The Daily Journal — The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) issued an official statement on Tuesday highlighting the urgent need to expand democratic and civic space across the hemisphere while directly addressing the institutional crises affecting Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
In the statement, the multilateral organization stressed that inclusive governance, respect for fundamental freedoms, and citizen participation constitute “essential conditions for a peaceful and prosperous hemisphere” amid growing pressure on the region’s institutions.
Call for functional democratic systems
The General Secretariat’s statement recalled the longstanding commitments that bind the three nations to the hemisphere’s treaties and expressed deep concern over the political direction of their governments.
“Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are part of the Inter-American community. In that context, the General Secretariat recognizes with concern the need to restore democracy in these countries and to guarantee respect for the shared Inter-American principles of democracy and human rights.”
To achieve that goal, the OAS emphasized the importance of mechanisms that guarantee the free expression of the people’s will and meaningful citizen participation in public affairs. The organization noted that these objectives remain fully “enshrined in the fundamental legal instruments of the Inter-American system, including the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.”
Rejection of political persecution
The statement devoted a section to the situation of individuals imprisoned for opposing the governments in Havana, Managua, and Caracas.
“There is no place in the Americas for political persecution or imprisonment based on opinions or dissent. In this regard, the OAS General Secretariat reiterates its urgent call for the unconditional release of all persons detained for political reasons.”
The hemispheric organization also reaffirmed its willingness to serve as a mediator and institutional intermediary, offering “its good offices in support of democratic governance and institutional strengthening whenever requested by its member states.”
The organization stated that it stands ready to support electoral processes, facilitate dialogue, and help rebuild confidence in public institutions.
However, the General Secretariat made clear that the success and durability of any institutional solution must arise from consensus among the key sectors of each society rather than from external imposition.
The organization concluded by stating that “sustainable democratic solutions must be nationally led and grounded in the active participation of national stakeholders, including political actors, the private sector, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.”
