PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OEA/Ser.GORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CISC-17/03 corr. 1

27 March 2003SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON INTER-AMERICAN Original: Spanish

SUMMITS MANAGEMENT AND THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN OAS ACTIVITIES

Working Group on Guidelines and Strategiesfor the Participation of Civil Society in OAS Activities

REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOs)IN OAS ACTIVITIES

Presented by the

Summits of the Americas SecretariatOrganization of American States

Washington, D.C., October 21, 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Historical OverviewII. The OAS and the Process of Civil Society ParticipationIII. Civil Society Participation in the Summits ProcessIV. Resolutions Adopted in Relation to Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities at the

Thirty-second Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly – Bridgetown, Barbados – June 2-4, 2002

V. Mechanisms for the Participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in OAS activitiesVI. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Accredited to Participate in the OAS VII. The General Assembly, the Permanent Council and the Inter-American Council for Integral

Development (CIDI) and their Relations with Civil Society VIII. The General Secretariat and its Relations with Civil SocietyIX. Specialized Agencies and their Relations with Civil Society

iii

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The "Draft Report on the Participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in OAS

Activities” was prepared by the Summits of the Americas Secretariat of the Organization of American

States, at the request of the Chair of the Working Group on Guidelines and Strategies for the

Participation of Civil Society in OAS Activities, Mr. Federico Villegas Beltrán, within the framework

of the Special Committee on Inter-American Summits Management and the Participation of Civil

Society in OAS Activities.

The purpose of this document is to present a detailed report on the relations between civil

society organizations (CSOs), the various sections of the General Secretariat, and the political bodies

of the OAS.

v

REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONSIN OAS ACTIVITIES

I. INTRODUCTION

Article 53.d of the OAS Charter, subscribed in 1948, provides that one function of the Permanent Council shall be to conclude cooperation agreements with other internationally recognized agencies in the Americas. In 1949, the Permanent Council adopted standards for concluding such agreements, and in 1971 the General Assembly determined the nature of relations between the OAS and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), providing that the latter abide by the Organization’s principles and purposes. The General Assembly also determined that such relations could be established at the initiative of OAS bodies, of the General Secretariat, and of the NGOs themselves.

Since 1997, the OAS has made a special effort to facilitate greater participation by civil society organizations in the administrative structure of the governments of member states and of the OAS in general. By recognizing the important role played by CSOs in providing a voice for many individuals, and by welcoming the participation of civil society in all aspects of the process of dialogue and decision-making, the OAS has been able to draw on a diversity of opinions, experiences, and points of view from across the spectrum in the Americas.

In this way, relations with civil society and NGOs have facilitated cooperation activities undertaken by the General Secretariat and its technical units; it has also led to the implementation of a series of initiatives that complement the objectives set by each of the entities involved, such as the carrying out of cooperation projects, participation in specialized conferences and meetings of the political bodies of the Organization [including the General Assembly, the Permanent Council, and ministerial meetings within the framework of Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI)], information exchange, and technical and financial contributions for programs established by the OAS.

II. THE OAS AND THE PROCESS OF CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION

In 1994, the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP) of the Permanent Council began to study the possibility of granting status to NGOs at the OAS. Between 1994 and 1996, a number of working meetings were held among representatives of the General Secretariat and OAS organs and agencies for the purpose of exchanging viewpoints on the nature of the participation of NGOs in OAS programs and activities.

In 1997, the Permanent Council adopted resolution CP/RES. 704 (1129/97) “Status of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the OAS,” in which the General Secretariat was requested to produce a document containing guidelines to ensure coherent and enhanced relations between the General Secretariat and NGOs. The guidelines were to include, among others, selection criteria concerning the participation of NGOs in programs, projects and activities; matters related to project financing; and dissemination of documents.

- 2 -

The General Secretariat was also requested to present a report to the Permanent Council and to the Permanent Executive Committee of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CEPCIDI) indicating ways to improve relations between the OAS General Secretariat and NGOs, as well as the role of the Department of Public Information in this process, among other actions.

Following these first steps, the General Assembly adopted a series of resolutions that defined the status of CSOs with respect to OAS activities, specifically:

AG/RES. 1539 (XXVIII-O/98), Twenty-eighth regular session of the General Assembly, Caracas, 1998

The twenty-eighth regular session of the General Assembly in Caracas in 1998, adopted resolution AG/RES. 1539 (XXVIII-O/98) “The Organization of American States and Civil Society,” which instructed the Permanent Council to examine ways to increase the degree to which NGOs and CSOs might become more closely involved in, and contribute to, the activities of the Organization, and ways to implement the tasks entrusted to the OAS in the Plan of Action of the Second Summit of the Americas, held in Santiago, Chile, with respect to civil society. The OAS reviewed the participation of NGOs and CSOs to ensure that they contributed positively to OAS activities.

AG/RES. 1661 (XXIX-O/99), Twenty-ninth regular session of the General Assembly, Guatemala, 1999

In Guatemala, the General Assembly adopted resolution AG/RES. 1661 (XXIX-O/99), “The Organization of American States and Civil Society,” which created within the Permanent Council a Committee on Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities and instructed the Permanent Council to prepare guidelines for civil society participation in OAS activities. The General Assembly welcomed the preparation of a roster of NGOs with which the OAS has relations and requested the Permanent Council to report to the General Assembly on the implementation of these mandates.

AG/RES. 1668 (XXIX-O/99), Twenty-ninth regular session of the General Assembly, Guatemala, 1999

Similarly, the General Assembly in Guatemala adopted resolution AG/RES. 1668 (XXIX-O/99) “Strengthening Cooperation between Governments and Civil Society,” in which it urges member states to establish, or to continue to strengthen, mechanisms of cooperation between governments and CSOs at the state, provincial and municipal level. Likewise, the General Assembly instructed the General Secretariat to provide assistance to member states that so request in order to establish efficient communications networks–particularly electronic–between member states and CSOs in order to transmit OAS knowledge, experience, and activities. It instructed the General Secretariat to support and sponsor states interested in holding conferences and seminars to acquaint CSOs with matters of interest to them. Furthermore, within the framework of cooperation, the General Assembly requested the Secretary General to seek the necessary resources to make such cooperation possible (with support from the IDB, interested states. and other relevant institutions, as well as through invitations to member states, permanent observers and CSOs).

