OEA/Ser.G CP/doc.3365/00 rev. 1 9
November 2000
Original: Spanish/English
REQUEST FROM CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN OAS ACTIVITIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Permanent Council, at its regular meeting of November 8, 2000, considered the requests presented by civil society organizations for permission to participate in OAS activities (CP/doc.3365/00).
Pursuant to resolution CP/RES. 759 (1217/99), "Guidelines for Participation of Civil Society Organizations in OAS Activities," the Council decided to register the following organizations:
· Organization of Africans in the Americas
· B'nai B'rith International
· Center for Justice and International Law
· Centro para la Participación y el Desarrollo Humano Sostenible [Center
for Participation and Sustainable Human Development]
· La Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos del Perú [The Peruvian
National Human Rights Coordination]
· Asociación Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y
Sociales [Regional Economic and Social Research Coordinating
Association]
· Corporación Colectivo de Abogados "José Alvear Restrepo"
["José Alvear Restrepo" Association of Attorneys]
· International Human Rights Law Group (IHRLG)
· Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
· Partners of the Americas, Inc.
· University of the Andes
November 9, 2000
OSFU/42/00
October 12, 2000
Mr. Secretary General:
I am pleased to address you to forward the document requested by the Chair of the Permanent Council at the meeting of October 11, 2000. This document includes a brief description of the 12 civil society organizations that have requested accreditation to the OAS, as well as the list of the documents presented in accordance with the guidelines for civil society participation in OAS activities.
I take the opportunity, to reiterate the assurances of my highest consideration.
Jaime Aparicio
Director Office of Summit Follow-up
César Gaviria
Secretary General Organization of American States
cc: Luigi Einaudi, Assistant Secretary General
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Explanatory Note
Organization of Africans in the Americas
B'nai B'rith International
Center for Justice and International Law
Centro para la Participación y el Desarrollo Humano Sostenible [Center for Participation and Sustainable Human Development]
La Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos del Perú [The Peruvian National Human Rights Coordination]
Asociación Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales [Regional Economic and Social Research Coordinating Association]
Corporación Colectivo de Abogados "José Alvear Restrepo " ["José Alvear Restrepo" Association of Attorney]
International Human Rights Law Group
Native American Rights Fund
Partners of the Americas, Inc.
Universidad de los Andes
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The purpose of this document, prepared by the Office of Summit Follow-Up, is to provide information on the eleven civil society organizations that are interested in being accredited to the OAS. This summary includes a brief description of the organization requesting accreditation, and a list of the documents submitted in compliance with the Guidelines for Participation of Civil Society Organizations in OAS Activities. The complete set of documents is located in the Office of Summit Follow-Up. This document is presented in response to the request of the Permanent Council, at its meeting held on October 11, 2000.
October 16, 2000
ORGANIZATION OF AFRICANS IN THE AMERICAS
Background:
The Organization of Africans in the Americas (OAA) was established for charitable and educational purposes to improve the life chances and conditions of communities of African descent with special regard for those populations who speak Spanish and Portuguese. Its Secretary General addressed the Permanent Council of the OAS on February 2, 1999.
It submitted its application on May 8, 2000.
Name, Address and date of establishment:
Name: Organization of Africans in the Americas
Address: 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20005 United States of America
Date of establishment: 1992
Primary areas of activity and its relationship to the OAS:
The primary area of interest is to support disadvantaged populations, particularly those of African descent in Latin America. Through involvement and promotion of cooperative efforts among diverse Black communities, the OAA functions as a resource and referral center of data, service, support and empowerment of Africans in the Americas. It seeks to empower communities of African descent in the Americas by assisting these populations in the exercise of their social, political and economic privileges and responsibilities, in the expressions and acknowledgment of their cultural heritage and contributions, and of their past and current conditions.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
The OAA is the only Black NGO from the United States that has actively participated in the inter-American system with respect to Latin America. It was the first institution to present a status report to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on human rights facing the Black community in Latin America. Its activities are related to the work of a number of OAS organs, entities, and agencies, particularly those dealing with human rights issues.
Work Areas of the Organization to support OAS objectives:
It has maintained a presence at the meetings of the political bodies of the OAS, including the Permanent Council, and the Special Committee on Inter-American Summit Management. It was elected from over 300 NGOs in the Hemisphere to represent the interests of non-indigenous minorities and marginalized persons to the Inter-American Strategy for Public Participation (ISP), adopted by CIDI. Documents submitted:
By-laws
Report on OAA accomplishments
Mission statement
Financial statements
B'NAI B'RITH INTERNATIONAL
Background:
B'nai B'rith International is the largest and oldest Jewish community service, human rights and advocacy organization with membership in 58 countries, including most Latin American nations.
The B'nai B'rith International submitted its application on August 8, 2000.
Name, address and date of establishment:
Name: B'nai B'rith International
Address: 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington DC 20036-3278 United States of America
Date of establishment: 1843
Primary areas of activities and their relationship to the OAS:
B'nai B'rith is committed to the security and continuity of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, defending human rights, combating anti-Semitism, bigotry and ignorance, and providing service to the community on the broadest principles of humanity. Its mission is to unite people of the Jewish faith and to enhance Jewish identity throughout the world. In Latin America, its local chapters are involved in diverse areas such as social and economic development.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
Enrich the OAS mission and work to promote better living conditions for all the region's inhabitants, working closely with different social sectors.
Work areas in which organization proposes to support OAS activities:
Complement the OAS work, especially in the areas of human rights and community service. Concerned about the welfare of Jewish communities and other minorities in Latin America. Local chapters are involved in the implementation of educational programs that promote tolerance and respect for diversity.
Documents submitted:
Constitution
Annual report 1997-98
Institutional mission statement
Financial statements
CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
Background:
The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) is a regional non-governmental organization that defends human rights in the Americas and the Caribbean. It presently operates offices in Costa Rica, Brazil, United States and the Caribbean, and has representatives in Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.
It submitted its application on August 21, 2000.
Name, address and date of establishment:
Name: Center for Justice and International Law
Address: 1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20009-1053 United States of America
Date of establishment: February 15, 1991
Primary areas of activity and its relationship to the OAS:
CEJIL's principle objective is to obtain full respect of basic human rights in the Americas and the Caribbean by working towards the implementation of international human rights norms in the member states of the OAS. A central element of its work is the defense of human rights before the Inter-American Commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. It provides free legal assistance, consultation and representation to human rights organizations and victims of human rights abuses from across the Hemisphere. Other programs include education and oversight of the inter-American system for the protection of human rights. It offers numerous training workshops on the effective use of the inter-American system for the protection of human rights annually.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
CEJIL is of recognized standing within the field of international human rights law and is of a representative nature. It possesses an institutional structure that includes appropriate mechanisms for holding its officers accountable and subject to its members.
Work areas of the Organization to support OAS objectives:
CEJIL implements basic human rights in the region by encouraging States to adopt norms and practices to guarantee respect for international human rights standards. It strengthens human rights oversight by defending illustrative or representative cases of human rights abuse before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. It assists victims in accessing the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, by representing their interests through coordinated efforts with the Commission. CEJIL publicizes the jurisprudence of the inter-American system. It promotes the use of international human rights law in domestic fora in nations throughout the Hemisphere. Documents submitted:
Charter
Statutes
Institutional mission statement
1999 annual report
Financial statement for 1999 fiscal year
CENTRO PARA LA PARTICIPACION Y EL DESARROLLO HUMANO SOSTENIBLE [CENTER FOR PARTICIPATION AND SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT]
Background:
The Centro para la Participación y el Desarrollo Humano Sostenible [Center for Participation and Sustainable Human Development] (CEPAD) was established for the primary objective of furthering the design and implementation of policies to promote decentralization and citizen participation.
CEPAD submitted its request on September 28, 2000.
Name, address, and date of establishment:
Name: Centro para la Participación y el Desarrollo Humano Sostenible Address: Calle Cobija # 548 Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz Bolivia
Date of establishment: June 26, 1997
Primary area of activities and their relationship to the OAS:
Propose activities and strategies to foster sustainable human development from a social, economic, ecological, legal, political, and cultural standpoint.
