Why are human rights so important for the OAS?
The protection of Human Rights is important for the OAS because people in the hemisphere are still suffering human rights violations, torture and/or passing through obligations that lead them to a shameful situation. In fact, despite gains in strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Americas, there are still challenges ahead. According to the OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, the challenges are often complex and include structurally weak justice systems; race, class and ethnic discrimination; obstacles to economic, civil and political rights; and a crisis of governance. He said the main challenge is to strengthen member states’ capacity to “tackle major governance challenges, and in that sense a human rights system such as ours can serve an invaluable purpose.” (IACHR Regular Session opening speech) Despite positive developments on the promotion and protection of human rights in a number of OAS member countries, the Western Hemisphere continues to face crucial human
