The principles of international law on which the inter-American system is founded

We thank the Chair of the Permanent Council for including this item on the agenda, and the Permanent Mission of Mexico for its diligent and timely efforts to bring about this meeting.

We likewise thank the panelists, who have shared with us their reflections on the principles of international law on which the inter-American system is founded. Their contributions lead us to reflect on the role that the OAS, as the principal forum for dialogue and consensus-building in the Americas, must maintain in response to the present historical moment. It is therefore imperative to revive the debate among the Member States on the scope of its mandate and on its future.

Mr. Chair,

The Dominican Republic was among the first States to sign the OAS Charter, adopted in Bogotá, Colombia, almost 75 years ago, and as such we recognize the importance that this subject has had for our entire region from the beginning.

The principles of international law contained in both the Charter of the United Nations and the OAS Charter guide the relations and conduct of the inter-American system and of us, its members.

In the judgment of many experts, a judgment we share, these fundamental principles are the basis for the maintenance of peace in our Hemisphere. They have allowed us to develop as a society of nations, with very clear self-imposed limits and mechanisms for responding to crises. It is something that should fill us with pride and satisfaction. Other regions of the world could only wish for virtuous dynamics such as those we have developed for more than a century.

Most of these principles we have incorporated into our law and practice. Special mention is due to the principle of non-intervention, enshrined in the OAS Charter and in resolution 2131 of the United Nations General Assembly, which we have incorporated in Article 3 of our Constitution.

But throughout our legislation, and also in the conduct of our foreign policy, our recognition of and adherence to the principles of self-determination, the peaceful settlement of disputes, cooperation, the sovereign equality of States, the defense of democracy, the protection of the environment and, no less important, the promotion and defense of human rights are also clearly evident.

Yet principles do not operate in a vacuum or in the individual solitude of each State. They are also sustained by an institutional framework. Here recognition is due to this Organization of American States (OAS). Since its founding, as the principal regional political forum, it has been an actor in responding, in the light of the principles to which we have referred, to complex situations arising in the member countries. The objective has not always been achieved, and at times the approach has been mistaken; but the truth is that the historical balance is positive and of immense value.

That is why we are committed to the application of the principles and values of the inter-American system, and why we feel bound to cooperate in the search for appropriate solutions that can serve as precedents for facing future contentious situations or even crises.

We further reiterate what we have consistently stated in this Organization and in other multilateral forums: we firmly believe in the pursuit of the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Organization of American States and the inter-American system have served that purpose, and we consider that, to a large extent, our continent has been, is and will be one of peace because of political spaces such as this one.

We also recognize the incalculable value the inter-American system has had in the harmonization of private international law in the Americas, from the First Inter-American Specialized Conference on Private International Law in Panama in the early 1970s, which dealt with commercial companies, maritime transport, arbitration, bills of exchange and the recognition and enforcement of judgments, among other matters, to the later conferences on adoption, the carriage of passengers, air traffic, bankruptcy, and commercial and financial guarantees.

In short, the inter-American order based on cooperation and rules, together with the singular political recognition and esteem it enjoys, has made it possible to move forward on emerging issues without major distractions at each moment of history.

Finally, the Dominican Republic reiterates its commitment to upholding the common principles and values that unite us as a society, and we will continue to contribute as a reliable partner, promoting the unity and strengthening of the region of the Americas.

Thank you very much.