- "Remember this assembly as a free space, an open forum where everyone could speak their truth": LVC
Today marked the close of the 47th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) that took place from June 19 - 21 in Cancun, Quintana Roo.
Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray Caso underscored the importance that Mexico attaches to the OAS and to multilateralism as essential means for facing the hemisphere's shared challenges. The Foreign Secretary said that, in light of the current international situation, all the countries of the OAS must redouble their commitment to the values and principles that underpin the organization.
The General Assembly was attended by 23 foreign ministers from the 34 member countries, 68 business executives who participated in a specialized forum and more than 300 civil society organizations and Observer States. It renewed the region's confidence in the OAS as a highly useful forum for political dialogue and the search for joint solutions to shared challenges.
Sixteen resolutions were adopted, four of which had a broad scope. The resolutions established specific actions and initiatives related to the organization's four pillars: democracy, human rights, development and security.
One of the salient initiatives is one on migration in the Americas that was backed by Mexico and calls for comprehensive attention to all aspects of migration from a perspective of shared responsibility and with full respect for migrants' human rights.
In addition, and thanks to Mexico's leadership, the Assembly approved a mechanism to increase and give certainty to the financing of the inter-American human rights system, for which the heads of both the Commission and the Court expressed their appreciation.
The General Assembly elected Mexican Ambassador Joel Hernández as one of seven commissioners on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, as part of its policy of promoting the presence of Mexican experts in the inter-American system.
Mexico's commitment to the inter-American agenda will not end with this General Assembly. Over the coming months, it will continue to be active in various areas of the OAS: Mexico will preside over the Inter-American Defense Board and will host the next session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission and the meeting of States parties to the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms.
Lastly, Mexico's Foreign Secretary thanked the participants for trusting in Mexico as the event's organizer and "for trusting in us to preside over this assembly. And we say to you what we always say to those who honor us with their visit: "Mexico is your home; come again soon."
