CP/RES. 874 (1459/04)

PROMOTION OF TRANSPARENCY IN THE SELECTION OF
THE SECRETARY GENERAL AND THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL

(Adopted at its session held on December 15, 2004)

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

RECALLING the principles set forth in the Charter of the Organization of American States and the values reaffirmed in the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which calls inter alia for transparency in government activities, probity and responsible public administration in government activities;

WISHING to ensure that the Organization conforms in all respects to the highest ethical standards and that it operates in all respects with the greatest possible transparency;

BEARING IN MIND that the Organization fulfills its purposes through the General Secretariat, as well as other organs;

CONSIDERING the part played by the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General in enabling the Organization to fulfill its obligations and to pursue its high aims; and

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the duty of the Permanent Council under Article 91 of the Charter of the OAS to watch over the observance of the standards governing the operation of the General Secretariat;

RESOLVES:

1. To recommend member states exercise due diligence, when sponsoring candidates for the positions of Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General, to ensure that the candidates meet the highest standards of personal integrity, professional ability, respect for democracy and democratic institutions, as well as for the defense and promotion of human rights.

2. To continue examining this issue in order to make suggestions or develop proposals or criteria for strengthening this selection process and to preserve a culture of transparency in the Organization, in keeping with the determination of member states to combat corruption and impunity in the public and private sectors.

3. To recommend to the General Assembly to consider the adoption of criteria for the selection of candidates for elected positions in the Organization of American States.