‘Hoods Stop Military Via Human Right

Across the United States, African American/Afrodescendant communities continue to experience deep-rooted challenges with police violence, over-policing, and militarized state responses. For decades, the response of the community has been framed through the lens of civil rights — demanding equality, inclusion, and reforms within the existing U.S. system. Yet despite immense sacrifices and generations of protest, civil rights actions have proven largely ineffective in halting systemic abuses. What has been missing is recognition of a higher right: the right of self-determination.

The Right of Self-Determination

Under international human rights law, Afrodescendants — as a distinct people — have the right to self-determination. This right allows them to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. Put simply, self-determination means the community is not required to accept imposed policies, unwanted policing, or even military occupation. Instead, they can declare independence at the community level, organize their own institutions, and govern themselves as a people.

This reality is rarely taught or acknowledged. Most African Americans do not know that international law already empowers them to take independent control over their neighborhoods and cities. Without this knowledge, they have remained locked into civil rights strategies that leave final authority in the hands of the very institutions responsible for ongoing abuses.

A Shift in Strategy: From Civil Rights to Human Rights

For years, the Human Rights Policy Officers organization has advocated for Afrodescendants to assert their right of self-determination. Through education, advocacy, and direct engagement, the organization has emphasized that independence at the community level is not only legal but necessary. Now, as militarized policing and state violence escalate, this strategy is no longer optional — it is the only viable path.

As Human Rights Policy Officer Ramzu Yunus explains:

“Right now it is clear that a human rights angle is necessary and that the right of self-determination is the only tool to effect any change and give power to the community against any unwanted policies.”

Communities Blocking Militarization

This framework means that neighborhoods — often referred to as “the ’hoods” — have the power to stop unwanted military or police operations. By asserting independence, communities can legally establish governance structures that refuse the entry of militarized forces. Rather than pleading for reforms or waiting for relief through courts that historically uphold systemic abuse, Afrodescendant communities can exercise the same rights of autonomy that oppressed peoples worldwide have used to free themselves.

The Path Forward

The message is urgent: African Americans cannot wait for reform or benevolence from outside systems. The right of self-determination exists now and must be asserted. Human Rights Policy Officers have long prepared the ground for this transition, and the time has come for communities to move from resistance to independence. The question is not whether self-determination is possible — it is whether the community will finally act on its most powerful human right. Those who are ready to act are asked to call the Human Rights Law Center at 888.999.6530 and visit the website www.humanrightspolicy.us for more info and to become a human rights officer. Human Rights Policy Officers currently host two web conferences per week to teach human rights and organize the community. On Thursdays at 8pm EST you can join by clicking https://justiceconference.live/reparations1 and on Sundays at 4pm EST the link is https://justiceconference.live/adu.