2

- 3 -

AG/RES. 1707 (XXX-O/00) Thirtieth regular session of the General Assembly Windsor, Canada, 2000 .

The General Assembly, at its thirtieth regular session in Windsor, adopted resolution AG/RES. 1707 (XXX-O/00) “The Organization of American States and Civil Society.” The resolution endorsed the Guidelines for the Participation of Civil Society Organizations approved by the Permanent Council in compliance with resolution AG/RES. 1661 of the General Assembly in Guatemala, noting in particular the functions assigned to the Committee on Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities and the General Secretariat. The General Assembly also took note of the register of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), in accordance with the abovementioned Guidelines. The General Assembly instructed the General Secretariat to continue to disseminate the Guidelines. It reiterated the importance of collaboration between governments and CSOs and endorsed the strengthening of local and national cooperation mechanisms. Finally, the General Assembly reiterated the mandate assigned to the General Secretariat in resolution AG/RES. 1668 (XXIX-O/99) and requested the Permanent Council to report on its implementation.

AG/RES. 1834 (XXXI-O/01) Thirty-first regular session of the General Assembly, San José, Costa Rica, 2001

At the General Assembly held in San José, Costa Rica, adopted resolution AG/RES. 1834 (XXXI-O/01) “The Organization of American States and Civil Society” was adopted. Through this resolution, the General Assembly recognized the activities of the Committee on Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities and of the Special Committee on Inter-American Summits Management; the General Assembly noted with satisfaction the efforts undertaken by member states to enhance the participation of civil society in public life and in particular the adoption of the “Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean Community.”

The General Assembly instructed the Permanent Council to draw up strategies designed to increase the participation of civil society in the OAS. In particular, the Committee was requested to study the feasibility of, and modalities for, enhancing and regularizing dialogue between the OAS and accredited CSOs; to that end, the Committee was instructed to hold a special session with the participation of said organizations prior to the thirty-second regular session of the General Assembly.

The General Assembly instructed the General Secretariat to consolidate a database on best practices for civil society participation in the OAS and to consult with other international organizations on their activities to promote civil society participation. Furthermore, the General Assembly requested the General Secretariat to support member states that request assistance in their efforts to promote the participation of civil society.

AG/RES. 1852 (XXXII-O/02), Thirty-second regular session of the General Assembly in Bridgetown, Barbados, 2002

The General Assembly held in Bridgetown adopted resolution AG/RES. 1852 (XXXI-O/02) “Increasing and Strengthening Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities.” The General Assembly instructed the Permanent Council to take steps to increase and bolster civil society participation in the Organization’s activities based on the Guidelines, to hold a special meeting of the Committee, and to analyze the feasibility of setting up a fund of voluntary contributions designed to support accredited

3

- 4 -

organizations at the special meeting of the Committee mentioned above. As well, the General Assembly instructed the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) to support CSOs in accordance with the Strategic Plan of Cooperation. The General Assembly also instructed the General Secretariat to continue receiving support from CSOs, to move forward with the creation of a database of best practices for the participation of the CSOs in the Organization, and to continue with the accreditation process.

III. CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN THE SUMMITS PROCESS

At the First Summit of the Americas held in Miami in 1994, the Heads of State and Government manifested their interest in strengthening the democracies of the Hemisphere in a way that could guarantee their durability. This was the main reason they recognized the importance of including individuals, the private sector, labor and political parties, academics and CSOs in public affairs, and acknowledged that public participation is vital to the success of any democracy that functions in a responsible and transparent fashion.

At the Summit on Sustainable Development held in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia in 1996, heads of state and government decided to promote greater spaces to express ideas and exchange information on sustainable development among groups, organizations, businesses, and individuals. In this respect, they agreed to take into account the recommendations of the1996 Monterrey Inter-American Seminar on Public Participation and instructed the OAS to give priority to formulating an inter-American strategy for the promotion of public participation in decision-making.

The objective of this strategy is to promote the exchange of experiences and information between governments and CSOs regarding the formulation, implementation, and improvement of sustainable development policies and programs, as well as at high-level meetings convened by the OAS. The recommendations also include the establishment of regional-level consultation processes and the integration and strengthening of National Sustainable Development Councils.

During the Second Summit of the Americas held in Santiago de Chile in 1998, the heads of state and government recognized that education is “the determining factor for the political, social, cultural and economic development of our peoples,” and they further recognized the need to encourage civil society participation in educational development.

The Second Summit reiterated the importance of enhancing civil society participation and the Santiago Plan of Action called on member states and CSOs to promote the development of principles and organizations for institutional frameworks designed to stimulate the formation of responsible and transparent democratic organizations. It also encouraged greater dialogue and partnerships with governments in which the OAS can serve as a forum for the exchange of information and experiences.

The Santiago Plan of Action established the “Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG),” which bears the responsibility for insuring the implementation by governments of member states of the mandates of this and future Summits of the Americas. The SIRG will hold bi- or tri-annual meetings to assess the degree to which the Summit mandates have been fulfilled and will report annually on the progress achieved in the fulfillment of this and future Plans of Action. 

4

- 5 -

At the Third Summit of the Americas, held in Quebec City in April 2001, the heads of state and government viewed positively the contributions of civil society to the Quebec City Plan of Action and called upon all citizens of the Americas to contribute to the Summit process.

At the same time, they recognized the important role civil society plays in the consolidation of democracy and stated that civil society participation in government programs is one of the most essential resources for successful development policies.

Heads of state and government charged the OAS and other multilateral organizations and development banks with the development of strategies for enhancing civil society capabilities within the inter-American system. At the same time, they committed to improving the institutional capacity of member states’ governments to receive, absorb, and act on the input and support of CSOs.

