Organization of American States: In Brief

Changes from September 1, 2022 to May 2, 2023

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Organization of American States: In Brief
~~September 1, 2022~~May 2, 2023
The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional multilateral organization that The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional multilateral organization that
comprises all 35 independent countries of the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. comprises all 35 independent countries of the Western Hemisphere, including the United States.
Peter J. Meyer
It was established in 1948 as a forum in which the nations of the hemisphere could engage one It was established in 1948 as a forum in which the nations of the hemisphere could engage one
Specialist in Latin Specialist in Latin
another and address issues of mutual concern. Today, the OAS concentrates on four broad another and address issues of mutual concern. Today, the OAS concentrates on four broad
American and Canadian American and Canadian
objectives: democracy promotion, human rights protection, economic and social development, objectives: democracy promotion, human rights protection, economic and social development,
Affairs Affairs
and regional security cooperation. With an and regional security cooperation. With an ~~estimated~~approved budget of $ budget of $~~141.4~~145.2 million in million in ~~2022~~2023, the , the

organization carries out various activities to advance these goals, often providing policy guidance organization carries out various activities to advance these goals, often providing policy guidance
and technical assistance to member states. and technical assistance to member states.

The OAS has occasionally struggled to fulfill its mandate due to political and financial challenges. Over the past two The OAS has occasionally struggled to fulfill its mandate due to political and financial challenges. Over the past two
decades, increased ideological polarization among member states has made it more difficult to establish a common decades, increased ideological polarization among member states has made it more difficult to establish a common
hemispheric agenda. In addition, member states have repeatedly assigned new responsibilities to the OAS without providing hemispheric agenda. In addition, member states have repeatedly assigned new responsibilities to the OAS without providing
commensurate increases in funding. Consequently, the organization is sometimes unable to establish consensus on regional commensurate increases in funding. Consequently, the organization is sometimes unable to establish consensus on regional
challenges or dedicate sufficient resources to address them effectively. challenges or dedicate sufficient resources to address them effectively.
The United States hosts the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, and is the largest financial contributor to the organization, The United States hosts the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, and is the largest financial contributor to the organization,
providing providing ~~at least $55.7~~an estimated $53.2 million in million in ~~FY2022~~FY2023. Historically, the U.S. government has sought to use the OAS to advance . Historically, the U.S. government has sought to use the OAS to advance
economic, political, and security objectives in the Western Hemisphere. OAS actions frequently reflected U.S. policy during economic, political, and security objectives in the Western Hemisphere. OAS actions frequently reflected U.S. policy during
the 20th century, particularly during the early Cold War period and the 1990s. This trend has changed to a certain extent over the 20th century, particularly during the early Cold War period and the 1990s. This trend has changed to a certain extent over
the past 20 years, as member states’ policy preferences on certain issues have diverged from those of the United States. the past 20 years, as member states’ policy preferences on certain issues have diverged from those of the United States.
Nevertheless, even as the United States’ ability to influence decisions at the OAS has declined, the organization’s goals and Nevertheless, even as the United States’ ability to influence decisions at the OAS has declined, the organization’s goals and
day-to-day activities have remained generally consistent with U.S. objectives in the hemisphere. day-to-day activities have remained generally consistent with U.S. objectives in the hemisphere.
The 117th Congress The 117th Congress ~~has~~ continued to shape U.S. policy toward the OAS through its legislative and oversight activities. The continued to shape U.S. policy toward the OAS through its legislative and oversight activities. The
Consolidated Appropriations Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, ~~2022~~2023 (P.L. 117- (P.L. 117-~~103),~~328) appropriated funding for U.S. assessed contributions to international appropriated funding for U.S. assessed contributions to international
organizations, including organizations, including ~~an estimated $46.2 million that the State Department allocated to~~ the OAS, and designated at least the OAS, and designated at least
~~$9.5~~$10.0 million in voluntary contributions to support OAS human rights and democracy promotion activities. The legislation million in voluntary contributions to support OAS human rights and democracy promotion activities. The legislation
also directed the State Department to use the voice and vote of the United States to advance a series of budgetary and also directed the State Department to use the voice and vote of the United States to advance a series of budgetary and
administrative reforms at the organization, building on the OAS Revitalization and Reform Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-41). administrative reforms at the organization, building on the OAS Revitalization and Reform Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-41).
~~Congress is now considering the Biden Administration’s FY2023 budget request, which includes $43.2 million for the U.S.~~
~~assessed contribution to the OAS and $8.0 million in voluntary contributions for OAS-managed democracy promotion and~~
~~economic development programs in the hemisphere. The Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs~~
~~appropriations bill reported in the House, H.R. 8282, would provide the requested funding. S. 4662, introduced in the Senate,~~
~~would fully fund the Administration’s request for assessed contributions to international organizations, including the OAS,~~
~~but would not designate funds for the Administration’s requested voluntary contributions to the OAS; instead, the bill would~~
~~provide $5.0 million for a voluntary contribution to the OAS’s autonomous Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.~~
Additionally, the Senate confirmed Francisco Mora to be the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS (PN953) in December 2022—16 months after President Biden nominated him for the position. The 118th Congress is now considering the Biden Administration’s FY2024 budget request, which includes $42.6 million for the U.S. assessed contribution to the OAS and $8.0 million in voluntary contributions for OAS-managed democracy promotion and economic development programs in the hemisphere. Moving forward, Congress may examine how the Administration is implementing the OAS Legislative Engagement Act of Moving forward, Congress may examine how the Administration is implementing the OAS Legislative Engagement Act of
2020 (P.L. 116-343), which called for a formal mechanism to allow Members of Congress and national legislators from other 2020 (P.L. 116-343), which called for a formal mechanism to allow Members of Congress and national legislators from other
OAS member states to participate in OAS activities. Congress also may consider legislative initiativesOAS member states to participate in OAS activities. Congress also may consider legislative initiatives~~, such as the Upholding~~
~~the Inter-American Democratic Charter Act of 2022 (S. 4285), which calls for a multiyear strategy to strengthen democracy~~
~~in the hemisphere, including through diplomatic engagement at the OAS. Additionally, the Senate could consider President~~
~~Biden’s nomination of Francisco Mora to be the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS (PN953), which the Senate~~
~~Committee on Foreign Relations reported favorably in June 2022~~ to influence U.S. policy toward the OAS or U.S. ratification of various inter-American treaties. .

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Introduction
The United States helped create the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1948 as a The United States helped create the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1948 as a
multilateral forum in which the nations of the Western Hemisphere could engage one another and multilateral forum in which the nations of the Western Hemisphere could engage one another and
address issues of mutual concern. The U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of address issues of mutual concern. The U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of
the OAS charter, allowing for U.S. membership in the organization.1 Congress authorizes and the OAS charter, allowing for U.S. membership in the organization.1 Congress authorizes and
appropriates funding for the OAS, and the executive branch represents and shapes U.S. policy appropriates funding for the OAS, and the executive branch represents and shapes U.S. policy
through the State Department and the U.S. Mission to the OAS in Washington, DC. through the State Department and the U.S. Mission to the OAS in Washington, DC.
Historically, OAS decisions often have reflected U.S. policy, as other member states have sought Historically, OAS decisions often have reflected U.S. policy, as other member states have sought
to maintain close relations with the dominant economic and political power in the hemisphere. to maintain close relations with the dominant economic and political power in the hemisphere.
This was especially true during the early Cold War period, when the United States was able to This was especially true during the early Cold War period, when the United States was able to
secure OAS support for many of its anti-communist policies.2 OAS decisions again aligned secure OAS support for many of its anti-communist policies.2 OAS decisions again aligned
closely with U.S. policy in the 1990s following the end of the Cold War due to a broad political closely with U.S. policy in the 1990s following the end of the Cold War due to a broad political
consensus among member states in support of initiatives intended to strengthen democratic consensus among member states in support of initiatives intended to strengthen democratic
governance and liberalize markets.3 Over the past two decades, however, the United States’ governance and liberalize markets.3 Over the past two decades, however, the United States’
ability to shape outcomes in the Western Hemisphere has declined as countries throughout the ability to shape outcomes in the Western Hemisphere has declined as countries throughout the
region have elected ideologically diverse leaders whose domestic and foreign policies have region have elected ideologically diverse leaders whose domestic and foreign policies have
diverged from U.S. policy preferences.4 Nevertheless, the core priorities of the OAS remain diverged from U.S. policy preferences.4 Nevertheless, the core priorities of the OAS remain
broadly consistent with U.S. objectives in the hemisphere (see broadly consistent with U.S. objectives in the hemisphere (see “Activities”). .
Congressional debate regarding the OAS has focused on how to ensure the organization fulfills its Congressional debate regarding the OAS has focused on how to ensure the organization fulfills its
mandate to promote democracy, protect human rights, advance economic and social development, mandate to promote democracy, protect human rights, advance economic and social development,
and foster security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere. Congress has designated funding to and foster security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere. Congress has designated funding to
support such OAS activities in annual appropriations measures (see support such OAS activities in annual appropriations measures (see “U.S. Contributions”) and has ) and has
enacted two legislative measures over the past decade intended to strengthen the organization. enacted two legislative measures over the past decade intended to strengthen the organization.
The OAS Revitalization and Reform Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-41) sought to foster various financial The OAS Revitalization and Reform Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-41) sought to foster various financial
and administrative reforms at the OAS to enable the organization to concentrate on its core and administrative reforms at the OAS to enable the organization to concentrate on its core
competencies and carry out its mission more effectively (see competencies and carry out its mission more effectively (see “Budget Constraints”). The OAS . The OAS
Legislative Engagement Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-343) called for a formal mechanism to allow Legislative Engagement Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-343) called for a formal mechanism to allow
Members of Congress and national legislators from other OAS member states to participate in Members of Congress and national legislators from other OAS member states to participate in
OAS activities. It also directed the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for supporting OAS OAS activities. It also directed the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for supporting OAS
anti-corruption and human rights promotion efforts. anti-corruption and human rights promotion efforts.
At times, some Members of Congress have expressed concerns that the OAS is falling short, At times, some Members of Congress have expressed concerns that the OAS is falling short,
particularly in its efforts to promote democracy and human rights. These Members have called on particularly in its efforts to promote democracy and human rights. These Members have called on
the organization to respond more forcefully to authoritarian actions in countries such as the organization to respond more forcefully to authoritarian actions in countries such as
Venezuela and Nicaragua and occasionally have sought to compel stronger action by threatening Venezuela and Nicaragua and occasionally have sought to compel stronger action by threatening
to suspend funding for the organization.5 Some Members also have criticized certain OAS actions to suspend funding for the organization.5 Some Members also have criticized certain OAS actions

