Brazil assumed the chairmanship of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) on April 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s diplomatic efforts. As the Brazilian mandate comes to an end on June 30, 2025, Brazil will lead the preparatory work and negotiations for the General Assembly, with a focus on strengthening democracy, human rights, and social issues.
The Permanent Council is the most important political body of the OAS after the General Assembly, overseeing the implementation of mandates adopted by member states in areas such as hemispheric security, legal and international law matters, and the Organization’s administrative and budgetary affairs. As chair, Brazil will work to improve procedural rules, increasing transparency, predictability, and legal certainty in negotiations and deliberations.
Brazil values the OAS as a fundamental forum for democracy, peace, human rights, and security in the region, considering it essential for the Organization to enhance its development pillar to directly benefit the peoples of the Americas. During its chairmanship, Brazil will prioritize open, transparent, and inclusive negotiations, working to foster an environment conducive to seeking joint solutions to common challenges.
The Brazilian government has also emphasized the importance of social inclusion, with a focus on creating synergies between the inter-American system and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Close coordination between the Permanent Council and the Inter-American Council for Integral Development will be crucial in this effort.
Furthermore, Brazil intends to intensify efforts in overcoming racism and all forms of discrimination, reflecting its diplomatic vocation for dialogue and consensus-building. The process leading to the negotiation of an inter-American declaration on the rights of Afro-descendant persons will receive renewed political momentum under Brazilian leadership.
Brazil’s commitment to multilateralism and international law is guided by its firm principle of sovereign equality among states. This principle is enshrined in the OAS Charter and will be reflected in Brazil’s chairmanship, ensuring opportunities for all delegations to participate actively in debates and decision-making processes without distinction.
- Preparatory work and negotiations for the General Assembly
- Strengthening democracy, human rights, and social issues
- Improving procedural rules for increased transparency and predictability
- Enhancing development pillar to directly benefit the peoples of the Americas
- Overcoming racism and all forms of discrimination through dialogue and consensus-building
As Brazil assumes its chairmanship, it will contribute to the OAS’s efforts to address common challenges and promote joint solutions. The organization’s development pillar is essential for directly benefiting the peoples of the Americas, and Brazil’s commitment to social inclusion and human rights will be crucial in this effort.
In conclusion, Brazil’s assumption of the OAS Permanent Council chairmanship reflects its commitment to multilateralism, social inclusion, and human rights. As it navigates its six-month term, Brazil will work to foster an environment conducive to seeking joint solutions with its fellow member states, ensuring opportunities for all delegations to participate in debates and decision-making processes without distinction.