Remarks delivered by Ms. Gloria de Mees LL.M. at the meeting regarding the Social Charter of the Americas, Caracas, Venezuela, August 29, 2005.

Esteemed Madam Chair,

Distinguised gathering,

It gives me great pleasure to represent my country here today in Caracas at the launch of the discussions regarding the founding of the Social Charter of the Americas.  

At this moment I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to extend the warmest greetings of His Excellency President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan to His Excellency President Hugo Chavez Freas and the People of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Let me also seize this opportunity to thank the Government of Venezuela for the warm and hospitable welcome and the generosity my delegation received, since the arrival in this wonderful city, as well as for the excellent arrangements made, with the view to a successful conclusion of this significant gathering.

Due to the inauguration of the new Cabinet under the leadership of President Venetiaan which will take place later this week in Paramaribo, the Government of Suriname has been unable to participate at the highest possible echelon at this conference. Nevertheless my presence here today is testimony of the commitment by the Government of the Republic of Suriname to the establishment of a feasible and effective ‘Social Charter’ for our hemisphere, despite the various challenges we are called upon to face from time to time.  

Esteemed Madam Chair,

The Government of Suriname wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the Government of Venezuela for the significant and valuable role and leadership it has played in this process of bringing the subject of a Social Charter on the agenda of the Organization of American States.

A much needed Social Charter, essential at the time when the countries of the Americas are vehemently working towards the establishment of the worlds largest free trade area. It is for that reason important for the countries involved in this process, not just too simply remove the scores of trade and investment barriers that exits in this hemisphere, but more significantly to set up and guarantee a firm collection of social principles and rights for their citizens.  

With respect to the institutionalization of social rights for the citizens of OAS member countries, I am pleased to bring to mind that Suriname was the first member state of the Organization of American States that ratified the Protocol of San Salvador on February 28, 1990. This Protocol was aimed at finding solutions for the longstanding social in-equability in the hemisphere, but has regrettably not delivered on its expectations.  

We are once again at the embarkation of an important political process which must significantly improve the lives of our Peoples. It is therefore eminent to make certain that this ‘new’ Social Charter guarantees that the living standards in all the Americas improve significantly rather then decline.  

The ‘new’ Social Charter therefore must encapsulate a general vision that is formulated through an open and inclusive process which obtains the participation of a broad spectrum of participants, including civil society.

In that respect the Charter should also need to adopt broad goals and objectives for national action in a variety of spheres ranging from poverty alleviation to the creation and the guarantee of jobs, as well as the security of health and education, and the improvement of the social and cultural rights of indigenous peoples, women, youth and children.  

Inclosing, allow me to quote an extract from a statement delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname, Her Excellency Maria E. Levens at the recent General Assembly of the OAS held last June in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, quote:

“The eradication of poverty must remain our primary concern and focus, for its persistence will continue to undermine democracy in our hemisphere. It should therefore be the primary effort of our Governments to transform their hemispheric policies in such a way that democracy exits side by side with social progress so that the most sought after benefits of democracy can be received and enjoyed by all” u nquote.

This statement noticeably summarizes the opinion of the Government of Suriname with respect to its desire regarding the advancement of the social principles in our hemisphere. The Government therefore stands ready to work in close relationship with all partners involved on the creation of an effective and just Social Charter of the Americas.  

I thank you very much for your attention.

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