1 The Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1 The Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS) in
August 1950. The text of the charter is available at http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/charter.html. August 1950. The text of the charter is available at http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/charter.html.
2 George Meek, “U.S. Influence in the Organization of American States,” 2 George Meek, “U.S. Influence in the Organization of American States,” Journal of Interamerican Studies and World
Affairs, vol. 17, no. 3 (August 1975), pp. 311-325. , vol. 17, no. 3 (August 1975), pp. 311-325.
3 Carolyn M. Shaw, “Limits to Hegemonic Influence in the Organization of American States,” 3 Carolyn M. Shaw, “Limits to Hegemonic Influence in the Organization of American States,” Latin American Politics
and Society, vol. 45, no. 3 (Autumn 2003), pp. 59-92. , vol. 45, no. 3 (Autumn 2003), pp. 59-92.
4 Russell Crandall, “The Post-American Hemisphere: Power and Politics in an Autonomous Latin America,” 4 Russell Crandall, “The Post-American Hemisphere: Power and Politics in an Autonomous Latin America,” Foreign
Affairs, vol. 90, no. 3 (May/June 2011), pp. 83-95; and Inter-American Dialogue, , vol. 90, no. 3 (May/June 2011), pp. 83-95; and Inter-American Dialogue, The Case for Renewed Cooperation
in a Troubled Hemisphere, April 2022, pp. 26-27. , April 2022, pp. 26-27.
5 See, for example, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, 5 See, for example, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere,
Advancing U.S. Interests Through the Organization of American States, 115th Cong., 2nd sess., February 14, 2018; and , 115th Cong., 2nd sess., February 14, 2018; and
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Organization of American States: In Brief

that they argue are outside the organization’s mandate. In 2018, for example, a group of Senators that they argue are outside the organization’s mandate. In 2018, for example, a group of Senators
asserted that two OAS-affiliated bodies’ statements in favor of legalized abortion contravened a asserted that two OAS-affiliated bodies’ statements in favor of legalized abortion contravened a
long-standing legislative provision that prohibits funds from being used to “lobby for or against long-standing legislative provision that prohibits funds from being used to “lobby for or against
abortion” and called for the State Department to withhold some funding.6 The Trump abortion” and called for the State Department to withhold some funding.6 The Trump
Administration subsequently reduced the FY2019 U.S. contribution to the OAS by $210,000, Administration subsequently reduced the FY2019 U.S. contribution to the OAS by $210,000,
which it determined to be the U.S. “proportional share of possible OAS costs in question.”7 which it determined to be the U.S. “proportional share of possible OAS costs in question.”7
This report briefly discusses the history and governance of the OAS, examines the organization’s This report briefly discusses the history and governance of the OAS, examines the organization’s
funding and activities, and raises potential legislative and oversight activities related to the OAS funding and activities, and raises potential legislative and oversight activities related to the OAS
that Congress could consider in the that Congress could consider in the ~~remainder of the 117th Congress or in future years~~118th Congress. .
History and Purpose8
Multilateral relations among the countries of the Western Hemisphere date back to the Multilateral relations among the countries of the Western Hemisphere date back to the
International Conference of American States, held in Washington, DC, from October 1889 to International Conference of American States, held in Washington, DC, from October 1889 to
April 1890. This conference was the first in a series of periodic meetings to establish norms and April 1890. This conference was the first in a series of periodic meetings to establish norms and
institutions to govern hemispheric relations and promote cooperation. The participating countries institutions to govern hemispheric relations and promote cooperation. The participating countries
agreed to establish the International Union of American Republics, headquartered in Washington, agreed to establish the International Union of American Republics, headquartered in Washington,
DC, which was renamed the Pan American Union in 1910. In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt DC, which was renamed the Pan American Union in 1910. In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt
announced a “Good Neighbor” policy, which sought to emphasize hemispheric cooperation and announced a “Good Neighbor” policy, which sought to emphasize hemispheric cooperation and
trade and to distance the United States from its earlier military interventions in the region. The trade and to distance the United States from its earlier military interventions in the region. The
policy shift paved the way for the adoption of the Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, policy shift paved the way for the adoption of the Convention on the Rights and Duties of States,
which formally recognized the equality of states and the principle of nonintervention in one which formally recognized the equality of states and the principle of nonintervention in one
another’s affairs.9 Close cooperation during World War II further strengthened hemispheric ties, another’s affairs.9 Close cooperation during World War II further strengthened hemispheric ties,
which were reinforced with the adoption of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance which were reinforced with the adoption of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance
(Rio Treaty)—a collective security pact—in 1947.10 (Rio Treaty)—a collective security pact—in 1947.10
In 1948, the United States and 20 other countries signed the OAS charter, which reconstituted the In 1948, the United States and 20 other countries signed the OAS charter, which reconstituted the
Pan American Union as the OAS and placed many of the hemisphere’s institutions and Pan American Union as the OAS and placed many of the hemisphere’s institutions and
agreements (collectively known as the agreements (collectively known as the inter-American system) under the organization’s umbrella. ) under the organization’s umbrella.
According to the OAS charter, as amended, the purposes of the organization are According to the OAS charter, as amended, the purposes of the organization are
To strengthen the peace and security of the continent; To strengthen the peace and security of the continent;
To promote and consolidate representative democracy, with due respect for the principle To promote and consolidate representative democracy, with due respect for the principle
of nonintervention; of nonintervention;