Heads of state and government also committed to developing educational programs in cooperation with civil society in order to strengthen democracy and promote respect for human rights and the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity of the Hemisphere. The Quebec City Plan of Action called for a series of seminars and meetings among experts, CSOs and government officials for increasing acceptance, understanding, appreciation, and respect of the linguistic and cultural diversity of the peoples of the region.

The Quebec Summit also acknowledged the expectation that businesses operating within the Hemisphere must do so in a manner consistent with their social and environmental responsibilities. The Quebec City Plan of Action reiterated the importance of consulting CSOs and the private sector for the continued analysis of compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) business practices.

The heads of state and government promoted the roles of CSOs–along with technical professionals and regional and educational institutions–in the development and implementation of disaster management policies at both the national and community levels. Furthermore, the heads of state and government acknowledged the contributions of CSOs in promoting national strategies for the sustainable development of agriculture and for increasing standards of living in rural areas.

Finally, with the adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the heads of state and government instructed the OAS to develop programs designed to strengthen democratic culture and promote good governance, sound management, and values, taking into account contributions by CSOs.

IV. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN RELATION TO CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN OAS ACTIVITIES AT THE THIRTY-SECOND REGULAR SESSION OF THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY – BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – JUNE 2-4, 2002

As mentioned above, at the thirty-second regular session of the General Assembly held in Barbados, a meeting was held among CSOs and several ministers of foreign affairs to exchange ideas on the Summits Process, the defense and protection of human rights, and the strengthening and promotion of democracy through public participation.

5

- 6 -

At this time, the General Assembly he following resolutions related to the participation of civil society in OAS activities:

AG/RES. 1842 (XXXII-O/02), Human Rights Defenders in the Americas: Support for the Individuals, Groups and Organizations of Civil Society Working to Promote and Protect Human Rights in the Americas

Reiterates support for the work carried out, at both the national and regional level, by human rights defenders, condemns actions that directly or indirectly prevent or hamper the work of such groups, and urges member states to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the lives, personal safety, and freedom of expression of human rights defenders in the Americas.

AG/RES. 1851 (XXXII-O/02), American Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples

Emphasizes the importance of continuing the discussion regarding the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with participation of indigenous groups. It calls for transparency in the discussion process leading up to the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Promotes the exchange of information between indigenous groups, civil society organizations and the Organization of American States through conventional and web-based media. It also promotes the participation of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Inter-American Juridical Committee, the Inter-American Indian Institute and other international organizations and institutions to support the Working Group for the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

AG/RES. 1852 (XXXII-O/02), Increasing and Strengthening Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities

Instructs the Permanent Council to adopt strategies for increasing and strengthening civil society participation in the Organization’s activities. Also instructs the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) and the General Secretariat of the OAS to facilitate contributions by CSOs so that the equal and equitable participation of both men and women are maximized.

AG/RES. 1855 (XXXII-O/02), Adoption of the Strategic Plan for Partnership for Development 2002-2005

Adopts the Strategic Plan for Partnership for Development, which establishes a framework for action to improve policy dialogue mechanisms and for building and strengthening cooperation between government institutions and NGOs.

6

- 7 -

AG/RES. 1870 (XXXII-O/02), Follow-up to the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and its Program for Cooperation

Urges member states to sign or ratify the Inter-American Convention against Corruption and to participate in the Follow-up Mechanism for its implementation. As well, instructs the Permanent Council to continue to foster the exchange of experiences and information among member states and their institutions, and to strengthen measures designed to eliminate corruption in the Hemisphere.

AG/RES. 1871 (XXXII-O/02) Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hemisphere

Requests the Permanent Council to continue to foster the exchange of ideas and information among member states and CSOs in order to promote and strengthen cooperation activities in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Instructs the Permanent Council to participate with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank in the organization of the Americas Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (held in Miami from September 22 to 24, 2002).

Encourages OAS member states to promote the participation of the private sector, business associations, unions, and academic and civil society organizations in the next conference.

AG/RES. 1890 (XXXII-O/02), Evaluation of the Workings of the Inter-American System for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights with a View to its Improvement and Strengthening

Reaffirms the intent of the OAS to implement the Plan of Action of the Third Summit of the Americas in order to strengthen and improve the Inter-American Human Rights system.

Urges close cooperation between the OAS Permanent Council and NGOs in implementing and strengthening the inter-American human rights system.

AG/RES. 1891 (XXXII-O/02), Inter-American Program of Cooperation to Prevent and Remedy Cases of International Abduction of Minors by One of Their Parents

Calls on Civil Society Organizations to collaborate with the Inter-American Children's Institute (IACI) at the meeting to be held in August 2002 to discuss the abduction of minors with government experts and to prepare the Inter-American Program of Cooperation to Prevent and Remedy Cases of International Abduction of Minors by One of Their Parents.

AG/RES. 1895 (XXXII-O/02) Study on the Access of Persons to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

7

- 8 -

Instructs the Permanent Council to continue consideration of the issue of access of victims to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and to take into account the reports of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and of civil society organizations.

AG/RES. 1896 (XXXII-O/02) Human Rights and the Environment in the Americas

Encourage institutional cooperation in the area of human rights and the relations between governments and NGOs in the preparation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, South Africa, August 26 - September 4, 2002.

AG/RES. 1901 (XXXII-O/02), Declaration of La Paz on Decentralization and on Strengthening Regional and Municipal Administrations and Participation of Civil Society

Expresses the OAS’s support for the objectives outlined at the Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities Responsible for Policies on Decentralization, Local Government, and Citizen Participation at the Municipal Level in the Hemisphere, held in La Paz, Bolivia from July 29-31, 2001; reiterates the request made by the Ministers to the Inter-American Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the World Bank, and the Andean Development Corporation for support in developing and implementing the decisions made at the La Paz meeting.

AG/RES. 1905 (XXXII-O/02), Prevention of Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance and Consideration of the Preparation of an Inter-American Draft Convention

Instructs the Permanent Council to continue to prevent, combat and eradicate all forms of discrimination and intolerance, while promoting tolerance and the creation of pluralistic, inclusive societies compatible with the effective exercise of representative democracy and the rule of law.

