Foreign ministers from around the Americas met here June 4-6 to focus on strengthening democracy and human security in the region. Much of the discussion centered on the recent elections in Peru and on the OAS Electoral Observation Mission's report about the process. At Canada's initiative, the ministers also discussed issues related to human security, a concept that examines threats to stability from the point of view of citizens instead of governments.
Protesters make their voices heard outside the meeting halls in Windsor.
It encompasses such priorities as eliminating poverty, ensuring access to basic education and health services, promoting human rights, eradicating disease and protecting the environment, she explained. A human-security perspective addresses the needs of all people, she added, including women, children, indigenous people and others who are often left behind. Woven throughout the debates was an awareness that governments must listen more closely to the people. In his remarks at the opening of the General Assembly, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chr tien stressed that the OAS must continue to become more inclusive and pointed out that more civil society organizations than ever were represented at theWindsor meeting. Only by debating openly will we convince the doubters and galvanize our nations behind us as we move ahead.