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HUMAN RIGHTS AN OAS PRIORITY, SECRETARY GENERAL SAYS

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today called for the need to support, expand and strengthen the region’s human rights system, during the opening of the 123rd regular session of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

“The top political priority of the OAS, as the principal political body of the inter-American system, is the building and strengthening of democratic societies in the region. The success of this task depends fundamentally on the respect and protection of human rights and on an equitable distribution of opportunities for growth and social progress,” Insulza said.

Alluding to institutional and social crises in some countries of the region, the Secretary General affirmed that “an effective protection of all human rights, including those of an economic, social and cultural nature, an independent judicial branch and a free and pluralistic press, are basic, indispensable factors for consolidating the rule of law and democratic governance, as well as strengthening the confidence of citizens in democratic government.”

The Commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights increasingly are assuming greater responsibilities, but require additional resources to function, said Insulza, who devoted a substantial portion of his remarks to the urgent need for member states to provide economic support. “The absence of adequate funding for the mandates given to the Commission and the Inter-American Court endanger the system,” he warned.

For his part, Commission President Clare K. Roberts said the prolonged nature of the financial crisis poses a threat to the Commission’s most basic activities, even creating constant uncertainty over whether it can convene its regular sessions. He thanked several member countries and permanent observers that have recently provided support: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, the United States, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden, as well as the European Commission.

Roberts offered an overview of some of the problems that undermine democracy and the rule of law in the region and that are of growing concern to the Commission. In particular, he emphasized the importance of respecting the separation of powers and the independence of branches of government, fighting corruption and observing economic, social and cultural rights.

During its current session, which ends on October 28, the Commission will hold more than 50 hearings to consider individual petitions, cases and precautionary measures as well as to examine specific issues and the general human rights situation in particular member states.

The Chair of the OAS Permanent Council, Ambassador Izben Williams of Saint Kitts and Nevis, welcomed the Commission and offered the Council’s continued support in helping to strengthen the hemisphere’s system for the protection of human rights.

Reference: E-232/05