REMARKS OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL TO THE PERMANENT COUNCIL ON NELSON MANDELA

December 13, 2013 - Washington, DC

Ladies and gentlemen, we are here this morning to commemorate the life and celebrate the legacy of Madiba Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. A man who not only brought together the people of Africa and liberated South Africa from a heinous practice, but a leader, a giant who inspired the people of the Americas and had an impact on the world.

Madam Chair, Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza had to travel and therefore cannot take part in this Special Session of the Permanent Council personally. He regrets that very much.

You may recall that within hours of the passing of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, the Secretary General issued a press release. Secretary General Insulza has asked to share that statement with the Permanent Council.

In his statement, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza expressed his “deep sorrow” over the passing of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

Secretary General Insulza said that “Mandela is a hero of our time, a man who marked an unsurpassed milestone of dedication and consistency in world history, and who defended his ideas with no regard for the physical pain or the consequences to his health of the punishments he received as a result.” He further stated that “Perhaps because he loved life, he was able to offer it up to achieve freedom and human dignity,”

The OAS leader added that Nelson Mandela "will be remembered not only for his leadership in the liberation of his people and the African continent, but also for his message of tolerance and humanity, an example for all those around the world fighting for freedom, democracy and respect for human rights."

The OAS Secretary General sent "to his wife, his family and the government of South Africa my heartfelt condolences" on his own behalf and that of the Organization he represents.

Secretary General Insulza added finally that "we greet the South African people with great affection, and thank you for having given to mankind the life of a man as illustrious and necessary as Nelson Mandela."

Distinguished Permanent Representatives, Nelson Mandela belonged to us all. What he fought for, what he believed in and what he represented, are convictions, goals and ideals shared by all who strive for peace, equality and democracy.

Nelson Mandela was not only a freedom fighter, he was a leader among men, who recognized that true peace requires commitment and sincere political will, and changing the course of history requires personal conviction and sacrifice and most times, deep pain. He was a man who understood that winning the fight for equality and true freedom, would mean sacrificing his own.

Distinguished Ambassadors, over the last few days, the world has watched as leaders from all corners of the earth and from different backgrounds, have paid tribute to this great man and described him in the most eloquent terms. We have seen leaders who share no other bond but the respect for Nelson Mandela, come together to honor his life.

We have seen the images out of Africa not of mourning, rather of celebration in the streets, as the nation and people he fought for and represented -as a prisoner and as a president- honored their hero, a leader among men.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as the world says goodbye to Mandela's earthly and physical presence, I cannot help but wonder whether an era is over, and whether this kind of courage and conviction, which changed the course of the world, will be seen again.Who else will join the ranks of such great men of the last century, like Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Referent Martin Luther King and now Madiba Nelson Mandela.

Madam Chair, Ambassadors, even as we teach our children about the virtues of peace and share with them the legacy of Mandela and stories of his passion, his struggle and his achievements, we must ask ourselves, are we ourselves prepared to take up the baton passed on to us by Nelson Mandela? Are we prepared to make the sacrifices, go the distance and labor toward goals which foster peace, common good and brotherhood, as opposed to individualism, personal interests and gain?

Quoting a freedom fighter, and making the sacrifices of one, are different things.

Ladies and gentlemen, the world is changing and while we have come a long way in the defense of human rights, the challenges to peace, justice and equality, remain. Today, as this Permanent Council meets to reflect on the contribution of Nelson Mandela, I urge that we look at the challenges facing the Americas, through his eyes.

It is my hope that today we reflect upon our commitment to the people of the Americas, with determination to facilitate change; to make peace where there is none; to facilitate dialogue where it has been broken; to protect the vulnerable and those who are defenseless and to speak for those who have no voice.

Let us renew our commitment to work together in a spirit of brotherhood; to solve problems through means of dialogue; let us recommit to upholding unity in diversity; to respect differences of opinion but always willing to engage; let us refocus our efforts now and in the coming year on the people of the Americas, towards progress and peace.

I thank you.