Coalition of Human Rights Organizations of the Americas

Intervention civil society forum 53 GA – OAS (Washington DC)

The Coalition of Human Rights Organizations of the Americas is concerned about three issues.

First, the continuing deterioration of democratic institutions and the impact on human rights in OAS member countries. In particular, the weakening of the role of the judiciary in the defense of constitutional and human rights, the attacks on electoral systems and the separation of powers, as evidenced by the recent crises in Peru, where the excessive use of force has claimed dozens of lives and injured hundreds of people. We also call attention to the serious situation of justice operators in Guatemala and warn about the reduction in guarantees for free and fair general elections. 

Second, we express our concern about the harassment and persecution of members of civil society, the repression of protest and the situation of human rights defenders (HRDs) in various countries, including Venezuela, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru and Ecuador. Particularly affected were defenders of the environment, sexual and reproductive rights, women, children and youth, LGBTTTIQA+ individuals, justice operators, indigenous and Afro-descendant leaders, communicators and journalists, who continue to be victims of attacks, threats, espionage, disinformation campaigns, stigmatization, criminalization, forced displacement, and assassinations for their work defending human rights, and in Nicaragua, even the stripping of their nationality leading to statelessness. In light of this context, we urge States to ratify the Escazú Agreement and guarantee its implementation for the protection of environmental HRDs, adopt measures to guarantee the right to defend rights, investigate threats and murders of HRDs, and adopt adequate mechanisms for their protection.

Third, we urge the States to reaffirm their commitment to the effective functioning of the Inter-American System,  committing to promote internal processes to ensure that the persons nominated for positions in the bodies of the IAHRS, meet the requirement already established by the States of high moral character, recognized knowledge in human rights, independence and impartiality, ensuring a composition that is representative, geographically balanced, and with gender parity. The withdrawal of nominations should be explained in terms of non-compliance with these requirements. Finally, we express our deep concern about the measures that have limited civil society participation in OAS spaces and call for strengthening participation.