Josh Rogin, “House Panel Votes to Defund the OAS,” Josh Rogin, “House Panel Votes to Defund the OAS,” Foreign Policy, July 20, 2011. , July 20, 2011.
6 Letter from James Lankford, U.S. Senator, et al. to Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, December 21, 2018. 6 Letter from James Lankford, U.S. Senator, et al. to Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, December 21, 2018.
For more on the legislative provision, the Siljander amendment to the FY1982 Foreign Assistance and Related For more on the legislative provision, the Siljander amendment to the FY1982 Foreign Assistance and Related
Programs Appropriations Act (P.L. 97-121; 95 Stat. 1657), see CRS Report R41360, Programs Appropriations Act (P.L. 97-121; 95 Stat. 1657), see CRS Report R41360, Abortion and Family Planning-
Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy, by Luisa Blanchfield. , by Luisa Blanchfield.
7 U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesperson, “Department Press Briefing,” March 26, 2019. 7 U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesperson, “Department Press Briefing,” March 26, 2019.
8 Information in this section is drawn from U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and House 8 Information in this section is drawn from U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and House
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Inter-American Relations: A Collection of Documents, Legislation, Descriptions of
Inter-American Organizations, and Other Material Pertaining to Inter-American Affairs, Joint Committee Print, , Joint Committee Print,
Prepared by the Congressional Research Service, 100th Cong., 2nd sess., December 1988, S.Prt. 100-168 (Washington: Prepared by the Congressional Research Service, 100th Cong., 2nd sess., December 1988, S.Prt. 100-168 (Washington:
GPO, 1989); and OAS, “Our History,” at http://www.oas.org/en/about/our_history.asp. GPO, 1989); and OAS, “Our History,” at http://www.oas.org/en/about/our_history.asp.
9 The Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Convention on the Rights and Duties of States in June 9 The Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Convention on the Rights and Duties of States in June
1934. The text of the treaty is available at https://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/a-40.html. 1934. The text of the treaty is available at https://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/a-40.html.
10 The Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Rio Treaty in December 1947. The text of the treaty is 10 The Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Rio Treaty in December 1947. The text of the treaty is
available at http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/b-29.html. available at http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/b-29.html.
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To prevent possible causes of difficulties and ensure the pacific settlement of disputes that To prevent possible causes of difficulties and ensure the pacific settlement of disputes that
may arise among member states; may arise among member states;
To provide for common action on the part of those states in the event of aggression; To provide for common action on the part of those states in the event of aggression;
To seek the solution of political, juridical, and economic problems that may arise among To seek the solution of political, juridical, and economic problems that may arise among
them; them;
To promote, by cooperative action, their economic, social, and cultural development; To promote, by cooperative action, their economic, social, and cultural development;
To eradicate extreme poverty, which constitutes an obstacle to the full democratic To eradicate extreme poverty, which constitutes an obstacle to the full democratic
development of the peoples of the hemisphere; and development of the peoples of the hemisphere; and
To achieve an effective limitation of conventional weapons that will make it possible to To achieve an effective limitation of conventional weapons that will make it possible to
devote the largest amount of resources to the economic and social development of member devote the largest amount of resources to the economic and social development of member
states.11 states.11
Over the decades, OAS membership gradually expanded to incorporate newly independent Over the decades, OAS membership gradually expanded to incorporate newly independent
Caribbean nations and Canada. It now includes all 35 independent countries of the Western Caribbean nations and Canada. It now includes all 35 independent countries of the Western
Hemisphere. Government participation and representation in the OAS have varied over time. For Hemisphere. Government participation and representation in the OAS have varied over time. For
example, Cuba has not participated in the OAS since 1962 (see text box) and Nicaragua stopped example, Cuba has not participated in the OAS since 1962 (see text box) and Nicaragua stopped
participating in April 2022.12 Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro initiated a two-year process participating in April 2022.12 Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro initiated a two-year process
to leave the OAS in April 2017, but the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which OAS to leave the OAS in April 2017, but the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which OAS
member states recognized as the legitimate government of Venezuela, halted the withdrawal in member states recognized as the legitimate government of Venezuela, halted the withdrawal in
February 2019 and appointed a representative to the OAS in April 2019.February 2019 and appointed a representative to the OAS in April 2019.13 That representative departed the OAS in January 2023, after the opposition dissolved the interim government.
Cuba and the Inter-American System
Cuba was one of the founding members of the Organization of American States (OAS), and—as a signatory to the Cuba was one of the founding members of the Organization of American States (OAS), and—as a signatory to the
OAS charter—it remains a member. It has not participated in the organization since 1962, however, due to a OAS charter—it remains a member. It has not participated in the organization since 1962, however, due to a
decision at the Eighth Meeting of Consultation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to suspend Cuba for its decision at the Eighth Meeting of Consultation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to suspend Cuba for its
adherence to Marxism-Leninism and alignment with the communist bloc. The resolution to exclude Cuba was adherence to Marxism-Leninism and alignment with the communist bloc. The resolution to exclude Cuba was
controversial when it was adopted, and the reintegration of Cuba into the inter-American system has remained a controversial when it was adopted, and the reintegration of Cuba into the inter-American system has remained a
frequent source of contention among the countries of the hemisphere ever since.frequent source of contention among the countries of the hemisphere ever since.
Latin American and Caribbean governments repeatedly have pushed to include Cuba in hemispheric forums. At Latin American and Caribbean governments repeatedly have pushed to include Cuba in hemispheric forums. At
the 2009 OAS General Assembly, member states adopted a measure to repeal the 1962 resolution that suspended the 2009 OAS General Assembly, member states adopted a measure to repeal the 1962 resolution that suspended
Cuba from participation in the OAS. The measure stated that Cuba’s eventual participation in the OAS “will be Cuba from participation in the OAS. The measure stated that Cuba’s eventual participation in the OAS “will be
the result of a process of dialogue initiated at the request of the Government of Cuba, and in accordance with the the result of a process of dialogue initiated at the request of the Government of Cuba, and in accordance with the
practices, purposes, and principles of the OAS,” which include representative democracy and respect for human practices, purposes, and principles of the OAS,” which include representative democracy and respect for human
rights. Although the Cuban government declared the repeal a “major victory,” it also stated that it had no interest rights. Although the Cuban government declared the repeal a “major victory,” it also stated that it had no interest
in participating in the OAS. in participating in the OAS.
In 2015, then-Cuban President Raúl Castro attended the Seventh Summit of the Americas—a meeting of the In 2015, then-Cuban President Raúl Castro attended the Seventh Summit of the Americas—a meeting of the
Western Hemisphere’s heads of government—in Panama. Although the Summits of the Americas are not officially Western Hemisphere’s heads of government—in Panama. Although the Summits of the Americas are not officially
part of the OAS, the OAS serves as the technical secretariat for the summit process. Panama invited Cuba to part of the OAS, the OAS serves as the technical secretariat for the summit process. Panama invited Cuba to
attend the summit after every country in the hemisphere—with the exceptions of the United States and Canada—attend the summit after every country in the hemisphere—with the exceptions of the United States and Canada—
voiced support for Cuba’s inclusion during the Sixth Summit of the Americas in 2012. Cuba’s foreign minister also voiced support for Cuba’s inclusion during the Sixth Summit of the Americas in 2012. Cuba’s foreign minister also
attended the Eighth Summit of the Americas in Peru in 2018. The Biden Administration chose to exclude Cuba attended the Eighth Summit of the Americas in Peru in 2018. The Biden Administration chose to exclude Cuba
(along with Venezuela and Nicaragua) from the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June 2022. Several (along with Venezuela and Nicaragua) from the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June 2022. Several
leaders in the region opposed that decision, and some of them chose not to attend the summit in response.leaders in the region opposed that decision, and some of them chose not to attend the summit in response.
Sources: OAS, OAS, Eighth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ser. C/II.8, January 22-31, 1962; OAS, , Ser. C/II.8, January 22-31, 1962; OAS,
Resolution on Cuba, AG/RES. 2438 (XXXIX-O/09), June 3, 2009; and Voice of America, “Cuba Says No to OAS , AG/RES. 2438 (XXXIX-O/09), June 3, 2009; and Voice of America, “Cuba Says No to OAS
Membership,” June 4, 2009. Membership,” June 4, 2009.

11 Charter of the OAS, Chapter 1, Article 2. 11 Charter of the OAS, Chapter 1, Article 2.
12 The Nicaraguan government denounced the OAS charter in November 2021—initiating a two-year withdrawal 12 The Nicaraguan government denounced the OAS charter in November 2021—initiating a two-year withdrawal
process—after the OAS General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that Nicaragua’s 2021 elections had no process—after the OAS General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that Nicaragua’s 2021 elections had no
democratic legitimacy. democratic legitimacy.
~~13 Some member states do not recognize the legitimacy of the current Venezuelan representative.~~
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Institutional Governance
Three primary bodies are responsible for setting and carrying out the agenda of the OAS: the Three primary bodies are responsible for setting and carrying out the agenda of the OAS: the
General Assembly, the Permanent Council, and the General Secretariat. The OAS also includes General Assembly, the Permanent Council, and the General Secretariat. The OAS also includes
other councils, committees, and institutional organs that implement portions of its mandate with other councils, committees, and institutional organs that implement portions of its mandate with
varying levels of autonomy. For example, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights varying levels of autonomy. For example, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
(IACHR), composed of seven independent commissioners, and the Inter-American Court of (IACHR), composed of seven independent commissioners, and the Inter-American Court of
Human Rights, composed of seven independent judges, are the OAS bodies charged with Human Rights, composed of seven independent judges, are the OAS bodies charged with
promoting and protecting human rights (see promoting and protecting human rights (see “Human Rights Protection”). .
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the principal policymaking organ of the OAS. It meets annually to The General Assembly is the principal policymaking organ of the OAS. It meets annually to
debate issues, approve the organization’s budget, and set policies to govern the other OAS debate issues, approve the organization’s budget, and set policies to govern the other OAS
bodies.bodies.1413 The General Assembly comprises the delegations of each participating member state, The General Assembly comprises the delegations of each participating member state,
and each state has a single vote. The body is empowered to adopt most decisions with the and each state has a single vote. The body is empowered to adopt most decisions with the
affirmative votes of an absolute majority of member states; however, some decisions—including affirmative votes of an absolute majority of member states; however, some decisions—including
adoption of the agenda and approval of budgetary matters—require the affirmative votes of two-adoption of the agenda and approval of budgetary matters—require the affirmative votes of two-
thirds of member states. The thirds of member states. The ~~51st regular session of the General Assembly was held virtually in~~
~~November 2021.15 The next regular session of the General Assembly~~OAS General Assembly convened for its 52nd regular session in Lima, Peru, in October 2022.14 The General Assembly’s next regular session is scheduled to be is scheduled to be held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21-23, 2023~~held in~~
~~Lima, Peru, on October 5-7, 2022~~. .
Permanent Council
The Permanent Council conducts the day-to-day governance of the OAS and meets regularly The Permanent Council conducts the day-to-day governance of the OAS and meets regularly
throughout the year at the organization’s headquartersthroughout the year at the organization’s headquarters ~~in Washington, DC.16~~.15 Among other Among other
activities, the Permanent Council works to maintain friendly relations among member states, activities, the Permanent Council works to maintain friendly relations among member states,
assists in the peaceful settlement of disputes, carries out decisions assigned to it by the General assists in the peaceful settlement of disputes, carries out decisions assigned to it by the General
Assembly, regulates the General Secretariat when the General Assembly is not in session, Assembly, regulates the General Secretariat when the General Assembly is not in session,
receives reports from the various bodies of the inter-American system, and submits receives reports from the various bodies of the inter-American system, and submits
recommendations to the General Assembly. Additionally, the Permanent Council is empowered to recommendations to the General Assembly. Additionally, the Permanent Council is empowered to
undertake diplomatic initiatives in the event of an unconstitutional alteration of government in a undertake diplomatic initiatives in the event of an unconstitutional alteration of government in a
member state. Each member state appoints one representative to the Permanent Council, and each member state. Each member state appoints one representative to the Permanent Council, and each
member state has a single vote. Most decisions require the affirmative votes of two-thirds of member state has a single vote. Most decisions require the affirmative votes of two-thirds of
member states. member states.
General Secretariat
The General Secretariat, directed by the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General, is The General Secretariat, directed by the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General, is
the permanent bureaucracy charged with implementing policies set by the General Assembly and the permanent bureaucracy charged with implementing policies set by the General Assembly and
the Permanent Council. The General Assembly elects the Secretary General and the Assistant the Permanent Council. The General Assembly elects the Secretary General and the Assistant
Secretary General to serve five-year terms with the possibility of one reelection. According to the Secretary General to serve five-year terms with the possibility of one reelection. According to the
OAS charter, the Secretary General serves as the organization’s legal representative and is OAS charter, the Secretary General serves as the organization’s legal representative and is