V. MECHANISMS FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOs) IN OAS ACTIVITIES

The Permanent Council of the OAS approved resolution CP/RES. 759 (1217/99) “Guidelines for the Participation of Civil Society Organizations in OAS Activities,” which defines the scope of participation of CSOs in the activities of the OAS and its political bodies, including attending meetings of these bodies.

This resolution defines the principles governing the participation of CSOs, the responsibilities of the organs, agencies, and entities of the inter-American system in relation to CSOs, and the requirements that CSOs must meet in the event that they express their desire to be accredited. The resolution also defines the responsibilities of CSOs in OAS conferences and in meetings of the Organization's political bodies, among other measures.

In addition, in accordance with the General Standards, the Organization has five additional channels through which CSOs may participate in OAS activities:

8

- 9 -

1. Register to participate as observers in General Assembly sessions. In the event that the Permanent Council approves such a request, the requesting organization shall have the status of special guest.

2. Register to participate as observers in sessions of CIDI. In the event that the CIDI Special Committee approves the request, the requesting organization shall have the status of special guest.

3. Enter into cooperation agreements with General Secretariat.4. Enter into cooperation agreements with specific OAS organs (for example CITEL,

PAHO, and the IACI).5. Participate in the specialized conferences of the OAS.

VI. CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOs) ACCREDITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OAS

Since the adoption in 1999 of resolution CP/RES. 759 (1217/99) “Guidelines for the Participation of Civil Society Organizations in OAS Activities,” 50 CSOs have been accredited by the OAS.

Twelve organizations were accredited in 2000, 33 in 2001 and five in 2002. Of these CSOs, eight promote the participation of civil society, 13 are active in the area of the protection and promotion of human rights; five concentrate their efforts in the struggle against discrimination against women; two are in the fight against corruption; five are in the area of the rights of indigenous peoples; two are in education and nine are in economic and social development. The remaining groups are active in the fight against drugs, the development of electoral systems, natural disasters, and the rights of children, among others.

Of the 50 accredited civil society organizations, 19 are based in the United States. Fifteen of the latter are located in the Washington, D.C. area, while the remaining four are in Colorado, Florida, Montana, and New York.

Five of the accredited CSOs are in Argentina; five in Costa Rica; four in Canada, and two in each of the following countries: Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Peru. Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Venezuela, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland each have one CSO accredited to the OAS.

VII. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE PERMANENT COUNCIL, AND THE INTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT (CIDI) AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY

Since its inception, the OAS has promoted dialogue with civil society; this is reflected both at the policy level and in joint cooperation activities and actions at the technical level. At the policy level, civil society participates in the General Assembly session, in meetings of committees of the Permanent Council, in meetings of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), and at meetings of ministers and high authorities held on different issues of interest in the Hemisphere, as well as at meetings of experts.

9

- 10 -

OAS General Assembly

Article10 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly provides, subject to the approval of the government of the host member state, for the participation of CSOs in the various General Assembly sessions as observers. Such organizations must make a written request to the Secretary General to be invited to these meetings. Requests are transmitted to the Permanent Council for study and analysis.

Since 1997, there has been an (inconsistent) increase in the participation of civil society in regular sessions of the OAS General Assembly. In 1997 – twenty-seventh regular session, Lima, Peru – 16 organizations participated; in 1998 – twenty-eighth regular session, Caracas, Venezuela – 16 organizations registered; in 1999 – twenty-ninth regular session, Guatemala City, Guatemala – 31 organizations participated; in 2000 – thirtieth regular session, Windsor, Canada – 36 organizations participated; in 2001 – thirty-first regular session, San José, Costa Rica – 55; and in 2002 – thirty-second regular session, Bridgetown, Barbados – 32 CSOs attended.

The participation of CSOs in OAS General Assembly sessions appears to depend on a number of factors, including: geographical location, issues to be discussed and how effectively they have been publicized, the level of interest they create and the extent to which organizations feel they are important. Nevertheless, over the past six years, three CSOs have participated in a consistent fashion (Amnesty International, Centre for Justice and International Law, and Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos – Perú), having attended all six General Assembly sessions during that time. Similarly, one participated five times (International Human Rights Law Group); three participated at four sessions (The Canadian Foundation for the Americas – FOCAL, Red Nacional de Organismos Civiles de Derechos Humanos, Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, Comisión Colombiana de Juristas, Human Rights Watch); seven attended three sessions; 18 participated in two sessions; and the remaining 85 attended on one occasion.

Eighteen of the CSOs that showed increased interest in attending General Assembly sessions were accredited to participate in OAS activities; of this number, eight concentrate their efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights; four on increasing civil society participation; and three on the study of issues related to economic development.

Prior to the beginning of the past two regular sessions of the General Assembly (the thirty-first and the thirty-second), a meeting was held among the Secretary General of the OAS, a number of ministers of foreign affairs and heads of delegation, and the CSOs in attendance. At the thirty-second regular session of the General Assembly in Barbados, discussion centered on the role played by civil society in issues on the inter-American agenda and the contribution of CSOs in strengthening democracy, protecting human rights and carrying out the mandates of the Summits of the Americas.

10

- 11 -

Permanent Council

Since 1999, the Permanent Council has invited members of CSOs to make presentations at some of its sessions. The organizations have mainly participated in sessions of the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP), the Special Committee on Inter-American Summits Management, and the Committee on Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities, which have since been combined to form the Special Committee on Inter-American Summits Management and Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities.

Within the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP), dialogue with CSOs has centered mainly on issues related to human rights, as well as in special sessions held since 1999 to examine the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In March 2002, the Committee on Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities of the Permanent Council met with accredited CSOs. The group discussed ways to improve information exchange and to increase participation. Following this, the General Assembly session in Barbados adopted a resolution designed to enhance the participation of civil society in the OAS.

As well, since the year 2000, the Special Committee on Inter-American Summits Management has maintained an ongoing dialogue with CSOs concerning the Summits of the Americas process, particularly with respect to the agenda of the Third Summit. In the year 2000, 21 organizations participated in a special organizational meeting. In February 2001, 18 organizations were present at another session, and in 2002 a similar number participated in the most recent meeting held in March to discuss issues related to the Summit, including justice, corruption, political parties, natural disasters, health, and the environment.

