“COMMEMORATING JIMMY CARTER’S LEGACY IN THE AMERICAS”

June 23, 2023 - Washington, DC

Distinguished friends,

During his statement to the 10th General Assembly of the Organization of American States in 1980, U.S. President Jimmy Carter said “The cause of human rights will be all the stronger if it remains at the service of humanity, rather than at the service of ideological or partisan ends, and if it condemns both terrorism and repression. In the phrase "human rights," the "rights" are important; the "human" is very important. ”

This dissection of the phrase “human rights” has every bit of significance today as it did then.

It is an honor to stand before you today to express my deepest admiration and appreciation for one of the greatest champions of democracy and human rights in the Americas.

President Carter's tireless efforts in advancing democracy have left an indelible mark on the Americas, and ever since he first stepped foot through the doors of the Organization of American States in April 1977 , his views have marked the institution.

One of President Carter's enduring legacies will be the successful ratification of the Panama Canal treaties signed between the United States and Panama at the OAS on September 7, 1977, which was an exhibition of cooperation between these two states that preserved peace and security in the Americas.

Furthermore, his commitment to the values of the Inter-American Democratic Charter made him a beacon of hope for those fighting against oppressive regimes, and he remains committed to the democratic principles of freedom, justice, and equality for all in the Americas, and beyond.

His efforts through the Carter Center, including his selfless and compassionate work with Habitat for Humanity, have positively impacted the lives of millions; and his staunch advocacy for promoting free and fair elections, condemning human rights abuses, and supporting democratic and peaceful transitions in countries across the Americas is why he was all too deserving of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

In my many meetings with President Carter, we always emphasized the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless, and to respect the demands of the citizens seeking good governance and help them forge a path away from authoritarianism and repressive systems of governance.

No single individual has made so lasting an impact on so many nations in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. President Carter remains steadfast in his commitment to democracy and human rights, even in the face of adversity.

He played a leading role in assisting the democratic transition, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Guyana. His mediation efforts in these countries demonstrated his deep understanding of the complexities of regional challenges and his solid commitment to peaceful resolution.

His persistent pursuit of dialogue and ability to bridge divides have earned him the admiration and respect of global leaders and citizens alike.

He firmly believes that the advancement of democracy and the protection of human rights are inextricably linked, understanding that a society cannot truly flourish unless all its citizens are granted the freedoms and opportunities they deserve.

His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of principled leadership and the enduring importance of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

We owe him a debt of gratitude for his lifelong pursuit of a more just and democratic Americas.
For me personally, he is kind of a hero. His work during the Uruguayan dictatorship made a substantial difference for so many of our friends.

His photo is in my office, and my visit to Plains, too, is maybe the highest moment of my tenure as Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

Thank you.