Peace-Building in the Americas

 As part of its mandate to foster and strengthen the democratic process in the           Americas, the OAS Unit for the Promotion of Democracy (UPD) has provided support to several countries seeking to heal the wounds caused by internal conflicts, societal rifts and citizen distrust. 

In early 2001 the UPD began a new initiative called the Program of Support for Dialogue Processes and the Resolution of Intra-State Conflicts. The program seeks to strengthen the capacity of national institutions, civil society organizations and local communities in member states to manage and resolve internal conflicts collaboratively and peacefully, thus preventing political violence.  

Through training courses, technical support and other activities, the program works with different sectors of government and society to facilitate dialogue. It also helps establish mechanisms for cooperation and consultation between parties that have been divided by conflict.  

Currently the OAS is helping to establish a subregional program on good goverance and conflict resolution in Guyana and Suriname. The Guyana effort is being carried out in cooperation with the University of Guyana and the Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. The OAS also provides technical assistance to facilitate dialogue between the government and civil society in Haiti. 

Here are some other OAS peace-building programs:  

In Ecuador, the OAS continues to support the government’s efforts to carry out a national dialogue on critical social, economic and political issues. This comes in response to the 2000 crisis, which culminated with President Jamil Mahuad being forced out of office. Ecuadoran officials have credited the Organization of American States immediate response to the crisis with helping to ensure the quick restoration of constitutional order. 

•   In Guatemala, the UPD continues to support the peace process through a special program begun in 1996. The program includes an innovative conflict resolution initiative; legislative and electoral reform efforts related to the peace accords; assistance to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance; and a project to strengthen political parties. 

•   The Special Mission to Suriname (1992 to 2000) monitored the peace process, the demobilization of combatants and landmine removal.  During its presence in Suriname, the OAS also developed and implemented several programs in the area of promotion of peace and democracy. 

•   In Haiti, the OAS established a human rights observation mission in September 1992, which later emerged as the OAS/UN International Civilian Mission in Haiti, active until early 2000. In addition to its human rights observation, this mission (known by its French acronym “MICIVII”) also supported institutional strengthening in the area of human rights and administration of justice; promoted human rights training and education; and engaged in peaceful conflict-resolution activities. 

•   In Nicaragua, from 1990 to 1997, the OAS assisted in the disarmament and reintegration of former combatants, through the International Commission of Support and Verification (CIAV). In 1993, programs were extended to all segments of the population to fight poverty, promote local government and assist in the development of a culture for peace. From mid-1997 to the present, at the request of the Nicaraguan President, the UPD has undertaken a long-term technical cooperation program to continue supporting  peace and democracy in the most vulnerable areas of the country. The activities of this program include: strengthening local government and institutional infrastructures; supporting community-based entities concerned with the defense of human rights; and providing support in response to emergency needs caused by Hurricane Mitch. 

For more information: Caroline Murfitt-Eller,
Coordinator, Information and Dialogue, UPD

Tel: (202) 458-3946
Fax: (202) 458-6520

celler@oas.org

Last updated: September 2001