A Hemispheric Organization in Crisis
The recent OAS (Organization of American States) Assembly has concluded, thankfully. The event was a disaster, highlighting the agony of an organization that once successfully prevented coups, removed dictators, and avoided the establishment of new authoritarian regimes.
Albert Ramdin’s Stance
The new OAS Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, made it clear that he would not label Nicolás Maduro as a dictator, despite the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) acknowledging Maduro’s responsibility for state terrorism.
OAS’ Reluctance to Address Human Rights Violations
The OAS, once again, seeks a friendly approach with Maduro’s regime. They tacitly acknowledge him as the legitimate leader, despite his crushing electoral defeat against Edmundo González Urrutia. The OAS has determined not to call Maduro a dictator, thus hesitant to demand the immediate release of nearly a thousand political prisoners.
Ortega’s Regime Ignores OAS Attention
Ramdin shows no interest in addressing Daniel Ortega’s regime, which governs with his wife, reminiscent of the House of Cards style. This regime imprisons priests and bishops, expels nuns, profanes temples, and seizes properties left and right. The OAS considers Ortega’s regime a non-priority.
Cuba’s Embrace by the New OAS
The new OAS adores and idolizes Cuba’s 66-year dictatorship. The Caribbean countries now controlling the OAS view Cuba’s dictatorship as a close friend and big brother, ignoring the plight of 1,100 political prisoners on the island.
China’s Increasing Influence
China has entered the scene more forcefully, aiming to impose its agenda while the United States contemplates leaving an ineffective organization. Democracy is declining, and China is buying shares.
The Clash Between China and the United States
During the recent OAS Assembly, there was an exchange of diplomatic arrows between the superpowers. Subtle messages were exchanged about who calls the shots and who wants to in the Americas.
What Still Serves a Purpose in the OAS?
Election observation missions remain an extraordinary tool, with their relative independence allowing for surprises. The Mexican regime invited them, only to receive a harsh message: Do not recommend any Latin American country hold elections like Mexico’s judicial election.
The CIDH’s Role
Cuba fears the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH). The dictatorship issued a dozen panicked statements condemning Rosa María Payá’s election, the daughter of Oswaldo Payá, who was assassinated by the Castro brothers.
The OAS and Its Secretary General
Although the OAS Secretary General is not the face of the organization, it is a powerful voice on hemispheric matters. The decision to ignore the existence of dictatorships in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua is serious, dangerous, and suspicious.
The OAS’ Decline Should Not Signal the End of Democracy’s Fight
The decline of the OAS should not mark the end of the struggle for democracy. The dictatorships in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela will continue to be denounced for their crimes. Even if the OAS gives them a blank check, we will never do so.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue with the new OAS? The new OAS refuses to acknowledge dictatorships in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, which is a serious, dangerous, and suspicious decision.
- Who is Albert Ramdin, and what is his stance? Albert Ramdin is the new Secretary General of the OAS, who has decided not to label Nicolás Maduro as a dictator despite evidence of state terrorism.
- Why is Cuba a priority for the new OAS? The new OAS, controlled by Caribbean countries, views Cuba’s 66-year dictatorship as a close friend and big brother, ignoring the plight of 1,100 political prisoners on the island.
- What role do election observation missions play in the OAS? Election observation missions remain an essential tool for the OAS, providing relative independence to allow surprises and hold countries accountable for their electoral processes.
- What is the significance of the CIDH’s role? The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) has issued statements condemning human rights violations in Cuba, despite the dictatorship’s fear of its scrutiny.
- How is the United States’ influence in the OAS changing? The United States contemplates leaving the OAS as China increases its influence and aims to impose its agenda on the organization.
