The United States, the Organization of American States and Venezuela

Recently, there has been an important debate within the U.S. House of Representatives about whether or not to continue the United States’ contribution to the Organization of American States. The country contributes approximately $48 million to the organization. That is close to 60 percent of its annual budget. If the United States decides to eliminate its entire contribution, it may signify the virtual death of the OAS.

Republicans and Democrats have differing visions on this topic. A Republican representative argued, for example, that in reality, the OAS has not defended democracy in Latin America, but has contributed to destroying it instead. On the other hand, some Democratic representatives argue that the OAS has played a positive role in the region, maintaining that the withdrawal U.S. funding would constitute supporting the agenda of Hugo Chavez.

It is probable that in the end, the Democrat-controlled Senate will choose to maintain the U.S.’ financial support of the OAS. Nevertheless, the debate has demonstrated two completely opposing views concerning U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America.

However, the result of this debate may have specific implications for Venezuela. Until now, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court on Human Rights are the only organs of the OAS that have had a significant role in defending democracy in Venezuela. In general, the rest of the OAS, with a few short-term exceptions, has observed what has been happening in our country with lamentable silence.

Right now, the hope is that the political organs of the OAS would, in an extreme case such as the disregarding of an adverse election result by the Venezuelan government, finally end their silence and speak out in defense of our democracy.

For Venezuela, which may be the best example of the uselessness of the political organs of the OAS in defending democracy, an eventual, definite end to the international organization would be bad news in every way.

Taking into account the reality in Venezuela and the shady role that the OAS has played, a better way the United States can aid Venezuelan democracy would be to require that at least 50 percent of the U.S.’ contribution to the OAS be directed to the IACHR and the Inter-American Court on Human Rights.

Doing this will maintain, if reduce, the existence of the political organs and other secondary aspects of the organization, reinforcing the important role that the human rights organs of the OAS play. This is the fundamental justification for the continual existence of this organization.