11

- 12 -

Between the months of July and September 2001, CSOs participated in the drafting of the Inter-American Democratic Charter through a consultative process directed by the Permanent Council with the objective of promoting and preserving the democratic culture of the Americas.

In addition, CSOs participated in a number of OAS Specialized Conferences, and technical and special meetings. Their participation was governed by the Standards on Cooperative Relations and the Standards on Inter-American Specialized Conferences.

The meetings attended by CSOs include the Regional Conference on Measures to Promote Confidence and Security, Santiago de Chile (1995); Meeting of Experts on Environmentally Sound Technologies for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Ottawa (1995); Specialized Conference on the Draft Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, Caracas (1996); Inter-American Specialized Conference on Terrorism, Lima (1996); First Special Meeting of the Working Group on Cooperation at the Summit Conference on Sustainable Development, Washington D.C. (1996); Preparatory Meeting of the Inter-American Specialized Conference on Terrorism, Washington, D.C. (1996); Specialized Conference on the Draft Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, Caracas (1996); First High-Level Meeting on Special Security Concerns of Small Island States in the Caribbean, San Salvador (1998); Meeting of Government Experts on Crime and Prevention of Delinquency, Medellin (1999); Working Group to consider the Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations, Washington, D.C. (1999); Seminars for Analysis and Reflection on Participatory Democracy, Washington, D.C. (2000); Working Group to consider the Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations, Washington, D.C. (2001); High-Level Dialogue on Race, Ethnicity and Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean, Washington, D.C. (2001); First and Second Meetings of Experts on the Follow-up Mechanism to the Inter-American Conference Against Corruption, Washington, D.C. (2002).

Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI)

Since being created in 1996, CIDI has promoted cooperative activities with CSOs, particularly with three of its four independent organs; the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI) / Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD), the nonpermanent specialized committees and the inter-American committees.

The Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI) entertains two types of relations with CSOs. The first type is the participation of CSOs in cooperation programs, projects, and activities, including those involving projects financed using FEMCIDI resources, and the holding of national and subregional training seminars. CSOs in the host country are involved in implementing these types of projects. The relations between CSOs and the General Secretariat of the OAS are governed by execution agreements. SEDI also administers a number of horizontal cooperation programs on behalf of member states. The activities in the country providing the funds include professional networking or the attendance of university professors and students, employees of financial institutions or private entrepreneurs of the countries requesting aid for training courses.

12

- 13 -

A second type has to do with institutional relations between the Executive Secretariat and CSOs, such as: establishing strategic partnerships with private sector companies to provide best practices services, technical assistance and training in the area of municipal administration; forming strategic alliances for the creation of the Educational Portal of the Americas; and finally, setting up cost-sharing programs for fellowships with private universities, groups, or developing alternative sources of financing.

With respect to the development of alternative sources of financing, the main instrument established to date is the Americas Foundation, which draws financial resources from companies, governments, and non-profit organizations.

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Agency forNumber of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (Distribution by Member State)Cooperation and Development (Distribution by Member State)Antigua and Barbuda 1Belize 2Bolivia 1Costa Rica 1Dominican Republic 1Ecuador 2El Salvador 2Trinidad and Tobago 1Total 11

As regards ministerial meetings, nongovernmental organizations were also present at the Second Meeting of Ministers of Education held in September 2001. The meeting featured a presentation on 20 experiences with CSOs in Latin America and led to the conclusion that these

13

- 14 -

organizations were a vital element in the democratization, modernization, and administration of the educational systems required to ensure increased efficiency and sustainability of state policies.

At the First Meeting of Ministers and High Authorities of Culture, held in Cartagena de Indias, OAS member states adopted the Declaration and Plan of Action of Cartagena de Indias. At this meeting, close to 20 civil society representatives and four ministers of culture conducted a dialogue on the Cartagena Plan of Action, and in particular on the issues of cultural diversity, culture, and equity. They also defined strategies for collaborating on policy-making in the sector and undertook to collaborate on the idea of an Inter-American Observatory of Cultural Policies.

CSOs also participated in meetings with ministers of labor; issues discussed included modernizing the legal apparatus with respect to labor issues, combating unemployment, supporting education, vocational training, establishing mechanisms to prevent discrimination against women in the workplace and supporting the abolition of child labor throughout the continent.

VIII. THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT AND ITS RELATIONS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY

The General Secretariat, specialized agencies, and inter-American bodies participate in informal activities such as consultations and seminars with close to 1,400 CSOs.

Similarly, they conduct formal activities that result in:

Identification of regional problems and needs in accordance with priorities adopted by member states.

Promotion and coordination through mechanisms for consultation, exchange and dissemination of information, and joint implementation of activities and cooperative efforts.

Mobilization of external resources. Carrying out of vocational training programs.

14

- 15 -

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the OAS(CSOs per unit)

Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment (USDE) 339Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) 222Inter-sectoral Unit for Tourism 164Unit for the Promotion of Democracy (UPD) 154Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) 143Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) 115Office of Science and Technology 85Unit for Social Development and Education (USDE) 82Inter-American Commission for Drug Abuse Control (CICAD) 54Inter-American Children’s Institute 22Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development 11Total 1380

Office of the Secretary General

The General Secretariat of the OAS has signed 249 cooperation agreements with CSOs. In some cases, these agreements are of a general nature and in others they involve the completion of specific activities, mainly in the area of sustainable development and the environment.

Department of Public Information

Contributes to increasing the awareness and understanding of OAS objectives through joint dissemination and information programs, as well as the holding of events and seminars with CSOs.

15

- 16 -

The Department manages four main initiatives–Americas Forum / Foro de las Américas, Radio OAS, OAS News, and Today in the Americas–and a database with 25,000 registered organizations that comply with the objectives of these initiatives. The Department has developed an infrastructure that enables it to consult CSOs on issues of concern to the OAS using web fora; such fora were initiated during the consultative process prior to the approval by member states of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and resulted in 102 comments from 69 CSOs located in 20 countries.

