- Acronym: OAS
- Type: Intergovernmental Organization
- Membership: 35 member states
- Establishment: Established on 30 April 1948
- Official Language(s): English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
- Headquarters: Washington D.C., United States
The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, the OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, judicial, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere.
Organization of American States History
The OAS was established in order to achieve among its member states—as stipulated in Article 1 of its Charter—“an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence.” Today, the OAS is composed of 35 member countries and has granted permanent observer status to 69 states, as well as the European Union (EU).
Organization of American States Structure
The main pillars of the OAS are its four major areas of focus: democracy, human rights, security, and development. These are pursued through a variety of structures and entities including:
- The General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body of the OAS.
- The Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Advises in the event of a crisis in the Hemisphere.
- The Permanent Council: Keeps vigilance over the maintenance of friendly relations among the member states.
- The Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI): Promotes development in the member states.
- The Secretariat: Provides support and infrastructure for the OAS activities and initiatives.
Organization of American States Membership
Membership in the OAS is open to any American State that ratifies the OAS Charter and adheres to the principles outlined in it. The OAS currently has 35 active member states. In addition, the OAS has granted permanent observer status to 69 states, as well as the European Union.
Organization of American States Objectives
Promote Democracy
The OAS is committed to promoting and consolidating representative democracy, with due respect for the principle of non-intervention.
Defend Human Rights
The organization is dedicated to defending human rights and fundamental freedoms, recognizing the dignity inherent in all human beings.
Ensure Multidimensional Security
The OAS aims to address the diverse security threats faced by the member states, promoting peace and stability in the region.
Foster Development
The organization is focused on fostering integral development and prosperity in the member states, tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Organization of American States Funding
The OAS is funded by contributions from its member states. The budget is approved by the General Assembly and is financed primarily by quotas paid by the member countries.
Organization of American States Projects
Inter-American Human Rights System
The OAS plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in the hemisphere through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Missions for Electoral Observation
The OAS deploys electoral observation missions to strengthen the democratic process in member states, ensuring transparency and credibility in elections.
Sustainable Development Programs
The organization undertakes various initiatives to promote sustainable development in the member states, focusing on areas such as energy, climate change, disaster risk management, and biodiversity.
Organization of American States Members
Member States
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Permanent Observers
The OAS has granted permanent observer status to 69 states, as well as the European Union, fostering broader cooperation and understanding within the international community.
The Organization of American States remains a prominent organization dedicated to ensuring peace, justice, and solidarity among the nations of the Americas. Through its multifaceted initiatives and programs, the OAS continues to address the pressing challenges faced by the region, promoting democracy, human rights, security, and development for all its member states.
