Joint Statement by the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Ms. Susana Malcorra, and the US Secretary of State, Mr. John F. Kerry, in support of the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Human Rights System.

The Argentine Republic and the United States renew their support for the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Human Rights System. They note that their active engagement at the OAS is essential to advancing the shared values and goals of all Member States.

Both countries affirm that OAS Charter principles—democracy, human rights, security, rule of law and development for all the peoples of the Americas—remain as enduring as its values remain sound.

Argentina and the United States are committed to working together towards strengthening the OAS, welcoming calls to focus the Organization on its core mandate of promoting and protecting human rights and democracy in all 35 OAS Member States.

They underscore that the OAS has the responsibility to uphold the principles of the OAS Charter, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, and that all Member States have a responsibility to fulfil their commitments and obligations under these instruments.

They also express an enduring commitment to supporting the independence, integrity, and effectiveness of the Inter-American Human Rights System, including the Commission and the Court, so as to promote and defend the human rights and dignity of all persons in the Americas.

Argentina and the United States have decided to work together towards achieving consensus among member states to make the OAS more relevant, efficient, effective, financially sound, and focused on delivering results that help to ensure a region that is more democratic, safe, and prosperous for all its people.