights advocate, I am calling for immediate international and national intervention.


Trench Town and the Rastafari communities shaped global cultural heritage, yet remain unprotected, underfunded, and marginalized. Hurricane Melissa has amplified decades of neglect. Rebuilding must now be guided by cultural rights, self-determination, and community leadership.”

— Karen Francis, Secretary & Sovereign Advocate


Key Findings from the Human Rights Brief


1. Fragmented Funding & Cultural Neglect

Despite UNESCO recognitions and global acknowledgment of reggae and Rastafari heritage, Trench Town lacks:

  • sustained funding

  • cultural zoning protections

  • long-term creative-economy development

  • community-led planning authority

2. Absence of Rights-Based Redevelopment

No official cultural rights framework protects Rastafari:

  • land access

  • sacred spaces

  • economic participation

  • disaster resilience

  • cultural continuity

3. Post-Melissa Displacement

The hurricane destroyed:

  • homes

  • cultural spaces

  • informal livelihoods

  • community infrastructure


This threatens the survival of intangible cultural heritage protected under multiple international instruments.


4. International Human Rights Violations Identified

Violations include:

  • ICESCR Article 15 – Right to culture

  • UNDRIP Articles 3, 11, 12, 26 – Self-determination, land rights

  • UNESCO 2003 & 2005 Conventions – Protection of intangible heritage

  • SDG 11 & 13 – Sustainable cities & climate resilience


Major Recommendations Issued Today


1. Establish an “Indigenous & Rastafari Reconstruction Authority”

A legally recognized, community-governed body to lead:

  • cultural heritage restoration

  • housing and land planning

  • economic development

  • disaster preparedness

  • donor coordination

  • reconstruction brigades

2. Declare Cultural & Resilience Zones

Protected redevelopment for:

  • Trench Town

  • Pinnacle

  • Accompong

  • Scotts Pass

  • Charles Town

  • Bobo Hill

3. Implement a National Cultural Rights Charter

Guaranteeing:

  • protection of sacred spaces

  • economic participation

  • land and housing security

  • festival and expression rights

  • reparative justice pathways

4. Deploy Community Reconstruction Brigades

Youth, artisans, and diaspora volunteers equipped with:

  • solar generators

  • Starlink units

  • construction tools

  • mobile kitchens

  • temporary shelters

5. Build a Creative Heritage & Sustainable Cities Economy

Leveraging:

  • UNESCO ICH Fund

  • CDB CIIF

  • TEF / TPDCo

  • ACP–EU Culture grants

  • Diaspora cooperatives

  • Global philanthropy

International Review Requested

The Church and Institute are calling for:

  • UNESCO ICH emergency review

  • UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights intervention

  • African Union (Sixth Region) engagement

  • CARICOM Reparations Commission investigation

These mechanisms ensure accountability and rights-based reconstruction.

A Vision for 2030

The Human Rights Brief outlines:

  • heritage-led climate resilience

  • Trench Town as a creative-economy capital

  • Culture Yard as an African Diaspora research center

  • legal protection for cultural rights

  • shared ownership between Jamaica and Diaspora

  • youth leadership in nation-building


Call to Action


“Rebuild in our image. Restore what was lost. Reclaim what is ours.”



— Secretary & Sovereign Human Rights Advocate, Karen Francis


About the Haile Selassie I Church

The Haile Selassie I JAH RasTafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church is an established Rastafari institution serving as a guardian of spiritual, cultural, and heritage traditions of the global African Diaspora.

About the Empress Menen Human Rights Institute


A global advocacy body advancing indigenous rights, cultural protections, reparatory justice, and sustainable development, with international representation through the Empress Menen Human Rights Institute at Haile Selassie I MetaVersity.


Media Contact

Karen Francis

Secretary, Haile Selassie I JAH RasTafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church

Sovereign Human Rights Advocate

President, Empress Menen Human Rights Institute


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