10th OAS hemispheric forum with civil society: “Toward a Comprehensive Anti-Drug Policy in the Americas”

During the 43rd OAS General Assembly that will take place in Antigua, Guatemala on June 4-6, 2013, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Americas will discuss priority issues for the region and approve resolutions related to the pillars of the OAS, including multidimensional security, with a special emphasis on the fight against drugs; the promotion and protection of human rights; strengthening democracy and citizen participation; fostering integral development; and supporting inter-American legal cooperation.

In preparation for the 43rd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, on May 9, 2013 the Department of International Affairs of the Secretary for External Relations, with the generous support of the Governments of Canada, Chile and the United States, will hold the 10th Hemispheric Forum with Civil Society and Social Actors in order to offer its participants an opportunity to exchange ideas and develop proposals and recommendations about the main theme of the upcoming General Assembly, “Toward a Comprehensive Anti-Drug Policy in the Americas.”

The recommendations resulting from this 10th Hemispheric Forum will be presented the following day, May 10, by representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) in a joint Special Session of the Committee on Inter-American Summits Management and Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities (CISC) and the Preparatory Committee of the General Assembly. These recommendations will contribute to the Member States’ deliberations of the Draft Declaration and the resolutions related to the inter-American agenda, to be adopted in the 43rd OAS General Assembly.

The Forum is open to all interested civil society organizations (CSO) and social actors. All participants should complete the online registration form to confirm their attendance no later than Monday, April 29, 2013 at 5:30pm.

With the goal of facilitating increased civil society participation and assuring a balanced thematic and geographic representation, the OAS Department of International Affairs (DIA) will offer financial support to a limited number of representatives including the cost of a round-trip, economy class flight from the city of origin to Washington, D.C. and/or hotel expenses.

As selection criteria, this Department will consider the requests for participation from interested CSO and social actors based on the following:

1. Equitable gender and geographic representation;
2. Relevant experience and background in the subject areas in question;
3. Member of regional, subregional, and national networks; and
4. Participation in the Virtual Forum "Toward a Comprehensive Anti-Drug Policy in the Americas", held through the Summits Virtual Community (SVC).

For additional information, please visit the OAS Civil Society Website or contact the Department of International Affairs by telephone (202) 370-0746, or email at civilsociety@oas.org.

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