St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – June 26, 2025
In a speech at the Organization of American States General Assembly, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the importance of the organization’s relevance in addressing pressing issues in the Western Hemisphere. Landau, who has spent extensive time living in various countries across the region, stressed the need for tangible results from the OAS to justify its existence.
The deputy secretary acknowledged the deep roots of the organization, dating back nearly 150 years, but expressed concerns about its ability to address contemporary challenges such as Venezuela’s ongoing crisis and Haiti’s security situation. Landau questioned whether the OAS has been effective in promoting peace, justice, solidarity, and sovereignty among member states.
Landau highlighted the case of Venezuela, where a brazenly stolen election has led to widespread poverty and political repression. He noted that many nations represented at the assembly are home to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees, yet the OAS has failed to respond effectively.
The deputy secretary also touched upon the crisis in Haiti, where armed gangs control the streets and public order has collapsed. Landau commended efforts by a Kenyan-led multilateral force to restore security, but expressed frustration that the US is shouldering an almost $1 billion financial burden alone.
Landau emphasized that the US welcomes a role for the OAS in responding to these crises, but only if it can demonstrate constructive engagement and tangible results. He urged member states to prioritize human rights abuses and violations, particularly where domestic remedies are unavailable, and expressed support for the nomination of Rosa María Payá to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
The deputy secretary concluded by stating that the US is uniquely positioned to be an active partner in the hemisphere, but only if the OAS can demonstrate its ability to achieve meaningful outcomes. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the organization through action rather than rhetoric.
Related Tags:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
- Caribbean
- Deputy Secretary of State
- Foreign Policy
- Haiti
- Office of the Spokesperson
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Venezuela
This article was generated based on official press materials and is intended for general public consumption. , please contact the US Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson.