OAS AND THE POST PANDEMIC CHALLENGES
B’nai B’rith Attends OAS General Assembly

The Organization of American States (OAS) wrapped up its 53rd General Assembly this week in Washington, D.C., with a main priority to strengthen and protect democracy and to unite all member states in a joint commitment to get the job done.

Civil society unanimously asked for the same goal when dialoguing with the heads of mission, and also stressed that the vulnerabilities of minorities across the region are getting worse after the pandemic and in dictatorships including Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, where the violation of human rights increases every day with impunity, and a surprising support of powers like Brazil whose president recently said in a South American presidential meeting that what is happening in Venezuela is a “narrative” created by its enemies that “must be changed.”

The assembly is delivering a condemnation of violation of human rights in Nicaragua, but unfortunately, Brazil, supported by Mexico, is “washing” the language in such a way that the statement will not imply any sanction for Nicaragua, and the tragic fate of the people of this country will continue under serious violations of human rights.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky provided a live video address to the assembly. He invited the members of OAS to join the call of a global conference for peace in order to end the war with Russia. The majority of OAS member states supported and endorsed Zelensky’s call. However, Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua openly support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in their countries in May. Additionally, Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua hosted Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi last week. Moreover, Brazil and Mexico are not clearly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, posing a dangerous political division in Latin America.

B’nai B’rith Director of Latin American Affairs Eduardo Kohn participated in many meetings with OAS officers during the course of the General Assembly, including with Secretary General Luis Almagro, and more than 10 countries including Chile, Guatemala, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Kohn urged countries that have not already done so to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, as a crucial tool to combat anti-Semitism on the rise in the region. B’nai B’rith also asked those nations that have adopted the resolution to become an IHRA member and to join in the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism.

The protection of democracy and human rights are huge challenges for OAS. Dictatorships, populism, and increasing economic and social unrest make it difficult to face those challenges successfully. Democratic countries are the main tool and support for OAS to move on, face the difficulties and get results.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.