1413 A special session of the General Assembly can be convoked by a two-thirds vote of the Permanent Council. A special session of the General Assembly can be convoked by a two-thirds vote of the Permanent Council.
1514 The resolutions and declarations adopted at the The resolutions and declarations adopted at the ~~51st~~52nd regular session of the General Assembly are available at regular session of the General Assembly are available at
https://www.oas.org/en/council/AG/https://www.oas.org/en/council/AG/~~ResDec/.~~
16regular/52RGA/documents.asp. 15 The Headquarters Agreement Between the Organization of American States and the Government of the United States The Headquarters Agreement Between the Organization of American States and the Government of the United States
of America is available at http://www.oas.org/legal/english/docs/bilateralagree/us/sedeusa.htm. of America is available at http://www.oas.org/legal/english/docs/bilateralagree/us/sedeusa.htm.
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allowed to participate in all OAS meetings but does not have a vote. The Secretary General also is allowed to participate in all OAS meetings but does not have a vote. The Secretary General also is
empowered to establish offices and hire personnel to implement OAS mandates. empowered to establish offices and hire personnel to implement OAS mandates.
The current Secretary General is Luis Almagro, a career diplomat and former foreign minister The current Secretary General is Luis Almagro, a career diplomat and former foreign minister
from Uruguay. He first took office in 2015 and won reelection to a second five-year term in 2020. from Uruguay. He first took office in 2015 and won reelection to a second five-year term in 2020.
Secretary General Almagro has focused primarily on democracy and human rights concerns Secretary General Almagro has focused primarily on democracy and human rights concerns
during his tenure, frequently condemning the authoritarian actions of the Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, during his tenure, frequently condemning the authoritarian actions of the Venezuelan, Nicaraguan,
and Cuban governments. His outspoken leadership style has won praise from consecutive U.S. and Cuban governments. His outspoken leadership style has won praise from consecutive U.S.
~~administrations~~Administrations, but some member states argue Almagro has focused too narrowly on contentious , but some member states argue Almagro has focused too narrowly on contentious
issues, leaving the OAS weaker and more divided.issues, leaving the OAS weaker and more divided.1716 Some member states and OAS officials also have questioned Almagro’s personal conduct and criticized his handling of a series of personnel matters (see discussion under “Budget Constraints”).
Funding
The OAS budget is expected to total $The OAS budget is expected to total $~~141.4~~145.2 million in million in ~~2022~~2023 (se (see Table 1). The largest portion of . The largest portion of
the budget is the Regular Fund, which covers the organization’s day-to-day operating expenses. the budget is the Regular Fund, which covers the organization’s day-to-day operating expenses.
The Regular Fund is financed through the assessed contributions, or membership dues, of OAS The Regular Fund is financed through the assessed contributions, or membership dues, of OAS
member states. Quota assessments are calculated based on each member state’s gross national member states. Quota assessments are calculated based on each member state’s gross national
income, with adjustments for debt burden and low per capita income. The United States is income, with adjustments for debt burden and low per capita income. The United States is
responsible for the largest quota, equivalent to responsible for the largest quota, equivalent to ~~53.15~~49.99% of the Regular Fund in % of the Regular Fund in ~~2022~~2023. The OAS . The OAS
also collects Specific Funds, or voluntary contributions from member states and other also collects Specific Funds, or voluntary contributions from member states and other
international donors that are directed to specific projects or programs. international donors that are directed to specific projects or programs.
Table 1. Organization of American States Budget: Calendar Years 2020-~~2022~~2023
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)

2020 (executed) 2021 (~~approved~~executed) 2022 (approved)
2023 (approved) Regular Fund
82.3 82.3
~~79.0~~76.4
81.0 81.0
82.8 Specific Funds
50.4 50.4
~~47.4~~
~~53.3~~
54.7 54.3 55.0 Indirect Cost Recovery
6.0 6.0
6.7 7.2 7.2
7. 7.24
Total
138.7 138.7
~~133.7~~
~~141.4~~137.8 142.5 145.2
Source: OAS, OAS, Approved Program Budget of the Organization of American States, ~~2022~~2023,, Approved by the General Approved by the General
Assembly, Assembly, 5152 Regular Session, Regular Session, ~~November 2021~~October 2022, AG/Res., AG/Res.~~2971 (LI-O/21), p. 44~~2985 (LII-O/22), p. 52. .
Notes: Dol ar figures may not sum to total due to roundingDol ar figures may not sum to total due to rounding. A percentage (A percentage (137%) of all contributions to Specific %) of all contributions to Specific
Funds is directed to the Indirect Cost Recovery account to defray indirect costs incurred by the General Funds is directed to the Indirect Cost Recovery account to defray indirect costs incurred by the General
Secretariat in administering Specific Fund projects. Secretariat in administering Specific Fund projects.
U.S. Contributions
The United States is the top financial contributor to the OAS, providing The United States is the top financial contributor to the OAS, providing ~~at least $55.7~~an estimated $53.2 million in million in
assessed and voluntary funding in assessed and voluntary funding in ~~FY2022 (see~~FY2023 (see Table 2).1817 U.S. assessed ~~U.S. assessed contributions generally~~
~~are provided through the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) account in annual~~
~~Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations~~

1716 See, for example, Ronald Sanders, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States, “What Will Almagro See, for example, Ronald Sanders, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States, “What Will Almagro
Prioritize in His Second OAS Term?,” Prioritize in His Second OAS Term?,” Latin America Advisor, April 3, 2020. , April 3, 2020.
1817 After the United States, the largest member state contributors to the OAS in 2021 were Brazil ($17.9 million), After the United States, the largest member state contributors to the OAS in 2021 were Brazil ($17.9 million),
Canada ($17.7 million), Mexico ($7.1 million), Argentina ($2.2 million), and Colombia ($2.1 million). The largest Canada ($17.7 million), Mexico ($7.1 million), Argentina ($2.2 million), and Colombia ($2.1 million). The largest
nonmember donors were Germany ($5.0 million), the European Union ($2.8 million), Sweden ($1.8 million), and nonmember donors were Germany ($5.0 million), the European Union ($2.8 million), Sweden ($1.8 million), and
Switzerland ($1.4 million). OAS, “Contributions to OAS Funds by Donor,” January 1, 2021-December 31, 2021. Switzerland ($1.4 million). OAS, “Contributions to OAS Funds by Donor,” January 1, 2021-December 31, 2021.
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contributions generally are provided through the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) account in annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation.18~~legislation.19~~ Congress usually appropriates a lump sum to the CIO account each fiscal year, and Congress usually appropriates a lump sum to the CIO account each fiscal year, and
the executive branch allocates funding to specific organizations, including the OAS, based on the executive branch allocates funding to specific organizations, including the OAS, based on
assessment levels and U.S. policy priorities. The estimated assessment levels and U.S. policy priorities. The estimated ~~FY2022~~ FY2023 U.S. assessment to the OAS U.S. assessment to the OAS
is $is $4643.2 million. For .2 million. For ~~FY2023~~FY2024, the Biden Administration has requested $, the Biden Administration has requested $~~43.2~~42.6 million for the OAS million for the OAS
~~through the CIO account, as the U.S. quota is scheduled to decline from 53.15% to 49.99% of the~~
~~Regular Fund.20 The FY2023 SFOPS bills reported in the House (H.R. 8282) and introduced in~~
~~the Senate (S. 4662) would fully fund the CIO account.~~through the CIO account.19
The United States also provides voluntary contributions to the OAS through various accounts in The United States also provides voluntary contributions to the OAS through various accounts in
annual SFOPS bills. For annual SFOPS bills. For ~~FY2022~~FY2023, voluntary contributions appropriated by Congress include , voluntary contributions appropriated by Congress include
$5.0 million through the Economic Support Fund account for “the autonomous promotion and $5.0 million through the Economic Support Fund account for “the autonomous promotion and
protection of human rights” and $protection of human rights” and $~~4.5~~5.0 million through the International Organizations and million through the International Organizations and
Programs (IO&P) account for the OAS Fund for Strengthening Democracy, which funds electoral Programs (IO&P) account for the OAS Fund for Strengthening Democracy, which funds electoral
observation missions and other democracy promotion efforts.observation missions and other democracy promotion efforts.2120 For For ~~FY2023~~FY2024, the Biden , the Biden
Administration Administration has requested $8.0 million in IO&P funds for the OAS Fund for Strengthening requested $8.0 million in IO&P funds for the OAS Fund for Strengthening
Democracy ($5.0 million) and OAS-managed economic development programs ($3.0 million).Democracy ($5.0 million) and OAS-managed economic development programs ($3.0 million).22
~~H.R. 8282 would fully fund the Administration’s IO&P request for the OAS; S. 4662 would~~
~~provide $5.0 million in IO&P funding for the IACHR.23~~21
U.S. agencies may obligate additional U.S. agencies may obligate additional ~~voluntary~~ funding to the OAS for specific programs or funding to the OAS for specific programs or
~~activities. In FY2020, for example, total U.S. voluntary contributions to the OAS exceeded~~
~~$47.4 million, as U.S. agencies obligated funds to the OAS~~ activities over the course of each fiscal year. In FY2021, for example, U.S. agencies obligated $24.2 million to the OAS—in addition the funds listed in Table 2—to implement various foreign to implement various foreign
assistance assistance projects, including regional drug control and demand reduction programming, anti-gang activities in Haiti, and anti-corruption efforts in El Salvador.22~~projects, including land-mine clearance in Colombia, community-driven development~~
~~efforts in Haiti, and regional drug control and demand reduction programming.24~~
Table 2. U.S. Funding for the OAS: FY2021-~~FY2023~~FY2024
(allocations in millions of current U.S. dollars) (allocations in millions of current U.S. dollars)
FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 (actual) (actual) (estimate)
~~FY2021 (actual) FY2022 (estimate) FY2023~~ (request)
Assessed Contribution
48.7 48.7
46. 46.20
43.2 43.2
42.6 Voluntary ~~Contributions~~
5.0 5.0
9.5 9.5
10.0 8.0 Contributions ~~8.0~~
Total
53.7
55.75
5153.2
50.6 Sources: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, ~~Congressional Budget Justification, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and~~
~~Related Programs, Fiscal Year 2023,~~ ~~March 28, 2022; and FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022~~Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2023 and FY2024, and “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mr. Leahy, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Regarding H.R. 2617, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,” Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 198—book II (December 20, 2022), pp. S9291, S9293. .
Note: The U.S. fiscal year is from October 1 to September 30, whereas the OAS fiscal year is from January 1 to The U.S. fiscal year is from October 1 to September 30, whereas the OAS fiscal year is from January 1 to
December 31; as a result, U.S. and OAS annual funding data may not align or be comparable. December 31; as a result, U.S. and OAS annual funding data may not align or be comparable.

