The OAS Approves Mexico's Resolution Rejecting Separation of Migrant Families in U.S.

• The resolution was presented at Mexico's initiative together with El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, and was approved by consensus in the OAS Permanent Council.
• The resolution expresses the OAS' strong rejection of immigration policies that result in the separation of families, and calls for adopting measures that lead to family reunification.

Today, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved by consensus a resolution presented at Mexico's initiative together with the delegations of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that strongly rejects all immigration policies that lead to family separation, saying the practices run counter to the human rights of migrant children and adolescents.

The resolution, which is based on universally recognized human rights, reaffirms that the children's best interests must prevail in all measures taken by States, including immigration  policies. It also reaffirms the right of every person to seek and receive asylum and refuge.

The OAS urged the United States government to take steps to keep families from being separated and to ensure family reunification as soon as possible. It also underscored the importance of respecting the non-refoulement principle and called on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to visit the southern border of the United States to observe the situation and, if necessary, to take the measures it deems necessary, including the adoption of precautionary measures. The issue will remain on the Permanent Council agenda to allow for appropriate follow-up. 

The Mexican government reaffirms its commitment to human rights and, specifically, to the rights of migrants, children and adolescents, and thanks the OAS Member States, especially the countries who joined in promoting the initiative, for their support in adopting the resolution by consensus.