Civil Society Organizations Registered to the OAS

Since its foundation, the Organization of American States (OAS) has a long history of cooperation with national and international institutions in order to strengthen peace and security in the Hemisphere, consolidate democracy and promote economic, social and cultural development. In 1999, the OAS Permanent Council adopted the "Guidelines for the Participation of Civil Society Organizations in OAS Activities" that regulate the participation of non-state actors in the political bodies and in the decision-making process of the Organization so that the OAS could benefit from the significant contributions that CSOs can make to its work.

These Guidelines contained in document CP/RES. 759 (1217/99) establish the Registry of Civil Society Organizations in the OAS and allow CSOs to become part of a network of organizations that work in the different thematic areas of interest for the Member States of the Organization. The Registry facilitates the exchange of information and experiences that enrich the design of governmental policies through the organized participation and dialogue between CSOs, governments and inter-American and international organizations.

Among the benefits received by CSOs registered with the OAS and approved by the Permanent Council to participate in the Organization's activities, they may:

Attend as observers to the negotiations of the resolutions of the General Assembly, when appropriate.
Participate as observers in the regular sessions of the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP).
Receive the OAS meeting schedule and, when available, the topics to be discussed at those meetings.
Access virtual consultations related to OAS issues and initiatives.

The OAS has 727 registered civil society organizations. Click here for a complete list by country.