In 1948 the Organization of American States (OAS) was created for the purpose of regional solidarity and cooperation among its member states. The OAS began with 35 countries; now 34, as Cuba was suspended on violations of democracy.
Seeking to guarantee freedom and justice for the countries, an instrument called the Democratic Charter was signed by member states on September 11th, 2001 (an ironic coincidence). This charter was defined as a mandatory agreement to protect democracy through a series of specific measures and mechanisms, preventing anti-democratic governments from gaining influence in the region.
One the principal sponsors for the Democratic Charter was Venezuela. At that time new and unstable, the leftist government in Venezuela sought to protect its democratic administration from a possible coup. Through this agreement, the OAS established that democracy is not a privilege, but rather a right of every inhabitant of the Americas. Furthermore, five essential elements for democracy were detailed: periodic elections, protection of human rights, access to fair processes of law, a system of checks and balances in the public administration, and pluralism in the political system.
A few weeks ago, the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, presented to the General Assembly a 132 page report on Venezuela and its violations to the democratic state. The report points out an institutional, political, social, health, and economic crisis in the country. The government led by Nicolas Maduro is effectively declared as a dictatorship in this report; as a result, it requests that the Democratic Charter be activated to reestablish freedom and justice to Venezuela.
If you wanna see more about the situation in Venezuela check this #SOSVenezuela video:
The General Assembly voted in favor of this request and measures are now being discussed. The situation becomes more dramatic with Maduro's rejection of this resolution and subsequent threat to leave the organization. President Maduro even accused the recently elected congress (containing mostly opposition politicians) of conspiracy, threatening to sue the elected supreme court representatives for treason.
Well, now what?
For the first time, no matter how difficult or even discouraging it seems, latin american countries and politicians are trying to follow the law. The use of diplomacy is actually getting political backing and some actions are being taken.
I believe in a civilized, diplomatic transition from the current Venezuelan regime to a truly democratic government, even though so many people only believe in change when blood is spilt. Technically speaking, the Americas have spoken: Venezuela is under a dictatorship. The plan for a resolution, one with a clear, non-belligerent path that causes no more pain or suffering for Venezuelan citizens, is awaited. If political pressure from the international community occurs (what all these nice institutions and organizations were intended for), there is a plausible path towards the ultimate court.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already judged a dictator in the past, when humanitarian crises were made the emphasis of his crimes. The ICC's jurisdiction has been vetted and validated for cases involving crimes against humanity, a category under which the political persecutions, unlawful incarcerations, and current health and food crises in Venezuela could fall.
The conclusion of this story is that we have organizations, laws, and sometimes even the political will to find justice in this modern world. Now, the difficulty is determining who the main actor in the show is, and how relevant this justice is to them. Venezuela is small country that may seem unimportant to some, just another crisis in a distant land, but this place is my home, full of people I love and care about. People with hopes and ambitions like any other, people like you, people that want to have a good life. Venezuela is a place that deserves freedom and justice and the world is finally paying attention. I hope.