Promote the design and implementation of poverty alleviation programs which have an impact on the economic development of municipalities.
Strengthen departmental and municipal decentralization as an instrument of democratic governance.
Propose and implement programs to strengthen the relationship between departmental, provincial, and local levels of government and civil society.
Propose activities to integrate indigenous populations and ensure gender equity in government policies.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
Sharing ideas and experiences on ways to speed up efforts to decentralize administration and to enhance participation of civil society, discarding unsuccessful efforts and contributing successful experiences in granting space for the representation and participation of civil society, through municipalization and recognition of social players.
Areas in which the Organization proposes to support OAS activities:
Work areas indicated by CEPAD:
o Associations of municipalities
o Local economic development
o Participatory planning
o Governance and democracy
o Strengthening of municipalities
o Political and administrative decentralization
o Concurrent investment
o Curbs on power and counterbalances
o Strengthening of indigenous populations
o Gender and equity
o Knowledge and information society
Documents submitted:
Charter
Statutes
Most recent annual report
Institutional mission statement
Financial statements
LA COORDINADORA NACIONAL DE DERECHOS HUMANOS DEL PERU [THE PERUVIAN NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATOR]
Background:
The Peruvian National Human Rights Coordinator [Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos del Peru] (CNDDHH) is a group of nongovernmental organizations involved in the defense and promotion of, and education in, human rights in Peru. It has had Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1998.
It submitted its application to participate in OAS activities on June 22, 2000.
Name, address, and date of establishment:
Name: Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos del Peru Address: Tupac Amarú 2467 Lince, Lima 14, Peru
Date of establishment: January 1985
Primary areas of activity and their relationship to the OAS:
Defense and promotion of, and education in, human rights in Peru. The work is done through groups, committees, and work programs, with the support of the Education for Peace and Human Rights Network. The committees include work on economic, social, and cultural rights and nondiscrimination. The activities of the CNDDHH as a human rights institution are closely linked to the inter-American human rights system of the OAS.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
The CNDDHH contributes in the following ways:
It provides the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, on an annual basis, with two reports on the status of human rights in Peru and it helps publicize the work being done by the Inter-American Court and Commission to protect human rights.
It participates in the process of reform of the inter-American human rights system by helping strengthen the regional human rights system, thereby enabling citizens of the Americas to gain easy access to institutions in the inter-American system when they are unable to find justice on a national level.
As an observer to the OAS General Assembly since 1997, it has fostered initiatives which have led to resolutions on subjects such as strengthening the inter-American system, defenders of human rights, creation of a rapporteur office on freedom of expression, and participation by civil society organizations, among others. Work areas in which the Organization proposes to support OAS objectives:
Human rights
Documents submitted to the OAS:
Charter and statutes
Institutional mission statement
1999 Annual Report
1999 Information Report
1999 financial statements
ASOCIACION COORDINADORA REGIONAL DE INVESTIGACIONES ECONÓMICAS Y SOCIALES [REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH COORDINATING ASSOCIATION]
Background:
The Regional Economic and Social Research Coordinating Association [Asociación Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales] is an extensive network of social organizations and centers. It comprises over forty academic centers, research institutions, and networks of nongovernmental organizations.
It submitted its application on August 8, 2000.
Name, address, and date of establishment:
Name Asociación Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (CRIES)
Address: Iglesia El Carmen 1 c. Al Norte Managua Nicaragua
Date of establishment: 1982
Primary areas of activity and their relationship to the OAS:
Its main purpose is to ensure the political, cultural, economic, and social integration of Caribbean people. It develops various research programs with a regional and subregional impact, designed to foster the creation of a greater Caribbean model for equitable, participatory, and sustainable social development.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
CRIES considers its accreditation with the OAS as important for establishing procedures to promote interaction between civil society in the region and political bodies of the OAS. It believes that CRIES and OAS should define and give priority to this strategy on the basis of a project for the regional integration of the Greater Caribbean and for participation of civil society in developing, promoting, and strengthening it.
Work areas in which the organization proposes to support OAS objectives:
Providing solid and sustained cooperation to further plans and projects developed by the OAS throughout the region through the Permanent Council, Special Committees, and other bodies.