1918 The Contributions to International Organizations account, funded through the Department of State, provides U.S. The Contributions to International Organizations account, funded through the Department of State, provides U.S.
assessed contributions to over 40 regional and international organizations, including the OAS, the United Nations assessed contributions to over 40 regional and international organizations, including the OAS, the United Nations
system, and NATO, among others. system, and NATO, among others.
2019 U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Appendix 1: Department of State Diplomatic
Engagement, Fiscal Year ~~2023,~~ ~~May 2022, p. 384.~~
212024, April 2023, p. 456. 20 “Explanatory Statement Submitted by “Explanatory Statement Submitted by ~~Ms. DeLauro~~Mr. Leahy, Chair of the , Chair of the ~~House~~Senate Committee on Appropriations, Regarding Committee on Appropriations, Regarding
~~the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471~~H.R. 2617, Consolidated Appropriations Act, , Consolidated Appropriations Act, ~~2022~~2023,” ,”
Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. , vol. 168, no. 42198—book —book ~~IV (March 9,~~ II (December 20, 2022), pp. 2022), pp. ~~H2998, H3000.~~
22S9291, S9293. 21 U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs, Fiscal Year ~~2023, pp. 50 and 180.~~
~~23 H.Rept. 117-401; and the Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman’s explanatory statement, available at~~
~~https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/SFOPSFY23RPT.pdf.~~
242024, p. 220. 22 U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Report to Congress on U.S. Contributions to International Organizations, Fiscal Year
~~2020~~2021, Section 4(b) of the United Nations Participation Act, 22 USC 287b(b), , ~~January 18~~September 6, 2022. , 2022.
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Budget Constraints
The OAS has faced persistent budget shortfalls as member states have increased the The OAS has faced persistent budget shortfalls as member states have increased the
organization’s responsibilities without providing commensurate increases in funding. Although organization’s responsibilities without providing commensurate increases in funding. Although
the OAS carried out a comprehensive mandate review in 2015, identifying 82 priorities, member the OAS carried out a comprehensive mandate review in 2015, identifying 82 priorities, member
states have since assigned the organization more than 970 additional mandates, including 150 in states have since assigned the organization more than 970 additional mandates, including 150 in
2021 alone.2021 alone.2523 The OAS budget for The OAS budget for ~~2022 is essentially the same as~~2023 is 3.4% higher than it was in 2015 (not adjusted for it was in 2015 (not adjusted for
inflation), leaving basic programmatic and administrative requirements unfunded.inflation), leaving basic programmatic and administrative requirements unfunded.2624 This This
structural imbalance structural imbalance ~~has been~~was exacerbated by the economic impact of the Coronavirus Disease exacerbated by the economic impact of the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which ~~has~~ resulted in some member states not paying their assessed resulted in some member states not paying their assessed
contributions in a timely manner. To continue covering daily expenses, the organization has cut contributions in a timely manner. To continue covering daily expenses, the organization has cut
personnel, delayed maintenance expenditures, and borrowed from its Treasury Fund repeatedly.personnel, delayed maintenance expenditures, and borrowed from its Treasury Fund repeatedly.2725
Some analysts contend that the organization’s recurring budgetary challenges have created a Some analysts contend that the organization’s recurring budgetary challenges have created a
vicious cycle in which the OAS is “unable to invest in the human and institutional capital vicious cycle in which the OAS is “unable to invest in the human and institutional capital
necessary to meet its mandate, and therefore unable to demonstrate its true importance and necessary to meet its mandate, and therefore unable to demonstrate its true importance and
potential” to member states, leading to further hollowing out of the organization.potential” to member states, leading to further hollowing out of the organization.2826
Concerns about the OAS’s management and budget led Congress to enact the OAS Revitalization Concerns about the OAS’s management and budget led Congress to enact the OAS Revitalization
and Reform Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-41). The legislation directed the U.S. Secretary of State to and Reform Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-41). The legislation directed the U.S. Secretary of State to
formulate a multiyear strategy toward the adoption of reforms at the OAS to prioritize the formulate a multiyear strategy toward the adoption of reforms at the OAS to prioritize the
organization’s core functions, implement a results-based budgeting process and transparent organization’s core functions, implement a results-based budgeting process and transparent
human resources practices, and alter the organization’s quota structure to ensure no member state human resources practices, and alter the organization’s quota structure to ensure no member state
is responsible for more than 50% of the organization’s assessed contributions.is responsible for more than 50% of the organization’s assessed contributions. Since then, the Since then, the
OAS has adopted a strategic plan, which includes lines of action to advance each of the OAS has adopted a strategic plan, which includes lines of action to advance each of the
~~organization’s four core objectives. The OAS also has reached an agreement to require member~~
~~states to identify how newly proposed mandates would align with the organization’s strategic~~
~~plan and how much funding would be required for implementation. In addition, the OAS adopted~~
~~a new quota methodology, which incrementally reduced the percentage of assessed contributions~~
~~paid by the United States from 59.47% in 2020 to 49.99% in 2023.29~~
~~The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103~~organization’s four core objectives, and a new quota methodology, which incrementally reduced the percentage of assessed contributions paid by the United States from 59.47% in 2020 to 49.99% in 2023.27 With regard to human resources practices, in 2022, the OAS Administrative Tribunal ruled against Secretary General Almagro and criticized the roles played by the OAS Ombudsperson and Office of Inspector General in two personnel decisions. Almagro also faced an external ethics investigation into his relationship with an OAS employee and unilaterally extended the Ombudsperson’s contract by four years, preempting the OAS General Assembly’s decision to implement a competitive selection process for the position.28 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), directed the Secretary of State to ), directed the Secretary of State to
instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS to use the voice and vote of the United instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS to use the voice and vote of the United
States to advance several additional budgetary and administrative reforms at the organization. States to advance several additional budgetary and administrative reforms at the organization.
~~These reforms include changes intended to increase contributions from other member states and~~
~~donors, prevent programmatic and organizational redundancies, and ensure the OAS Office of the~~
~~Inspector General is able to carry out its responsibilities in accordance with U.S. best practices.30~~

25 23 OAS Audit Committee, OAS Audit Committee, Annual Audit of Accounts and Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2021
and 2020, Report to the Permanent Council, JAE/Doc.5222, June 15, 2022, p. 3. , Report to the Permanent Council, JAE/Doc.5222, June 15, 2022, p. 3.
2624 Ibid; OAS, Ibid; OAS, Proposed Program-Budget of the Organization of American States, 2017, April 11, 2016, p. 9; and OAS, , April 11, 2016, p. 9; and OAS,
Approved Program Budget of the Organization of American States, ~~2022~~2023, Approved by the General Assembly, , Approved by the General Assembly, 5152
Regular Session, Regular Session, ~~November 2021~~October 2022, AG/Res., AG/Res.~~2971 (LI-O/21), p. 44.~~
272985 (LII-O/22), p. 52. 25 OAS Audit Committee, OAS Audit Committee, Annual Audit of Accounts and Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2021
and 2020, Report to the Permanent Council, JAE/Doc.5222, June 15, 2022. , Report to the Permanent Council, JAE/Doc.5222, June 15, 2022.
2826 Ben Raderstorf and Michael Shifter, Ben Raderstorf and Michael Shifter, Rebuilding Hemispheric Consensus: A Reform Agenda for the Organization of
American States, Inter-American Dialogue, February 2018, p. 16. , Inter-American Dialogue, February 2018, p. 16.
2927 OAS, OAS, Amendments to the Methodology for Calculating the Scale of Quota Assessments to Finance the Regular Fund
of the OAS 2019-2023, CP/RES. 1103 (2168/18) rev.1, July 17, 2018. , CP/RES. 1103 (2168/18) rev.1, July 17, 2018.
~~30 P.L. 117-103, §7070.~~
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28 Joshua Goodman, “Org. of American States Boss Slammed Over Watchdog’s Removal,” Associated Press, October 24, 2022; Associated Press, “U.S. Supports Calls for External Ethics Probe into OAS Chief,” November 5, 2022; and Associated Press, “Probe Faults OAS Boss for Work Romance, Finds No Misconduct,” April 18, 2023. Congressional Research Service 7 Organization of American States: In Brief These reforms include changes intended to increase contributions from other member states and donors, prevent programmatic and organizational redundancies, and ensure the OAS Office of the Inspector General is able to carry out its responsibilities in accordance with U.S. best practices. The act required the Secretary of State to submit a report on actions taken or planned to be taken to advance such reforms prior to obligating funds for the U.S. assessed contribution to the OAS.29
Activities
The Strategic Vision of the OAS, adopted by the General Assembly in 2014, states that the four The Strategic Vision of the OAS, adopted by the General Assembly in 2014, states that the four
core pillars of the organization’s mission are strengthening democracy, promoting and protecting core pillars of the organization’s mission are strengthening democracy, promoting and protecting
human rights, advancing integral development, and fostering multidimensional security.human rights, advancing integral development, and fostering multidimensional security.3130 These These
pillars are broadly consistent with the Biden Administration’s approach to the hemisphere.pillars are broadly consistent with the Biden Administration’s approach to the hemisphere. ~~The~~
~~Administration has prioritized efforts to promote inclusive democracy; foster public health and~~
~~economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; and address the underlying political,~~
~~economic, and security conditions that drive migration.32~~31
Democracy Promotion
Democracy promotion has been a top priority of the OAS, especially since the 1980s, when many Democracy promotion has been a top priority of the OAS, especially since the 1980s, when many
countries in the region began to transition from authoritarian rule to civilian governance. Member countries in the region began to transition from authoritarian rule to civilian governance. Member
states approved a series of instruments designed to support democratic governance, culminating states approved a series of instruments designed to support democratic governance, culminating
in the 2001 adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which asserts that the peoples of in the 2001 adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which asserts that the peoples of
the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and
defend it.defend it.3332 The OAS has sought to uphold these commitments through numerous activities, The OAS has sought to uphold these commitments through numerous activities,
including support for, and observation of, elections; technical assistance and other programs to including support for, and observation of, elections; technical assistance and other programs to
foster institutional development and good governance; and the coordination of collective action foster institutional development and good governance; and the coordination of collective action
when democratic institutions are threatened. when democratic institutions are threatened.
Many experts agree that OAS electoral observation missions have played an important role in the Many experts agree that OAS electoral observation missions have played an important role in the
legitimization of electoral processes and long-term institution building throughout Latin America legitimization of electoral processes and long-term institution building throughout Latin America
and the Caribbean.and the Caribbean.~~34 Nine member states invited the OAS to observe their elections in 2021, and~~
~~the organization has deployed electoral observation missions to Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada,~~
~~Mexico, and St. Kitts and Nevis to date in 2022.35 Brazil has invited the OAS to observe its~~
~~elections scheduled for October 2022. Some OAS electoral observation missions have generated~~
~~controversy, however, undermining the organization’s reputation for impartiality and technical~~
~~competence. For example, several academics called into question the statistical analysis that~~
~~partially underpinned an OAS report alleging fraud in Bolivia’s 2019 presidential election.36~~
~~Despite other election irregularities,37 some analysts argue the OAS lacked sufficient support for~~

