ACM statement on the adoption of the OAS Resolution on the Strengthening of the Hemispheric Human Rights System

The OAS, at an Extraordinary General Assembly held in Washington DC on March 22, 2013, debated and unanimously adopted a resolution which, among other things, preserves access of the office of the Special Rapporteur to voluntary financial contributions from “member states, observer states, and other institutions … in the framework of the 2010-2015 Guidelines of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan of the IACHR.”

We are generally satisfied with the role Caribbean nations played in promoting a settlement of this issue in a manner respectful of the autonomy and independence of the hemispheric human rights system.

The ACM is also supportive of the resolution’s call for all OAS Member States to “ratify or accede to, as appropriate, all inter-American human rights instruments, especially the American Convention on Human Rights, and to accept, where appropriate, the contentious jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights without prejudice to their obligations under the Charter of the OAS.”

Currently, only six of 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States within the OAS are signatory to the Convention.

ACM President Wesley Gibbings, who in December addressed the Permanent Council of the OAS, and again at a March 22 meeting of the CARICOM Caucus argued for the preservation of the independence of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, said he regarded the outcome of the Extraordinary General Assembly as “a victory for the voice of civil society which reverberated throughout the proceedings even in the form of official opposition to our views”.

He further noted: “civil society positions provided the lubricant for much of what was discussed and hung as lamps to map the coordinates of a debate all nations of the hemisphere must also engage within their own borders. I am happy that the ACM could have been a part of this.”

While some hemispheric organisations have expressed disappointment about the strength of the resolution eventually endorsed by OAS member states, ACM notes that the agreement leaves a door open for re-engagement of the contentious issues in the future which can redound to the benefits of advocates for a free and independent hemispheric human rights system.

 “This is worrisome at one level, but it may also signify a corresponding opportunity,” Gibbings commented. “To me, it provides the Caribbean region with a chance to sharpen its very acceptable stance on the independence of the human rights system and also to promote, from among its ranks, greater interest in coming on board with the American Convention on Human Rights.”

Nicole Best

General Secretary