Panama Calls on the OAS to Take Action Against the Democratic Decline in the Region

Panama called on the Organization of American States (OAS) to address regional democratic erosion. During the 56th OAS General Assembly hosted in Panama City, Panama’s leadership explicitly focused the hemispheric agenda on confronting democratic decline and the ongoing crises in nations like Venezuela and Nicaragua. Panama reiterated its commitment to democracy, human rights and multilateralism on Monday during the First Plenary Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), which is being held in the country. 

Luis Almagro, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), in his speech, maintained that democracy is the pillar of the inter-American system and pointed out that the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter must be applied consistently, without exceptions or double standards. He is calling for robust, uncompromising regional defenses of democracy, particularly regarding the political crises in Venezuela and Nicaragua.