Office of External Relations

The Office of External Relations actively promotes the tasks assigned to the Organization by member states as well as activities linked to the dissemination and exchange of information on OAS programs. In addition, the Office is in charge of channeling external resources designed to increase support and contributions for its projects and initiatives. The Office enriches hemispheric dialogue on priority issues for member states through a program of joint conferences with various CSOs. As well, it coordinates the participation of experts in seminars and programs relating to disseminating the inter-American agenda. Included among CSOs that participate in programs with the Office of External Relations are the American Red Cross, Avance/Head Start and George Washington University.

Office of Science and Technology

The Office of Science and Technology encourages the exchange and dissemination of specialized information in various areas of knowledge with CSOs through seminars, round-tables and forums. Joint projects financed by CSOs have been carried out in collaboration with industrial associations, as well as by public sector entities, with a view to cooperating in the search for solutions to common challenges. As well, areas of scientific collaboration have been identified through these initiatives and access has been facilitated to scientific and technological information in the areas of clean technologies, design of science policy, metrology, and quality.

16

- 17 -

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Office of Science and Technology(Distribution by Member State)

Antigua and Barbuda 2Argentina 3Bahamas 2Barbados 2Belize 2Bolivia 2Brazil 3Chile 4Colombia 3Costa Rica 3Dominican Republic 3Ecuador 2Grenada 2Guatemala 2Guyana 3Honduras 2Jamaica 3Mexico 4Nicaragua 3Panama 2

17

- 18 -

Paraguay 3Peru 2Saint Kitts and Nevis 2Suriname 2Trinidad and Tobago 5United States 4Uruguay 4Venezuela 4Others* 7Total 85

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Office of Science and Technology (Distribution by Themes)

Metrology, standards, accreditation, and quality 34Science/Inter-science policy 1Hemisphere-wide inter-university scientific and technological information network 48Clean technologies 2Total 85

Trade Unit

The Trade Unit was created in 1995 in response to mandates from the First Summit of the Americas. Its primary function is to support the OAS and its member states in matters related to trade policy and economic integration and, in particular, in their efforts to negotiate a Free Trade Area of

18

- 19 -

the Americas (FTAA), expected for the year 2005. The Trade Unit is mandated to support these negotiations and to inform civil society about the negotiation process through the Foreign Trade Information System (SICE). In 1999, within the framework of the FTAA negotiations, the Committee of Government Representatives on the Participation of Civil Society was created in order to analyze information and present reports to the ministers.

In this respect, the Trade Unit has very little interaction with CSOs. Nevertheless, as part of the Tripartite Committee made up of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the OAS, the Trade Unit provides technical and analytical support to the nine special FTAA negotiating committees and groups, including the Committee of Government Representatives on the Participation of Civil Society. This Committee is in charge of receiving and analyzing comments from civil society and presenting them for the consideration of the ministers of trade.

Similarly, the Trade Unit works with universities such as Georgetown University, Howard University, and the University of the West Indies, as well as with entrepreneurs in capacity-building programs, joint training, and dissemination of information on the FTAA process.

Unit for Social Development and Education

The Unit for Social Development and Education promotes programs and activities of cooperation and exchange of information and experiences with various civil society players, including universities, research and development centers, scientific and professional associations and other non-governmental institutions working in the area of education, labor, and social development. The Unit coordinates and carries out studies and research and promotes human resources training and capacity-building activities. Similarly the Unit supports initiatives designed to promote cooperation among countries in the formulation of policies, programming and the implementation of programs, projects and activities, as well as the search for alternative sources of financing. In addition, it provides specialized advice and promotes programs for identifying and systematizing best practices in the field of social and educational development.

In some cases this beneficial association with CSOs is based on cooperation agreements concluded with the General Secretariat. In other cases, the Unit participates in scientific and academic events organized by civil society institutions.

The Unit has developed a web forum for communication and exchange of experiences with civil society called “Dialogue and Consultation with Civil Society”; questions are raised with respect to the themes occupying the social, educational, and cultural development agenda, and members of society are invited to provide their contributions. This forum facilitates the exchange of information and experience with CSOs and professional and institutional networks on topics such as the Inter-American Program to Combat Poverty and Discrimination, the five substantive ideas underlying the Education Program approved at the Summit Americas, the Plans of Action of the XI and XII Inter-American Conferences of Ministers of Labor, and the Inter-American Culture Program.

This mechanism for dialogue has been used successfully at the Meeting of Ministers of Education held on September 24, 2001, in Punta del Este, as well as at the First Meeting of Ministers of Culture held in Cartagena de Indias, on July 12 and 13, 2002.

19

- 20 -

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for Social Development and Education (Distribution by Member State)

Argentina 6Bolivia 4Brazil 7Canada 4Colombia 6Costa Rica 3Ecuador 3Guatemala 3Haiti 2Mexico 6Peru 6Paraguay 2United States 14Venezuela 7Others* 9Total 82

20

- 21 -

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for Social Development and Education (Distribution by Theme)

Culture 26Social Development 6Education 32Labor 18Total 82

Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment (USDE)

The Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment (USDE) develops joint programs in the area of environmental management policies through signing contracts to carry out specific functions, consultations and co-financing agreements, as well as to conduct regional training and research projects.

The Unit has been working with an increasing number of CSOs since the Summit of the Americas on Sustainable Development held in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia in 1996. In this regard, the Unit is continuing to implement the Inter-American Strategy for the Promotion of Public Participation in Decision-Making on Sustainable Development (ISP) approved in 1999; the objective of the ISP is to encourage the participation of civil society in the region’s sustainable development policies, projects, and programs.

21

- 22 -

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment (Distribution by Member State)

Others* 12Argentina 28Barbados 3Belize 3Bolivia 10Brazil 70Canada 38Chile 5Colombia 21Costa Rica 17Dominican Republic 13Ecuador 12El Salvador 6Guatemala 28Mexico 7Nicaragua 13Panama 20Paraguay 5Peru 3Saint Lucia 7United States 3Uruguay 3

22

- 23 -

Venezuela 12Total 339

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment (Distribution by Theme)

(ISP)* 234Sustainable Development and Environment 96Natural disasters 2Academic institutions 7Total 339

Inter-sectoral Unit for Tourism

In conjunction with CSOs, the Inter-sectoral Unit for Tourism promotes tourism development educational and training programs (seminars and forums) aimed at industry and hotel associations. Similarly, the Unit designs, develops, and prepares regional assistance proposals for small hotels and conducts joint tourism information promotional campaigns.