~~31 OAS, Strategic Vision of the Organization of American States, AG/RES. 2814 (XLIV-O/14), June 4, 2014.~~
~~32 For more information on U.S. policy in the hemisphere, see CRS Report R46781,~~ ~~Latin America and the Caribbean:~~
~~U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan.~~
3333 Nevertheless, some missions have generated controversy. For example, several academics called into question the statistical analysis that partially underpinned an OAS report documenting irregularities in Bolivia’s 2019 presidential election.34 The U.S. State Department reiterated many of the OAS observation mission’s findings, however, in a report to Congress required by the explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103).35 In 2022, eight member states invited the OAS to observe their 29 P.L. 117-328 §7071. 30 OAS, Strategic Vision of the Organization of American States, AG/RES. 2814 (XLIV-O/14), June 4, 2014. 31 White House, National Security Strategy, October 2022, pp. 40-41. 32 OAS, OAS, Inter-American Democratic Charter, at http://www.oas.org/OASpage/eng/Documents/, at http://www.oas.org/OASpage/eng/Documents/
Democractic_Charter.htm. Democractic_Charter.htm.
3433 See, for example, Lisa Vasciannie, “The Organization of American States: Evolution of Election Observation in the See, for example, Lisa Vasciannie, “The Organization of American States: Evolution of Election Observation in the
Inter-American System 1962-2017,” Inter-American System 1962-2017,” Caribbean Journal of International Relations & Diplomacy, vol. 5, no. 1 (March , vol. 5, no. 1 (March
2018), pp. 89-112; and Ferran Martínez i Coma, Alessandro Nai, and Pippa Norris, 2018), pp. 89-112; and Ferran Martínez i Coma, Alessandro Nai, and Pippa Norris, Democratic Diffusion: How
Regional Organizations Strengthen Electoral Integrity, University of Sidney and Harvard University, John F. Kennedy , University of Sidney and Harvard University, John F. Kennedy
School of Government, Executive Report, 2016. School of Government, Executive Report, 2016.
~~35 OAS, Secretariat for Political Affairs, Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, “Electoral Observation~~
~~Missions and Recommendations Database,” at https://www.oas.org/eomdatabase/default.aspx?lang=en.~~
3634 See, for example, Jack R. Williams and John Curiel, Jack R. Williams and John Curiel, Analysis of the 2019 Bolivia Election, 2020; Election, 2020; and Nicolás Idrobo, Dorothy Kronick, Nicolás Idrobo, Dorothy Kronick,
and Francisco Rodríguez, and Francisco Rodríguez, Do Shifts in Late-Counted Votes Signal Fraud? Evidence From Bolivia, , ~~2020; and OAS,~~
Electoral Integrity Analysis, General Elections in the Plurinational State of Bolivia: October 20, 2019, Final Report,
~~December 4, 2019.~~
~~37 For example, a European Union electoral observation mission documented polling stations with unusually high~~
numbers of invalid votes, blank votes, and 100% turnout. European Union, Election Expert Mission, Bolivia 2019:
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~~its fraud claims and undermined democracy in Bolivia by contributing to subsequent political~~
~~turmoil and violence.38~~2020. 35 Explanatory Statement Submitted by Ms. DeLauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 42—book IV (March 9, 2022), p. H3006. Also see OAS, Electoral Integrity Analysis, General Elections in the Plurinational State of Bolivia: October 20, 2019, Final Report, December 4, 2019; and European Congressional Research Service 8 Organization of American States: In Brief elections. To date in 2023, the organization has deployed electoral observation missions to Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, and Paraguay, and has been invited to observe Guatemala’s June 2023 presidential election.36
The OAS also has established special political missions to assist member states with sensitive The OAS also has established special political missions to assist member states with sensitive
matters. In Colombia, the OAS Mission to Support the Peace Process provides verification and matters. In Colombia, the OAS Mission to Support the Peace Process provides verification and
advisory support regarding peace accord implementation in the most conflict-affected areas of the advisory support regarding peace accord implementation in the most conflict-affected areas of the
country. The Honduran and Salvadoran governments sought assistance from the OAS in country. The Honduran and Salvadoran governments sought assistance from the OAS in
combatting corruption but, in controversial moves, ended their respective agreements with the combatting corruption but, in controversial moves, ended their respective agreements with the
organization in January 2020 and June 2021, as OAS-backed prosecutors were in the process of organization in January 2020 and June 2021, as OAS-backed prosecutors were in the process of
investigating high-level government officials.investigating high-level government officials.3937
Although OAS election observation and technical assistance missions generally enjoy widespread Although OAS election observation and technical assistance missions generally enjoy widespread
support among member states, there is less consensus regarding how to respond to democratic support among member states, there is less consensus regarding how to respond to democratic
backsliding in the region. Many member states adhere to the principal of nonintervention, which backsliding in the region. Many member states adhere to the principal of nonintervention, which
is enshrined in the OAS charter, and are unwilling to interfere in the internal affairs of another is enshrined in the OAS charter, and are unwilling to interfere in the internal affairs of another
member state unless there is an abrupt democratic breakdown resembling a coup d'état.member state unless there is an abrupt democratic breakdown resembling a coup d'état.4038 For For
example, the IACHR documented and raised concerns about the erosion of Venezuela’s example, the IACHR documented and raised concerns about the erosion of Venezuela’s
democratic institutions for more than a decade before Secretary General Almagro invoked Article democratic institutions for more than a decade before Secretary General Almagro invoked Article
20 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to initiate a collective assessment of the situation in 20 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to initiate a collective assessment of the situation in
2016. The majority of member states remained reluctant to act until 2017, when they formally 2016. The majority of member states remained reluctant to act until 2017, when they formally
recognized there had been an “unconstitutional alteration of the democratic order” in Venezuela.recognized there had been an “unconstitutional alteration of the democratic order” in Venezuela.4139
Since then, member states have adopted resolutions declaring Venezuelan President Nicolás Since then, member states have adopted resolutions declaring Venezuelan President Nicolás
Maduro’s 2018 reelection illegitimateMaduro’s 2018 reelection illegitimate~~; recognizing~~ and urging member states to adopt diplomatic, political, and economic measures to facilitate the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.40 OAS member states also recognized an appointee of the former opposition- an appointee of the former opposition-
controlled National Assembly as Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the OAScontrolled National Assembly as Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the OAS~~; and urging~~
~~member states to adopt diplomatic, political, and economic measures to facilitate the restoration~~
~~of democracy in Venezuela.42~~ in 2019, but that representative departed the OAS in January 2023 and some member states have sought to recognize Maduro’s 2017 decision to withdraw Venezuela from the OAS.41
Human Rights Protection
During the initial decades following the IACHR’s 1959 creation, the commission’s During the initial decades following the IACHR’s 1959 creation, the commission’s
documentation of human rights violations brought international attention to the abuses of documentation of human rights violations brought international attention to the abuses of
repressive regimes. Although the human rights situation in the hemisphere has improved repressive regimes. Although the human rights situation in the hemisphere has improved
~~considerably with the spread of democracy, the IACHR continues to receive several thousand~~

