WASHINGTON, USA — The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy (REDLAD) agreed to join efforts to strengthen civil society for the defense of human rights, the promotion of sustainable development and social cohesion in the hemisphere, in the framework of a visit by the secretary-general of the hemispheric institution, Luis Almagro, to Panama.
Secretary-General Almagro highlighted that the signing of the agreement was a step forward in strengthening the participation of civil society in the different political spaces of the OAS. “We need clear rules so that the different spokespeople of civil society can express their positions in the Organization,” said Almagro.
For his part, the general coordinator of REDLAD, Enrique Obarrio, recalled that the two institutions have carried out joint efforts to strengthen the participation of civil society in all areas of society.
“REDLAD has accompanied the efforts to the OAS to strengthen the participation of civil society in the various events of the Organization like Assemblies, and Summits of the Americas. That is why we have made available various methodologies for dialogue and have also supported the building of civil society proposals such as the coalition system,” said Obarrio.
REDLAD has participated as a civil society organization with the OAS for more than a decade.
