Summit of the Americas
My intended remarks for the Civil Society and Social Actors Meeting
Earlier this week, I was unable to attend the Civil Society and Social Actors meeting at the Summit of the Americas, an amazing gathering of representatives from over 30 organizations working to promote democracy, human rights and citizen-responsive governance in Latin America. Their work is important, and I am sorry I was not able to join them. To show my support, I wanted to share the remarks I prepared to deliver to the group.
Peru is a particularly appropriate venue for this summit, and for civil society to gather. I’ve been in this business long enough to remember 25 years ago, when the Sendero Luminoso seemed to be on the verge of overrunning much of the countryside.
It’s hard to think of a better contrast to their vision of Maoist totalitarianism than this event.
We have before us delegations from more than 30 countries, members of dozens of civil society coalitions, and representatives of youth, indigenous, and labor organizations here today, taking advantage of the opportunity to make their voices heard.
The United States remains deeply committed to promoting human rights and democracy, as well as helping reduce corruption, in all of the Americas.
Over the past few years, we have witnessed a wave of anti-corruption movements across the hemisphere, which will strengthen democratic governance, improve the human rights environment, and can only mean good things for economic growth.
For this forum, our top priority is empowering the free, safe and genuine participation of independent civil society organizations, whose members risk their lives in the pursuit of transparency and other fundamental rights and freedoms.
At a time when non-governmental organizations are facing increasing suppression in multiple countries, the United States believes that it is imperative that we work closely together to support the vital role that you all play.
And so I won’t mince words.
I believe the democracies of the Americas must strongly condemn the snap elections called by Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Under the current conditions, these elections will not be free or fair.
At the same time, I also want to make clear that USAID is strongly committed to helping the people of Venezuela, both inside and outside its borders.
In Colombia, we are already helping to provide much-needed food and medicine to those fleeing the Maduro regime. Next, we will work with Brazilian authorities to support those Venezuelans seeking safety in Brazil. Sadly, experts at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees expect more than 1.7 million Venezuelans will flee their country this year.
Likewise, the U.S. will continue to support human rights and civil society groups in Venezuela in their efforts to hold the Maduro regime accountable.
It is because of their heroic efforts that we can see the abuses being committed every single day.
The so-called “elections” in Cuba will have no more legitimacy than any vote ever has where only one party is allowed on the ballot.
The Castro regime can go through the motions, but if I may borrow a phrase from Mario Vargas Llosa, we know that it’s still “a brutal dictatorship, and the longest in Latin American history.”
Even leading up to this gathering, the homes of civil society leaders have been raided, and some of those who planned to be here were told by the regime that they are suddenly not allowed to travel.
In fact, when Cubans try to get visas, their passports are often simply confiscated altogether.
That’s what a regime does when it’s afraid of its own people, and until it changes, USAID will not waiver in our support for human rights and real democracy on that beautiful island.
Finally, in Nicaragua, the U.S. remains concerned about Daniel Ortega’s closing of the democratic space, ongoing human rights abuses, and his government’s intimidation of civil society organizations, including indigenous communities.
Not to mention the increasing spread of corruption throughout the government.
They need not look far for examples of a better way. Organizations like the UN International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, and the Organization of American States (OAS) Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras, have done remarkable work under difficult circumstances.
Likewise we look forward to the selection of new, highly qualified, independent Attorneys General in Central America, a commitment to strengthening the rule of law and building on the progress made by their predecessors in the fight against corruption and impunity.
When people are free to cast meaningful ballots, speak their minds and hold their leaders accountable, governments are more responsive and more effective.
We believe a vibrant and engaged civil society is inextricably linked with a nation’s democratic health and resulting economic prosperity.
Working together, we can address these challenges, create more opportunities for the people of the Americas, and contribute to more prosperous economies and communities at the same time.
About the Author
Mark Green is the Administrator of USAID. Follow him @USAIDMarkGreen.