Final Report, November 19, 2020, pp. 32-33.
~~38 See, for example, Gabriel Hetland, “The OAS Helped Undermine, Not Restore, Democracy in Bolivia,”~~ ~~Washington~~
~~Post, March 7, 2020. The explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-~~
~~103), directed the Secretary of State to solicit information from independent, internationally recognized experts~~
~~regarding the 2019 Bolivian elections and to submit a report evaluating the elections’ transparency and legitimacy and~~
~~progress in investigating those responsible for human rights violations during the electoral period.~~
39 Union, Election Expert Mission, Bolivia 2019: Final Report, November 19, 2020. 36 OAS, Secretariat for Political Affairs, Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, “Electoral Observation Missions and Recommendations Database,” at https://www.oas.org/eomdatabase/default.aspx?lang=en. 37 For more information, see CRS Insight IN11211, For more information, see CRS Insight IN11211, Corruption in Honduras: End of the Mission to Support the Fight
Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH). .
4038 Article 19 of the OAS charter states, “No State or group of States has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for Article 19 of the OAS charter states, “No State or group of States has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for
any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other State. The foregoing principle prohibits not only any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other State. The foregoing principle prohibits not only
armed force but also any other form of interference or attempted threat against the personality of the State or against its armed force but also any other form of interference or attempted threat against the personality of the State or against its
political, economic, and cultural elements.” political, economic, and cultural elements.”
4139 OAS, OAS, Resolution on the Recent Events in Venezuela, CP/RES. 1078 (2108/17), April 3, 2017. , CP/RES. 1078 (2108/17), April 3, 2017.
4240 See, for example, OAS, OAS, Resolution on the Situation in Venezuela, CP/RES. 1117 (2200/19), January 10, 2019; and OAS, , CP/RES. 1117 (2200/19), January 10, 2019; and OAS, Resolution on
the Situation in Venezuela, CP/RES. 1124 (2217/19) rev. 2, April 9, 2019. , CP/RES. 1124 (2217/19) rev. 2, April 9, 2019. ~~Although some member states have shifted~~
~~recognition back to the Maduro government, the ambassador appointed by the former opposition-controlled~~ 41 See, for example, Delegation of Antigua and Barbuda et al., Withdrawal of the Acceptance of a Permanent Representrative to the OAS Designated by the National National
Assembly Assembly ~~remains Venezuela’s permanent representative to the OAS~~of Venezuela of January 2019, draft resolution, October 3, 2022. .
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considerably with the spread of democracy, the IACHR continues to receive several thousand allegations of human rights violations annually.allegations of human rights violations annually.4342 The IACHR investigates alleged human rights The IACHR investigates alleged human rights
abuses, issues requests to governments to adopt “precautionary measures” to protect individuals abuses, issues requests to governments to adopt “precautionary measures” to protect individuals
or groups at risk of suffering abuses, and observes and reports on the general human rights or groups at risk of suffering abuses, and observes and reports on the general human rights
situations in OAS member states. Over the past decade, special independent teams of experts situations in OAS member states. Over the past decade, special independent teams of experts
established by the IACHR have conducted in-depth investigations into high-profile and politically established by the IACHR have conducted in-depth investigations into high-profile and politically
sensitive human rights issues, such as the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from Ayotzinapa, sensitive human rights issues, such as the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from Ayotzinapa,
Mexico; repression during the 2018 social protests in Nicaragua; and violence surrounding Mexico; repression during the 2018 social protests in Nicaragua; and violence surrounding
Bolivia’s 2019 elections. The IACHR also has created 13 rapporteurships to draw attention to Bolivia’s 2019 elections. The IACHR also has created 13 rapporteurships to draw attention to
certain human rights issues, such as freedom of expression, and to groups that are particularly at certain human rights issues, such as freedom of expression, and to groups that are particularly at
risk of human rights violations.risk of human rights violations.4443
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights, The Inter-American Court of Human Rights, ~~which the OAS~~ installed in San José, Costa Rica, in installed in San José, Costa Rica, in
1979, is a judicial institution charged with interpreting and applying the hemisphere’s human 1979, is a judicial institution charged with interpreting and applying the hemisphere’s human
rights conventions.rights conventions.4544 It considers cases submitted by the IACHR to determine whether OAS It considers cases submitted by the IACHR to determine whether OAS
member states are responsible for human rights violations and, if so, the measures to be adopted member states are responsible for human rights violations and, if so, the measures to be adopted
to redress the consequences of such violations. The court also provides advisory opinions to to redress the consequences of such violations. The court also provides advisory opinions to
member states and other OAS bodies, and it orders member states to adopt “provisional member states and other OAS bodies, and it orders member states to adopt “provisional
measures” to protect the rights of individuals or groups at urgent risk of suffering irreparable measures” to protect the rights of individuals or groups at urgent risk of suffering irreparable
harm. Currently, 20 OAS member states accept the court’s jurisdiction; the United States does harm. Currently, 20 OAS member states accept the court’s jurisdiction; the United States does
not.not.4645
The IACHR and the Inter-American Court are widely considered to be among the most effective The IACHR and the Inter-American Court are widely considered to be among the most effective
parts of the OAS. In the view of one expert, these bodies play a “pivotal role of condemnation parts of the OAS. In the view of one expert, these bodies play a “pivotal role of condemnation
and early warning in response to situations that undermine the consolidation of democracy and and early warning in response to situations that undermine the consolidation of democracy and
rule of law” in the hemisphere and “protect the rights of individuals when they are not duly rule of law” in the hemisphere and “protect the rights of individuals when they are not duly
guaranteed at the domestic level.”guaranteed at the domestic level.”4746 However, some analysts and member states have criticized However, some analysts and member states have criticized
the IACHR and the court for weighing in on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, the IACHR and the court for weighing in on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion,
which they argue are outside the bodies’ mandates under inter-American treaties.which they argue are outside the bodies’ mandates under inter-American treaties.4847
Economic and Social Development
The OAS greatly expanded its economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technological programs The OAS greatly expanded its economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technological programs
in the 1960s, coinciding with President John F. Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress to promote in the 1960s, coinciding with President John F. Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress to promote

4342 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), “Statistics,” at https://www.oas.org/en/iachr/multimedia/ Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), “Statistics,” at https://www.oas.org/en/iachr/multimedia/
statistics/statistics.html. statistics/statistics.html.
4443 The 13 thematic rapporteurships focus on freedom of expression; economic, social, cultural, and environmental The 13 thematic rapporteurships focus on freedom of expression; economic, social, cultural, and environmental
rights; memory, truth, and justice; and the rights of Indigenous peoples; women; migrants; children; human rights rights; memory, truth, and justice; and the rights of Indigenous peoples; women; migrants; children; human rights
defenders; persons deprived of liberty; Afro-descendants; lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, and intersex persons; older defenders; persons deprived of liberty; Afro-descendants; lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, and intersex persons; older
persons; and persons with disabilities. persons; and persons with disabilities.
4544 The hemisphere’s human rights conventions are available at https://www.oas.org/en/IACHR/jsForm/?File=/en/iachr/ The hemisphere’s human rights conventions are available at https://www.oas.org/en/IACHR/jsForm/?File=/en/iachr/
mandate/basic_documents.asp. mandate/basic_documents.asp.
4645 The United States has not ratified any of the inter-American human rights conventions. The United States is subject The United States has not ratified any of the inter-American human rights conventions. The United States is subject
to the jurisdiction of the IACHR under the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (adopted in 1948 to the jurisdiction of the IACHR under the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (adopted in 1948
alongside the OAS charter), but the U.S. government argues that the declaration does not create legally binding alongside the OAS charter), but the U.S. government argues that the declaration does not create legally binding
obligations. obligations.
4746 Ariel E. Dulitzky, “Twenty Reflections on the Process of Reflection,” Ariel E. Dulitzky, “Twenty Reflections on the Process of Reflection,” Aportes: Magazine of the Due Process of Law
Foundation, vol. 5, no. 16 (June 2012), p. 11. , vol. 5, no. 16 (June 2012), p. 11.
4847 Alfonso Aguilar, testimony before the U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Alfonso Aguilar, testimony before the U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the
Western Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere, Advancing U.S. Interests Through the Organization of American States, 115th Cong., 2nd sess., , 115th Cong., 2nd sess.,
February 14, 2018; and Gobierno de Guatemala, “Presidente Giammattei Rechaza Presiones de Comisión February 14, 2018; and Gobierno de Guatemala, “Presidente Giammattei Rechaza Presiones de Comisión
Interamericana de Derechos Humanos de la OEA,” June 28, 2022. Interamericana de Derechos Humanos de la OEA,” June 28, 2022.
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development in Latin America. Although the region has made considerable strides in terms of development in Latin America. Although the region has made considerable strides in terms of
economic growth and social inclusion, poverty and inequality levels remain high in many economic growth and social inclusion, poverty and inequality levels remain high in many
countries and the OAS continues to support development efforts today. The Secretariat for countries and the OAS continues to support development efforts today. The Secretariat for
Integral Development provides a wide array of training and capacity-building support to member Integral Development provides a wide array of training and capacity-building support to member
states regarding economic, human, and sustainable development. It also fosters policy dialogue states regarding economic, human, and sustainable development. It also fosters policy dialogue
and serves as a clearinghouse for best practices. In 2020, for example, the OAS launched an and serves as a clearinghouse for best practices. In 2020, for example, the OAS launched an
online portal to compile research, host virtual forums, and solicit ideas to help member states online portal to compile research, host virtual forums, and solicit ideas to help member states
respond to, and recover from, the COVID-19 pandemic. respond to, and recover from, the COVID-19 pandemic. ~~In 2021, the organization~~The OAS has approved approved
$1.8 million in seed funding through its Development Cooperation Fund to support national and $1.8 million in seed funding through its Development Cooperation Fund to support national and
multinational projects focused on “Inclusive Resilience for an Effective Recoverymultinational projects focused on “Inclusive Resilience for an Effective Recovery~~.”49~~” between 2021 and 2024.48
Some analysts assert that the accumulation of development programs at the OAS has stretched the Some analysts assert that the accumulation of development programs at the OAS has stretched the
organization’s mandate and resources while undermining its efficiency. They contend the OAS organization’s mandate and resources while undermining its efficiency. They contend the OAS
should transfer such programs to other institutions, such as the Inter-American Development should transfer such programs to other institutions, such as the Inter-American Development
Bank, so it can focus more clearly on the remaining portions of its mission.Bank, so it can focus more clearly on the remaining portions of its mission.5049 Conversely, some Conversely, some
member states—particularly small Caribbean countries—argue the OAS has placed too much member states—particularly small Caribbean countries—argue the OAS has placed too much
emphasis on democracy and human rights issues and should reprioritize development efforts.emphasis on democracy and human rights issues and should reprioritize development efforts.5150
Regional Security Cooperation
The OAS has dedicated greater attention to hemispheric security issues over the past two decades The OAS has dedicated greater attention to hemispheric security issues over the past two decades
as member states have become more concerned about transnational threats. In 2005, the OAS as member states have become more concerned about transnational threats. In 2005, the OAS
created the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security in an attempt to address security issues in a created the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security in an attempt to address security issues in a
more comprehensive manner and better coordinate member states’ efforts. The Secretariat more comprehensive manner and better coordinate member states’ efforts. The Secretariat
supports a wide variety of activities, including efforts to reduce gang violence, prevent human supports a wide variety of activities, including efforts to reduce gang violence, prevent human
trafficking, and remove land mines. The OAS also supports regional coordination on trafficking, and remove land mines. The OAS also supports regional coordination on
cybersecurity and counterterrorism efforts through the Inter-American Committee Against cybersecurity and counterterrorism efforts through the Inter-American Committee Against
Terrorism (CICTE). In Terrorism (CICTE). In ~~2020, CICTE helped Ecuador develop a national cybersecurity strategy,~~
~~trained more than 500~~2021, CICTE assisted Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, and Jamaica with the development of cybersecurity policies and strategies; trained more than 100 public and private sector representatives from public and private sector representatives from ~~Panama and Paraguay on the~~
~~implementation of targeted financial sanctions, and began implementing a three-year program to~~
~~strengthen biosecurity and biosafety in Latin America, among other actions.52~~Caribbean Community countries on major event security; and continued to implement a project to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in eight beneficiary countries; among other actions.51
OAS member states coordinate anti-drug efforts through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control OAS member states coordinate anti-drug efforts through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission (CICAD). CICAD assists OAS member states in strengthening their anti-drug Commission (CICAD). CICAD assists OAS member states in strengthening their anti-drug
policies by developing and recommending legislation, providing technical assistance and policies by developing and recommending legislation, providing technical assistance and
specialized training, and conducting assessments. In December 2020, after a year-long process led specialized training, and conducting assessments. In December 2020, after a year-long process led
by the United States, CICAD adopted a new Hemispheric Drug Strategy and a Hemispheric Plan by the United States, CICAD adopted a new Hemispheric Drug Strategy and a Hemispheric Plan
of Action on Drugs for 2021-2025. Among other changes, the updated plan of action calls for of Action on Drugs for 2021-2025. Among other changes, the updated plan of action calls for

