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Preface
The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (ICHRDD) is convinced that the inter-American system for human rights promotion and protection must play a central role in our hemisphere. In 1996 and 1997 we saw the emergence of an intense round of discussions and new proposals concerning possible strategies and measures to enhance and adapt the system to a changing world. In February 1998, in order to contribute to that debate, the ICHRDD organised an international seminar on "Strengthening the Inter-American Human Rights System : The Current Debate".
Although the seminar was intended as a forum for serious reflection and debate on the issues, it was not designed to produce consensual recommendations or proposals. It was therefore an unexpected surprise that, from these discussions of a broad group of experts (representatives of NGOs, government, academia, the OAS, the legal community) from several American states, three clear proposals were repeated time and again throughout the seminar. The International Centre wholly endorses these proposals which we hope will fuel new thinking on the future of human rights in the Americas.
Firstly, the countries of the Americas are engaged in an unprecedented process of hemispheric integration. In some respects, the face of the Americas has radically changed over the past decades; in others, it remains conservatively attached to old ways. Many cite the rapid increase of elected regimes as evidence of the former. However, the old habits - such as impunityfor wrong-doing, the lack of democratic accountability, and an ever-broadening gap between rich and poor - remind us that solutions must be found to these enduring problems. The new challenges in the Americas demand accountable hemispheric-wide institutions that will promote and ensure respect for democracy and human rights. Such institutions are practically inexistent today. That is why the inter-American human rights system must be maintained, strengthened and receive more resources. Mechanisms of accountability and enforcement are urgently required to improve the system's effectiveness. Furthermore, specific attention must be given to protecting economic, social and cultural rights, unless explicitly provided for in trade liberalization agreements.
Secondly, there was overwhelming consensus amongst the participants on the crucial role that NGOs must play with respect to the inter-American human rights system in order to extend its capacity and knowledge base. At present the inter-American human rights system, and the overall structure of the OAS itself, do not provide acceptable access for NGOs and civil society organisations. It is urgent, particularly given the new roles the OAS will be expected to fulfil as hemispheric integration proceeds, that the status of NGOs in the OAS be revisited. This is a crucial area in which the OAS must evolve to reflect the vast changes taking place in the Americas and globally. Immediate attention must be given to an open debate on the future of the inter-American human rights system, which will include civil society institutions. The voices of women, the poor, and indigenous peoples must be heard in this process.
Finally, Canada and the United States must become full citizens of the Americas by ratifying the American Convention on Human Rights and subscribing to the compulsory jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court for Human Rights. Only thus will they be perceived as and become full-fledged members of the inter-American community with their voices listened to as legitimate participants, and adhering to the same norms as their neighbours. Clearly, public and political opinion in North America is poorly informed of the issues at stake here. NGOs and other parties committed to the advancement of human rights in the Americas must address the task of informing their fellow citizens of this state of affairs. There can be no more appropriate time for this than 1998: the 50th anniversary not only of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but also of the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man. The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development affirms its commitment over the coming months to promote ratification by Canada.
In closing, I personally would like to thank all those - panellists, participants and organizers - whose contribution made this seminar a success.
The Honourable Warren Allmand, P.C., Q.C.,
President
International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development
May, 1998.
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