23

- 24 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-sectoral Unit for Tourism(Distribution by Member State)

Antigua and Barbuda 3Bahamas 4Belize 3Bolivia 6Canada 18Costa Rica 8Mexico 60Paraguay 14Peru 2Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 35Saint Lucia 4United States 3Venezuela 2Others* 2Total 164

Unit for the Promotion of Democracy (UPD)

The Unit for the Promotion of Democracy coordinates activities with civil society organizations with the dual objective of furthering democratic values and practices, and consolidating democratic institutions. In this respect, the Unit develops joint activities with civil society organizations having to do with the dissemination and exchange of knowledge on democratic values

24

- 25 -

and practices in Hemisphere, as well as the exchange of experiences between institutions and experts on themes related to the promotion of democracy. Similarly, the Unit promotes joint activities in the Information and Dialogue/democratic forum area, organizes training seminars, courses and programs, and supports the creation of networks for the promotion of democratic values and culture. Moreover, the UPD also conducts joint studies with civil society organizations.

Similarly, the Unit develops cooperation projects and programs wherein the participation of civil society is essential to the success of the various phases of implementation. Examples of such programs are the missions currently operating in Nicaragua, Haiti, and Suriname, and the Special Program to Support the Peace Process in Guatemala. Other examples include the Electoral Observation Missions and the mine-clearing and conflict resolution programs. Furthermore, the UPD has developed a database that is an important component in the development of its dialogue and information program and for which the participation of civil society is essential.

During the recent negotiations leading up to the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the UPD and the Office of Public Information organized a web forum. Opinions from more than 69 civil society organizations were collected and constituted an important input prior to final approval.

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for the Promotion of Democracy(Distribution by Member State)

Other* 8Argentina 6Barbados 2Bolivia 3Brazil 5

25

- 26 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for the Promotion of Democracy(Distribution by Member State)

Canada 4Chile 2Colombia 5Costa Rica 4Dominican Republic 2Ecuador 5Guatemala 67Jamaica 2Nicaragua 14Paraguay 2Peru 2Suriname 2United States 15Uruguay 2Venezuela 2Total 154

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Unit for the Promotion of Democracy(Distribution by Theme)

Electoral Technical Assistance 61Political Database of the Americas 4Constitutional Reform in the Caribbean Forum 1

26

- 27 -

Strengthening of legislative institutions 33Electoral Observation Mission to Nicaragua 1Comprehensive Action against Antipersonnel Landmines 22Decentralization 11Democratic Practices and Values 13PROPAZ 8Total 154

Art Museum of the Americas

The Art Museum of the Americas carries out academic activities, workshops, and educational programs with CSOs such as Rotary International Club, Spanish Educational Development Centre, Marymount University, International Institute of Education, and the Association for International Development, among others.

Summits of the Americas Secretariat

The Executive Secretariat of the Summits of the Americas is in charge of coordinating civil society participation in the General Secretariat; among the functions granted under Executive Order No. 02-3 of May 31, 2002, are:

1. To coordinate activities regarding the participation of civil society in the Summits Process, and

2. To furnish technical support to the Committee on Inter-American Summits and Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities.

In this respect, the Summits Secretariat centralizes information on the activities of the various areas of the OAS with CSOs. In this way, it maintains an overview of the activities of civil society and promotes and contributes to creating spaces for reflection, exchanges of experiences and actions designed to establish a framework of cooperation between civil society, governments, international organizations and the OAS in the implementation of the Summits mandates.

The Summits Secretariat also maintains an updated website–www.civil-society.oas.org–where it informs CSOs and the general public on activities carried out by OAS that involve civil society. An email account–summitcso@oas.org–has been established in order to ensure fluid, two-way communication with accredited CSOs.

Similarly, a space on the www.summit-americas.org website has been dedicated to CSOs and events related to the Summits Process. This space facilitated meetings held between the Special Committee on Inter-American Summits Management, the Committee on Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities, and CSOs.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs promotes activities with various CSOs in the area of legal cooperation and carries out legal information and dissemination programs. It also develops international law study programs and training in the area of international humanitarian law.

27

- 28 -

To this end, the Department of Legal Cooperation and Information has devoted efforts to strengthening mechanisms for the participation of civil society, which has the advantage of providing increased awareness when designing a number of the legal instruments in the inter-American system. Included among CSOs that made contributions are: Transparency International, the International Consortium on Legal Cooperation (ICLC), George Washington University, American Society of International Law, North South Centre, American Bar Association, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad Rafael Landivar and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

IX. Specialized Agencies and their Relations with Civil Society

The specialized agencies of the OAS also carry out cooperative activities with CSOs. This section of the draft report contains an analysis of the relations between CSOs and the following specialized agencies: Inter-American Children’s Institute (IACI); Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM); Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR); Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD); and Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).

Inter-American Children’s Institute (IACI)

The Inter-American Children’s Institute has signed cooperation agreements with 22 CSOs from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The objective of these partnerships is to promote research activities, training, and the design and formulation of public policies for children.

In this respect, and in accordance with the IACI’s Statutes and 2000-2004 Strategic Plan, the IACI has acted as a global link between CSOs and governments in the promotion of concrete actions on behalf of children. These actions are focused on ensuring improved participation of individuals with different abilities; research, training, internships and university training, defense and promotion of children’s rights, prevention of drug addiction, street kids, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, among others.