~~49 OAS Audit Committee,~~ ~~Annual Audit of Accounts and Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2021~~
~~and 2020, Report to the Permanent Council, JAE/Doc.5222, June 15, 2022, pp. 26-27.~~
5048 OAS, “Development Cooperation Fund,” at https://www.oas.org/ext/en/development/cooperanet/Development-Cooperation-Fund. 49 Ben Raderstorf and Michael Shifter, Ben Raderstorf and Michael Shifter, Rebuilding Hemispheric Consensus: A Reform Agenda for the Organization of
American States, Inter-American Dialogue, February 2018, pp. 15-16. , Inter-American Dialogue, February 2018, pp. 15-16.
5150 See, for example, Anton Edmunds, Ambassador of St. Lucia to the United States, remarks during a virtual Center for See, for example, Anton Edmunds, Ambassador of St. Lucia to the United States, remarks during a virtual Center for
Strategic and International Studies event on “A New Agenda for the Hemisphere: Perspectives from Ambassadors,” Strategic and International Studies event on “A New Agenda for the Hemisphere: Perspectives from Ambassadors,”
August 16, 2021. August 16, 2021.
5251 Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, 2021 Annual Report ~~2020~~ of the Inter-American Committee Against
Terrorism (CICTE) to the Fifty-~~First~~Second Regular Session of the General Assembly, CICTE/doc., CICTE/doc.~~7/21~~5/22 rev. 1, rev. 1, ~~October 8,~~
~~2021~~July 27, 2022. .
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member states to strengthen national measures to address the threat of fentanyl-related substances member states to strengthen national measures to address the threat of fentanyl-related substances
and nonmedical synthetic opioids.and nonmedical synthetic opioids.5352
Looking Ahead: Issues for Congress
The countries of the Western Hemisphere are contending with numerous challenges, including The countries of the Western Hemisphere are contending with numerous challenges, including
democratic backsliding, democratic backsliding, ~~transnational crime, and the health and economic effects of the COVID-~~
~~19 pandemic.~~difficult socioeconomic conditions, and transnational crime.53 As the preeminent multilateral forum in the hemisphere, the OAS is well placed to As the preeminent multilateral forum in the hemisphere, the OAS is well placed to
facilitate regional cooperation on such issues, though it must overcome political differences facilitate regional cooperation on such issues, though it must overcome political differences
among member states and internal financial constraints. Members of Congress may seek to among member states and internal financial constraints. Members of Congress may seek to
influence OAS actions and U.S. policy toward the organization through a variety of oversight and influence OAS actions and U.S. policy toward the organization through a variety of oversight and
legislative activities. legislative activities.
Oversight. Over the past decade, Congress has enacted the OAS Revitalization and Reform Act . Over the past decade, Congress has enacted the OAS Revitalization and Reform Act
of 2013 (P.L. 113-41) and the OAS Legislative Engagement Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-343), which of 2013 (P.L. 113-41) and the OAS Legislative Engagement Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-343), which
were intended to strengthen the OAS and increase congressional involvement in the organization. were intended to strengthen the OAS and increase congressional involvement in the organization.
Congress may oversee how the Biden Administration is complying with the directives included in Congress may oversee how the Biden Administration is complying with the directives included in
those measures and the extent to which the OAS is adopting Congress’s recommended reforms. those measures and the extent to which the OAS is adopting Congress’s recommended reforms.
Congress also may conduct oversight over other U.S. policies in the Western Hemisphere and Congress also may conduct oversight over other U.S. policies in the Western Hemisphere and
consider the extent to which OAS actions align with U.S. objectives. consider the extent to which OAS actions align with U.S. objectives.
Appropriations. . ~~In the remainder of the 117th Congress, Members may conclude action on~~
~~FY2023 SFOPS appropriations or consider a continuing resolution to maintain funding for such~~
~~programs~~Congress may examine the President’s FY2024 funding request for the OAS as part of the SFOPS appropriations process. Appropriations legislation may include funding for the U.S. assessed contribution to . Appropriations legislation may include funding for the U.S. assessed contribution to
the OAS and other international organizations as well as voluntary contributions to support the OAS and other international organizations as well as voluntary contributions to support
particular OAS activities or objectives. Congress also could consider tying a portion of the funds particular OAS activities or objectives. Congress also could consider tying a portion of the funds
appropriated for the OAS to certain Administration or OAS actions. appropriated for the OAS to certain Administration or OAS actions.
Other Legislation. In addition to appropriating funding for the OAS, Congress may consider In addition to appropriating funding for the OAS, Congress may consider
other legislative measures intended to strengthen the organization or support OAS objectives. For other legislative measures intended to strengthen the organization or support OAS objectives. For
example, the Upholding the Inter-American Democratic Charter Act of 2022 (S. 4285example, the Upholding the Inter-American Democratic Charter Act of 2022 (S. 4285),
~~introduced in May 2022, would direct~~, 117th Congress) would have directed the Secretary of State to develop and implement a multi- the Secretary of State to develop and implement a multi-
year strategy to uphold and strengthen the Inter-American Democratic Charter, including through year strategy to uphold and strengthen the Inter-American Democratic Charter, including through
diplomatic engagement at the OAS. diplomatic engagement at the OAS.
Advice and Consent. The Senate could shape U.S. policy toward the OAS . The Senate could shape U.S. policy toward the OAS ~~using its right to~~
~~provide advice and consent on nominations and treaties. The Senate may vote on President~~
~~Biden’s nomination of Francisco Mora to be the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS~~
~~(PN953), which was received in the Senate in August 2021 and reported favorably by the Senate~~
~~Committee on Foreign Relations in June 2022. The Senate also could consider various~~by considering various inter-American treaties treaties
that the United States that the United States ~~negotiated and signed~~has negotiated at the at the ~~OAS~~organization but has not ratified. For example, the but has not ratified. For example, the
American Convention on Human Rights (Treaty Doc. 95-21), the hemisphere’s primary human American Convention on Human Rights (Treaty Doc. 95-21), the hemisphere’s primary human
rights treaty, has been awaiting the advice and consent of the Senate since 1978, and the Inter-rights treaty, has been awaiting the advice and consent of the Senate since 1978, and the Inter-
American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking of Firearms, American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking of Firearms,
Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (Treaty Doc. 105-49) has been awaiting Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (Treaty Doc. 105-49) has been awaiting
the advice and consent of the Senate since 1998. the advice and consent of the Senate since 1998.

5352 Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs 2021-2025, ,
CICAD/doc.2533/20, December 10, 2020, p. 8. CICAD/doc.2533/20, December 10, 2020, p. 8.
53 For more information, see CRS Insight IN12092, Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 118th Congress. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Author Information

Peter J. Meyer Peter J. Meyer

Specialist in Latin American and Canadian Affairs Specialist in Latin American and Canadian Affairs

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