Documents submitted:
Charter
Statutes
1998-99 Annual Report
Institutional mission statement
1999 financial statements
CORPORACIÓN COLECTIVO DE ABOGADOS "JOSÉ ALVEAR RESTREPO" ["JOSÉ ALVEAR RESTREPO" ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS]
Background:
The Corporación Colectivo de Abogados "José Alvear Restrepo" is a nonprofit, nongovernmental human rights organization based in Santa Fe de Bogotá, which operates on a national and an international level.
It submitted its application on August 23, 2000
Name, address, and date of establishment:
Name: Corporación Colectivo de Abogados "José Alvear Restrepo"
Address: Calle 16 No. 6-16 Santa Fe de Bogotá Colombia
Date of establishment: May 16, 1980
Primary areas of activity and their relationship to the OAS:
Promoting social transformation, and contributing to the promotion, protection, and defense of human rights and peoples, pursuant to the terms of the National Constitution of Colombia and international human rights declarations and pacts, by joining forces with other national and international organizations working for the same objective.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
Help train the various social and grassroots sectors in its areas of interest;
Provide legal advice and assistance to social and grassroots sectors and natural and legal persons that are victims of human rights violations;
Promote the effective exercise of human rights through respect for sovereignty and self-determination of peoples, and the right to peace and a clean environment;
Initiate activities designed to prevent human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law;
Promote the dissemination and application of international humanitarian law;
Obtain political, moral, and material reparations for victims and society;
Advise and provide professional assistance to intergovernmental institutions, and to government officials and agencies in matters involving the prevention, protection, and defense of human rights;
Foster closer relations with national and foreign organizations and entities working to promote and defend human rights and international humanitarian law.
Work areas in which the organization proposes to support OAS objectives:
Human rights International humanitarian law
Documents submitted:
Statutes
Institutional statement of objectives
1999 Annual report
1999 financial statements
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW GROUP
Background:
The International Human Rights Law Group is a nonprofit organization of human rights and legal professionals engaged in human rights advocacy, litigation and training around the world. It has worked in 88 countries during its history. It is a member of the "Civil Society Task Force", a network of organizations promoting a broader participation of civil society in the activities of the OAS.
It submitted its application on May 17, 2000.
Name, address and date of establishment:
Name: International Human Rights Law Group
Address: 1200 18th. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20036. United States of America
Date of establishment: January 26, 1983
Primary areas of activity and its relationship to the OAS:
The mission of the IHRLG is to support and help empower advocates to expand the scope of human rights protection for men and women and to promote broad participation in creating more effective human rights standards and procedures at the national, regional and international levels. Focuses its work in four inter-related areas:
Empowerment projects International advocacy Women's rights advocacy programs Rule of law programs
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
Its activities are related to the work of a number of OAS organs, entities, and agencies, particularly those dealing with human rights issues. It has used the mechanisms of both the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to address individual human rights cases. It has worked in partnership with local NGOs pursuing cases before the Commission and the Court.
Work areas in which the organization supports OAS objectives:
It has maintained a consistent presence at the meetings of the political bodies of the OAS. It has attended all the General Assembly meetings of the OAS since 1993. It has published the first comprehensive report of the OAS with respect to human rights and democracy in 1995, and continues to publish these reports every year. Documents submitted:
By-laws
Overview of activities (does not publish annual reports)
Mission statement
Financial statements 1998-99
NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS FUND
Background:
The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) was founded to address the need for legal assistance on the major issues facing Indian country.
It submitted its application on August 1, 2000.
Name, address and date of establishment:
Name: Native American Rights Fund
Address: 1506 Broadway Boulder, Colorado, 20006 United States of America
Date of establishment: 1970
Primary areas of activity and its relationship to the OAS:
Preservation of tribal existence Protection of tribal natural resources Promotion of human rights Accountability of governments to tribes Development of Indian law and educating the public about Indian law
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
With over thirty years of experience in dealing with the rights of indigenous peoples, NARF can provide a substantial contribution to the OAS in matters impacting indigenous peoples. It intends to participate in OAS meetings pertaining to the rights of indigenous peoples, including the working group and experts' meetings and drafting sessions on the proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations, and relevant regional and NGO meetings.
