1269, while the Assembly noted the progress achieved in the effective observance of human rights in the region, it also expressed concern over the persistence of serious human rights violations and underscored the importance of several matters that must receive particular attention in this regard. At the same time, it urged the member States to accept the competence of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to receive and examine communications from States concerning other States, in accordance with the American Convention on Human Rights. The General Assembly singled out new issues for the member States to discuss and collaborate on, for the sake of strengthening democratic institutions and contributing to good government. 1272, the General Assembly instructed the Permanent Council to study the various ways of enhancing the administration of justice in the Americas. It also instructed the Permanent Council to establish a working group to study the subject of probity and public ethics.
Regional integration is one of the objectives of the inter-American system.
Since 1991, when the Santiago Commitment to Democracy and Renewal of the Inter-American System was adopted, the General Assembly and the Permanent Council have examined the issue of hemispheric security, given recent developments worldwide and in the hemisphere, and have taken a modern, comprehensive approach to security and disarmament. The General Assembly adopted a number of decisions in this area. The General Assembly expressed its deep appreciation to Ambassador Jo o Clemente Baena Soares, then Secretary General, for his ten years of service at the helm of the Organization. The twenty-first special session of the General Assembly was held at Organization headquarters, March 27, 1994. There, the General Assembly elected the Honorable C sar Gaviria, President of the Republic of Colombia, as Secretary General for the 1994-1999 term.