The Section supports OAS member states in promoting the rights of groups in situations of vulnerability and in the design and implementation of public policies for social inclusion, as well as the prevention and eradication of racism, discrimination and intolerance in the Americas. It is one of the Sections of the Department of Social Inclusion, of the Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity (SARE).

The section works mainly with people of African descent, indigenous peoples, older people, people with disabilities, LGBTI people, and children and young people in situations of vulnerability.

In addition, the Section fulfills the role of Technical Secretariat of the Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (CEDDIS or its initials in Spanish), of the OAS Consumer Safety and Health Network (CSHN), and of the Inter-American Network of High Authorities on Policies for Afro-descendant Populations (RIAFRO, for its initials in Spanish)