Work areas in which the organization proposes to support OAS objectives:
It primarily intends to support the ongoing efforts of the OAS member states to finalize and sign an American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that is supported by indigenous peoples. It would also like to become more involved with other OAS activities that affect indigenous peoples including, but not limited to, human rights, biodiversity and free trade.
Documents submitted:
By-laws
1999 Annual report
Institutional mission statement
Financial statements 1998-99
PARTNERS OF THE AMERICAS, INC.
Background:
Partners of the Americas, Inc. is a member of InterAction, a coalition of 160 organizations involved in international humanitarian and development work.
It submitted its application on June 23, 2000.
Name, address and date of establishment:
Name: Partners of the Americas, Inc.
Address: 1424 K Street N. W. -Suite 700 Washington DC 20005 United States of America
Date of establishment: March 17, 1964
Primary areas of activity and its relationship to the OAS:
The Partners of the Americas, Inc. is a private, apolitical, nonsectarian, non-profit organization, which purpose is to promote friendship, volunteerism, communication and understanding among the people of Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.
Its Areas of activities include citizen participation; education and culture; youth; agriculture; women and families; outreach and advocacy. Also conducts projects related to emergency preparedness, economic development, and other community development issues. Partners is also very interested in participating in OAS activities related to the Summits of the Americas, promotion of democracy and civil society.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
Partners of the Americas has an extensive network throughout Latin America and the Caribbean that links citizens in 29 countries of the region with 45 states and the District of Columbia of the United States of America in "partnerships". It is closely linked to regional networks such as the Inter-American Democracy Network, which has participated actively in civil society dialogues prior to the Summits of the Americas and other regional events related to civil society.
Work areas in which the organization proposes to support OAS objectives:
The areas in which Partners of Americas wishes to contribute as a member and the current Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Democracy Network are: Education for Citizen Participation (including social responsibility, civic education, voter education); Citizen Monitoring and Oversight of Authorities, Advocacy, and Strengthening Civil Society Organizations.
Documents submitted:
By-laws
1999 Annual report
Institutional mission statement
Financial statements
UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES [UNIVERSITY OF THE ANDES]
Background:
The Universidad de los Andes is an autonomous and independent institution fostering pluralism, diversity, dialogue, debate, critical thinking, tolerance, and respect for the ideas, beliefs, and values of its members.
It submitted its application on July 3, 2000.
Name, address, and date of establishment:
Name: Universidad de los Andes
Address: Carrera 1 Este No. 18A-70 Santa Fe de Bogotá Colombia
Date of establishment: November 16, 1948
Primary areas of activity and their relationship with the OAS:
Develop and put in practice advanced educational methodologies and research, designed so that the students will be the principal agents of their education and will solve problems in a creative and responsible manner;
Promote a flexible interdisciplinary approach essential for integrating the arts, sciences, technology, and humanities, and for fostering an integral education;
Seek academic excellence and provide students with a critical and ethical education that will strengthen their awareness of social and civic responsibilities and their commitment to studying and solving the problems of Colombia;
Promote development of conscience that will guide them in their participation in national life, their profession, and their personal affairs, from a moral, cultural, political, and social standpoint.
Organization's contribution to OAS activities:
The University, with its high-quality and internationally-geared educational and research programs and its climate of freedom and diversity, aspires to train well-rounded, responsible, imaginative professionals who, when they complete the highest degree programs in their fields, will make decisive contributions to the cultural and economic improvement of society and to strengthening social peace and co-existence.
As an educational institution with a practical orientation, it is devoted to serving the general interests of the community. It is aimed at seeking and disseminating knowledge, in a context of responsibility and freedom. A key part of its mission is to generate educational models that will help advance and further the national system of education.
Work areas in which the organization proposes to support OAS objectives:
Cultural improvement Economic development Strengthening of the values of social peace and co-existence Education
Documents submitted:
Statutes
Institutional mission statement
1999 Statistical Bulletin (annual report)
1998 and 1999 financial statements
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