28

- 29 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Children’s Institute (Distribution by Member State)

Brazil 1Canada 2Chile 1Colombia 2Costa Rica 2Ecuador 2Guatemala 1Panama 2Peru 2United States 1Uruguay 5Venezuela 1Total 22

29

- 30 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Children’s Institute (Distribution by Theme)

Internships Agreement 2Defense of Children’s Rights 9Prevention of drug addiction 2Promotion of Children’s Rights 7Working with Persons with Different Capabilities 2Total 22

Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM)

In recent years, the Inter-American Commission of Women has worked with CSOs to advance its objectives and to exchange experience and information. In November 1998, the Twenty-ninth Assembly of Delegates adopted resolution CIM/RES. 208 (XXIX-O/98), “The Inter-American Commission of Women and Civil Society,” in which the Executive Committee was instructed to maintain a registry of NGOs devoted to women's issues and to examine the possibility of establishing a system for communication and on-going mutual assistance with such organizations.

With a view to fulfilling this mandate, as well as those emanating from the Summit of the Americas, the CIM Assembly of Delegates and the Inter-American Program on the Promotion of Women’s Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality, CIM has been working intensively with CSOs on activities related to gender, violence, trafficking of women and children for sexual

30

- 31 -

exploitation, as well as with some organizations implementing projects with resources from CIM’s Seed Fund and in activities promoting women’s rights.

CIM works mainly with four NGOs on gender issues; with 58 organizations located in 23 member states working on the issue of violence; 85 in the trafficking of women and children; four in the Seed Fund, and five in activities related to training and the promotion of the rights of women.

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Commission of Women (Distribution by Member State)

Argentina 2Belize 4Bolivia 2Brazil 3Colombia 3Costa Rica 12Dominican Republic 9Ecuador 2El Salvador 19Guatemala 20Honduras 16Mexico 3Nicaragua 12Panama 9Paraguay 2Peru 3Trinidad and Tobago 2United States 8Uruguay 2Venezuela 2

31

- 32 -

Others* 8Total 143

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Commission of Women (Distribution by Theme)

Gender equality 4Seed Fund 4Trafficking 80Violence 52Leadership 3Total 143

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)

Since its creation, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has maintained relations with civil society that have proven to be indispensable in the defense and promotion of human rights in the region. Relations with CSOs are both formal and informal, and focus on mutual assistance in the processing of petitions, the presentation of individual cases and general situations, the compilation of data for on-site visits, as well as the provision of technical assistance and financing.

In the system of individual cases, the CSOs initiate the process and act as counterpart with the states. Directly or indirectly, they link the victims of presumed violations that have not been remedied in their own country with the Commission, present specific cases and provide information as plaintiffs, request and justify specific precautionary measures, help negotiate friendly settlements, and follow-up on recommendations provided to the State by the IACHR. In the event that the Commission decides to take the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the CSOs act as

32

- 33 -

advisors to the Commission, participate in and present arguments during hearings, and act directly on behalf of victims before the Court in decisions concerning compensation.

In following-up human rights situations in member countries, CSOs provide information and maintain open lines of communication with the Commission. With respect to on-site visits, the IACHR takes into account information provided by the State, by the Commission itself, and by CSOs; this enables the IACHR to define its priorities and observation plans, as well as to prepare new instruments related to special issues or to carry out thematic studies.

Finally, when it comes to promoting the regulations, doctrines and mechanisms of the human rights system, the IACHR organizes joint training and information programs with CSOs.

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (Distribution by Member State)

Argentina 5Bolivia 2Brazil 4Canada 5Chile 6Colombia 8Costa Rica 4Ecuador 2El Salvador 2Guatemala 7

33

- 34 -

Haiti 3Mexico 8Nicaragua 2Panama 2Paraguay 4Peru 5United States 30Venezuela 7Others 9Total 115

Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD)

In accordance with its statutes on cooperative relations, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) maintains formal and informal relations with CSOs. This has led to the development of cooperation activities within the framework of the Anti-Drug Strategy in the Hemisphere approved in 1997 and the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Anti-Drug Strategy in the Hemisphere approved in 1998. The Anti-Drug Strategy in the Hemisphere includes creating spaces for public participation and emphasizes that the efficacy of preventive programs depends on close participation, collaboration, consultation, and partnership with the community.

In this respect, the Commission has established cooperative relations with other organizations and non-governmental entities in matters related to the mandates of the Commission. As well, the Commission has invited the organizations to participate in working sessions or cooperation projects of interest to them with the objective of improving the coordination of work and activities.

In this respect, CICAD conducts campaigns designed to increase social awareness through community participation in issues such as the prevention of illegal drug use, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals suffering from drug addiction. The Commission works with 19 NGOs and 27 universities in demand reduction; 10 NGOs in alternative development programs in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; and with various organizations linked to the issue of demand reduction that are also working on institution building.

34

- 35 -

Number of Civil Society Organizations that Work with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (Distribution by Member States)

Argentina 2Bolivia 4Brazil 4Canada 1Chile 1Colombia 4Costa Rica 1Dominican Republic 1Ecuador 6El Salvador 1Jamaica 1Mexico 2Nicaragua 1Panama 2Panama 6Peru 5Spain* 8United States 4Venezuela 54

35

- 36 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with theInter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission

(Distribution by Theme)NGOs and CSOs/Alternative Development 10NGOs and CSOs/Demand Reduction 19Universities/Demand Reduction 25Total 54

Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)

CITEL's Statutes and Regulations contain specific provisions related to the participation of the private sector as Associate Members and observers at meetings of the General Assembly and the Permanent Executive Committee of CITEL.

The Associate Members carry out cooperation programs, chair committees, make contributions to the work program, participate in their own right, enjoy the same rights as member countries with the exception of the right to vote, and are fully integrated into the work program of the Permanent Consultative Committee.

CITEL currently has 84 Associate Members from 15 member states working in the area of telecommunications standardization, and 125 in radio communications.

36

- 37 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with the

Inter-American Telecommunications Commission

(Distribution by Member State)

Others* 4Argentina 35Brazil 34Canada 5Chile 3Colombia 20Dominican Republic 2Ecuador 8Guatemala 2Mexico 23Panama 2Paraguay 5Peru 4United States 63Venezuela 12Total 222

37

- 38 -

Civil Society Organizations that Work with theInter-American Telecommunications Commission

(Distribution by Theme)Radiocommunications 120Radiobroadcasting 13Public telecommunication services 89Total 222

38document.doc