Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD)

Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy

Francisco Guerrero Aguirre

Secretary

Bio

The mission of the Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD) is to contribute to the strengthening of political processes in the Member States, in particular to the maintenance of democracy as the best option to guarantee peace, security and development.

The SFD focuses its actions on strengthening the role of the OAS as the central axis of the Inter-American System and on actively contributing to the promotion, defense and protection of democracy in the Member States.

In compliance with its objectives, the SSD performs functions aimed at expanding institutional legitimacy in political processes and consolidating the mechanisms that lead to their safeguarding.

OEADemocracia

More Results

Highlighted Results

3,000 people in national judicial facilitator services are trained annually in resolution of controversies, human rights and soft skills

Over 600,000 people obtain access to justice through judicial facilitators in their communities.

Over 490 independently verified incidents in the Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone

325 elections observed in 28 OAS Member States, deploying more than 14,500 international observers

Structure

Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO)

The Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO / OAS) is the entity within the Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy in charge of developing and maintaining a permanent and professional service of observation and technical electoral cooperation for member countries, grounded on efforts for continuous improvement and the consolidation of related procedures and practices.

Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions (DSDSM)

The Department for Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions is dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions across the region through the coordination and implementation of multiple initiatives, including special missions, technical cooperation programs, and capacity-building efforts. Its mission is to enhance democratic institutionality in alignment with the principles outlined in the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

Section for the Support to Legislative Institutions (SSLI)

Based on the four pillars of the OAS (human rights, democracy, security, and development), the Section for Support to Legislative Institutions advises the Office of the Secretary General on parliamentary affairs and promotes inter-parliamentary cooperation to strengthen the institutional capacities and skills of legislators and their respective work teams to meet the challenges of 21st century democracy, which require harmonized responses at the national, regional and hemispheric levels.

Department for the Promotion of Peace and for the Coordination with Subnational Governments (DPPCSG)

More Projects

Highlighted Projects, Programs and Initiatives

Electoral Observation Missions (EOMS)

Since 1962 the OAS has deployed 325 Electoral Observation Missions (OAS/EOMs) in 28 countries throughout the continent.

Indigenous woman participates in an electoral process with the assistance of a polling station official.

 International Electoral Accreditation Body (IEAB)

The IEAB works to promote transparency and quality in elections by supporting the certification of election management bodies to meet international electoral standards.

General Secretary seated in a meeting room with OAS authorities of Haiti.

Institutional strengthening to fight against corruption in Haiti OAS|RILCH

OAS|RILCH works to improve the capacities of the relevant institutional actors to fight and prevent corruption in Haiti

Training of Judicial Facilitators. Four people standing in the hall of the Berón de Astrada Police Station.

 Inter-American Program of Judicial Facilitators (PIFJ)

Technical assistance to ensure compliance with the right of access to justice and promotion of a culture of peace in the most vulnerable communities and groups.

Four persons working for MAPP/OAS reach remote territories to verify security conditions.

Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP/OAS)

MAPP/OAS mission supports the Colombian State and civil society in the construction of peace monitoring affected areas by the internal armed conflict.

Inter-American Meeting of Electoral Management Bodies (RAE)

The Inter-American Meeting of Electoral Management Bodies (RAE) promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and successful practices on electoral administration in the region.

Technical meeting between Belizean and Guatemalan entities and the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone

Belize - Guatemala Process

A peacekeeping mission that provides technical, political and diplomatic assistance in relation to the territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala.

OAS Voluntary Group for Follow-up to the Inter-American Democratic Charter

The Voluntary Group for Follow-up of the Inter-American Democratic Charter was created in response to the mandate of resolution AG/RES. 3004 (LIII-O/23) STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY

More Publications

Highlighted Publications

Cover for the Manual displays 3 pictures of OAS Observers in action

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May, 2024

Manual for OAS Electoral Observation Missions - Second Edition

This Manual defines the objectives of a EOM, what and how is observed, as well as the procedures for organizing and implementing a Mission. Update of the 2009 edition.