Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions


Peace Fund Section

   Fondo de Paz
www.oas.org/sap/peacefund

As established in the OAS Charter, strengthening peace and security, preventing conflicts, and settling disputes are among the essential purposes of the OAS. The Peace Fund is an important tool for OAS member states to use in achieving these purposes. Through the Peace Fund, the General Secretariat seeks to strengthen its capacity and experience in the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as support the development of programs designed to promote a culture of peace.

 Initiatives

Belize and Guatemala

With respect to the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute, the OAS provides technical and political support to the two countries through conciliation efforts and activities designed to promote the implementation of confidence-building measures, in line with the provisions of the "Agreement on a Framework for Negotiation and Confidence Building Measures between Belize and Guatemala," signed in September 2005. At the same time, the Office of the OAS General Secretariat in the Adjacency Zone conducts verifications and carries out activities to support institutions in Belize and Guatemala, including the armed forces. It also implements projects designed to strengthen integration among border communities and supports community resettlement efforts.

Inter-American Peace Forum

The Inter-American Peace Forum consists of a series of programs aimed at promoting a culture of regional peace among the various segments of inter-American society. Activities include organizing conferences and seminars on peace and conflict resolution; preparing publications, reports, and databases on such issues; holding institutional training workshops; and promoting cultural and educational events to facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices.