Regional International Organisations
The Regional International Organisations (RIO’s) which we investigated are situated in the region of South and Central America. These organisations bring together nation states to discuss shared needs and interests, for the purposes of closer co-operaion and increased integration. The membership of these states must be collectively agreed upon, with full voting rights and government transparency. It is also important that no individual member state gain control of the organisation. A wide range of criteria must be agreed upon for the nation states to allow the organisation to become international. In this part of the project, we will examine organisations that fall under the criteria of “international”.
The Andean Community of Nations
History
The history of the Andean Community of Nations began on May 26th 1969, when the South American nations of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru signed the Cartagena Agreement (ANDEAN, abrief history, par. 1). This marked the launch of the Andean Integration process, and was also known as the Andean Pact (Andean Community of Nations, “a brief history”, par. 1). Venezuela would later join the Agreement on February 13th 1973, with Chile withdrawing its membership on October 30th of the same year. Venezuela would also withdraw its membership, a process that was completed in April 2006.
All of the bodies and institutions of the Andean Community of Nations as we know today were created during the first decade of the organisations existence, with the exception of the Andean Council of Presidents, created in 1990 (Andean Community of Nations,” a brief history”, par. 4).
Ideology
The Andean Community of Nations describes itself as a “…community of four countries that decided voluntary to join together for the purpose of achieving more rapid, better balanced and more autonomous development trough Andean, South American and Latin American integration, that will eventually lead to a formation of the Union of South American Nations””. (Andean Community of Nations, who are we?)
Objectives
The Andean Community of Nations has six objectives:
(Andean Community of Nations, “what are our objectives”?).
Tactics and actions
The Andean Community of Nations is active in a total of thirty six work related areas. Examples include trade promotion; telecommunications; infrastructure; democracy; human rights; and rural development. Due of the wide range of activities, the Andean Community has produced various good results, examples of which are “the liberalization of transport services” (Andean, results, par.2); a free trade area between member states beginning in 1993; “…the creation and strengthening of the Andean legal system” (ANDEAN, results, par. 7); and “a common external tariff in effect since February 1, 1995” (ANDEAN, results par. 2).
Organisation and structure
As already stated, the four member nations of the Andean Community consists of 4 members – Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. There are also two observer nations, in the form of Mexico and Panama.
The Andean Community of Nations has thirteen bodies and institutions:
The Council of Presidents is highest body of the organisation and is responsible for setting guidelines to be observed by the rest of the organisation
This body is made up of all the Foreign Affairs ministers of the member countries and is responsible for the foreign policy of the organisation
The Commission is the main policy-making body of the Andean Community
The General Secretariat is the executive body of the organisation and has the responsibility of drawing decisions from the Council of Foreign Affairs
This Community is the legislative body of the organisation, and is made up of four judges from the four member countries. They are responsible for ensuring that the laws of the Community are being applied appropriately.
The Andean Parliament is the body that represent the citizens of the member states.
This Corporation is the financial institution of the organisation. They support the public and private sector of the member nations, as well as the government.
The purpose of this Fund is to provide financial assistance to the member states through credits or loans, thus helping the member countries to harmonize their financial and monetary policies.
All of the above are part of the Andean Integration System (SAI), a system designed to allow effective coordination between all of the bodies and institutions in order to help maximize Andean integration (ANDEAN, the Andean Integration System).
MERCOSUR (Mercado Comun del Sur)
History
MERCOSUR, or Mercado Comun del Sur, is a trading bloc operating in South America. The trading bloc is the fourth-largest in the world, and the largest in South America. The organisation comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay; and was founded in 1991 by the treaty of Asunción. In 1994 the Treaty of Ouro Preto gave the organisation a broader international status, as well as formalising a customs union (Quienes Somos, Antecedentes del Mercosur, para. 1).
The organisation’s headquarters are situated in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo. MERCOSUR has two official languages; Spanish and Portuguese. The rotation of the presidency of MERCOSUR between member states takes place every six months.
The MERCOSUR institutions include, amongst others:
The Parliament of MERCOSUR was inaugurated in December 2006. Initially, parliament will serve only as an advisory committee for the foreign ministers of the MERCOSUR member states.
Mission
The four states that constitute MERCOSUR express themselves as democratic and liberty defending nations, advocating policies such as human rights. They are also united to fight poverty, and to encourage economic development and legal security.
The fundamental objective of the treaty of Asunción is the integration of the four nation states; through the free movement of goods, capital, services and people among its members, the establishment of a common external tariff and the adoption of a common commercial policy (Somos, Estructura Institucional, para 1).
Size
MERCOSUR countries have a combined population of more than 220 million people, and enjoy a collective output of $1.1 trillion, accounting for over 75% of South America’s GDP, $800 billion of which is provided by Brazil. MERCOSUR has 5 associated members – Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Status as an associated member allows that nation participation in free-trade agreements, but they remain outside the bloc’s customs union. Attempts were made to include Chile as full member, but these were suspended after Chile signed a free-trade deal with the United States in 2002 ( Klonsky and Hanson, 2007)( MERCOSUR: South America’s fractious trade bloc).
On the 4th of July 2006, Venezuela became the fifth full member of Mercosur. Venezuela, a leading oil and gas producer gave MERCOSUR greater economic clout, but it raised fears that the controversial Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez could use the group as a platform for his anti-US stance (BBC, Common Market of the South)
Co-operation with EU
The EU has supported MERCOSUR since the creation of the organization in 1991. Since then the EU has continued to build a stronger relationship with MERCOSUR, and an advancement of the MERCOSUR integration process. The two organizations also work together in aiming to reinforce and improve the common market of MERCOSUR (European Commission, External Relations, para 2)
Political cooperation between the EU and Mercosur began with an informal dialogue later formalized and institutionalized through the framework agreement and the joint declaration –“The framework agreement established various levels of political dialogue both at the Heads of State/Government level, as well as at ministerial level, and at a senior officials’ level” (European Commission, External Relations, para 2)
Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
History
The Association of Caribbean States was founded on the 24th of July 1994 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (ACS, “Association of the Caribbean States (ACS)”, par.2)
Goals
The prime objective of the ACS is to promote consultation and collaboration between all of the nation states in the Caribbean.
Activities
The ACS divides their activities into the tasks of the ACS; and the activities of the ACS Secretariat.
The activities of the ACS in general can be described as follows:
( ACS, “What is the ACS doing? ”, par. 2 )
The activities of the ACS Secretariat can be described as follows:
( ACS, “What is the ACS Secretariat doing?”, par.3)
Structure and size
The main organs of the ACS are the Secretariat and the Minister Council, whom are responsible for policy making and the governing of the organisation (ACS,” Organisation”, par. 4).
Besides the main organs, the ACS have five special committees – the committee on trade development and external economic relations; sustainable tourism; transport; natural disasters; and budget and administration. There is also a Council of National Representatives of the Special Fund. This committee is responsible for managing project development (ACS, “members”, par. 5)
The ACS has 24 members:
- Antigua and Barbuda- Bahamas- Nicaragua
- Barbados- Belize- Panama
- Colombia- Costa Rica- Suriname
- Cuba- Dominican Republic- St. Kitts and Nevis
- El Salvador- Grenada- St. Lucia
- Guatamala- Guyana- St. Vincent
- Haiti- Honduras- Trinidad and Tobago
- Jamaica- Mexico- Venezuela
All these states have the right to participate in discussions, and to vote at meetings of the ACS.
Similar to MERCOSUR and the Andean Community, the ACS also have associated members (ACS, “associated members”, par. 6). The associated members have the right to intervene in discussions and vote at meetings on subjects that can affect them directly. The associated members are:
- Aruba- France
- The Netherlands Antilles- Turks
- Caicos.
Working together with other Regional Organizations
The Secretariat of the ACS has also entered into special arrangements with the following organisations – the Caribbean Community; the Latin American Economic System; the Central American Integration System; and the Central American Economic System.
These organisations all share the similar objective of promoting, consolidating and strengthening the regional cooperation and integration process.
Use of e- government
The ACS does not use e-government in their policy.
Financial status
There is no information about the financial status of the ACS.
ALADI
History
ALADI was officially created on August 12th 1980, with the signing the Montevideo Treaty.
ALADI as an unofficial unit began operation following World War II, when the post-war Latin American situation proved favourable; due to the availability of sought after items such as meat, sugar, and chocolate (ALADI, “facts, why was it created”?, par.2). Soon, European nations began to reorganize their economies, in particular agriculture and industry – this resulted in a decline in Latin American exports.
Latin American governments thus made plans to industrialize their economies. Consequently, the first agreement was established in 1960 between seven countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay; all aiming for a higher degree of economic integration through expansion of their own domestic markets.
In 1980, ALADI was expanded with four new nations, when the governments of the eleven nation states signed the new modified Treaty. The modification was needed as Latin American governments wished to reaffirm their political will of strengthening the integration process, and of making the Treaty more flexible (ALADI, “facts, why was it created?” par.5).
Ideology
The main goal of ALADI is to create a common market in Latin American.
Goals
The organization is driven by several principals such as flexibility and pluralism in political and economic affairs.
ALADI have four main goals:
(ALADI, “facts, which are its goals?”)
The main goal of ALADI is to establish a common Latin-American market. To actually establish a common market in the Latin- Americas, they use three mechanisms:
(ALADI, “overview’, par. 3)
Either regional or partial scope may cover, for example, trade promotions; agricultural trade; customs; health cooperation; and tourism promotion.
A system of preferences can consist of special cooperation programs and market opening lists.
Structure and size
ALADI has three political bodies – The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs; the Conference of Evaluation and Convergence; and the Committee of Representatives. The technical body is the General Secretariat (ALADI, “institutional organization”, par. 1).
The Mission of the General Secretariat is “to give technical support to the member-countries in order to facilitate their negotiations, satisfy their demands and propose alternatives according to their interest and expectations, looking forward to deepening regional integration, aiming the economical and social development of Latin America” ( ALADI, ‘General Secretariat, mission, par. 2).
(ALADI,” institutional organisation”, par.2)
ALADI is an organisation with several members whom are all signatories of the Montevideo Treaty, and whom have all agreed to work with the ALADI to accomplish their goals. The Member countries of ALADI are:
- Argentina- Colombia- Paraguay
- Bolivia- Cuba- Peru
- Brasil- Ecuador- Uruguay
- Chile- Mexico- Venezuela
( ALADI, “member countries”, par.3)
Besides the member countries, ALADI also works with several other countries who act as observers of the organisation. Observers are allowed to take part in open sessions of the committee, and they also have access to classified documents (ALADI, “observer countries, agencies and organisations”, par. 2).
The observer countries are El Salvador, Spain, Honduras, Portugal, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Italia, Panama, Russia, Japan, and Romania.
Working together with other organizations
The ALADI works together with several organisations in order to achieve their goals (ALADI, “observer countries, agencies and organisation”, par. 2). Examples of these organisations are The Latin Economic System (SELA); Andean development corporation (CAF); Inter- American Development Bank (IDP) and Organization of American States (OAS).
Use of e-government
ALADI is an organisation who use e-government on their website. When visiting the website, individuals can read the several treaties which the organisation is based on. Furthermore, we also have access to speeches and decisions which were made at the meetings of the Council of Representatives. Finally, there is a website for press relations.
ALADI also has a website designed for business entrepreneurs, who can find information on treaties, trading tariffs and foreign trade regulations. To conclude; the website of ALADI is very clear and transparent.
Latin American Economic System (SELA)
History
The Latin American Economic System ( SELA) was created on 17 October 1975 by the Panama convention (SELA, “What is SELA”, par.1).
Goals
The objective of the Latin American Economic System is to offer a system, itself a combination of consultation and coordination, for the adoption of common positions and strategies on economic issues in several international bodies and forums.
Furthermore, the Latin American Economic System provides for third countries, and fosters cooperation and integration among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (SELA, “What is SELA?, par.2)
Tactics and Actions
The tactics and actions of the Latin American Economic can be divided into three sub divisions – extra regional relations; intra regional relations; and economic and technical cooperation.
Extra regional relations
The actions of the extra regional relations department can be described as follows:
(SELA,” what is SELA?”, par.3)
Intra regional relations
The actions of the intra regional relations department can be described as follows:
(SELA, “what is SELA”, par.4)
Economic and technical cooperation
The actions of the economic and technical cooperation department can be described as follows:
(SELA,” what is SELA?”, par.5)
Other actions:
(SELA, “what is SELA?”, par.6)
Organization and structure
SELA has three bodies who form the basis of the organisation.
Firstly, there is the Latin American Council. The Latin American Council is the body who is responsible for decision making. Each member state has one representative within the Council. The responsibilities of the Council include determining general policies, and formulating declarations.
Secondly, there is the Permanent Secretariat. The Secretariat is the administrative organ of SELA and is governed by the Permanent Secretary.
Thirdly, there are the Action Committees. The Committees are cooperation mechanisms between more than two member states focusing on specific areas.
(SELA, “What is SELA?”, par.7)
Working with other organisations
SELA has cooperation agreements with many other regional, national and international organisations. A few examples are the European Union; ALADI; the Andean Community; MERCOSUR; UNESCO; CARICOM; CEPAL; UNICEF; and the Central American Parliament.
Use of e-government
On the SELA website, individuals can visit the Digital Information and Knowledge Centre” (SELA, ”Digital Information and Knowledge Centre”). The objective of the Centre is to organize, exchange, and capture information about the products and services which will help the organization to achieve their goals. The Centre uses an online public catalogue which consist of information regarding globalization, international trade, integration, international cooperation, technical cooperation, foreign investment and financing, social economic policies, migration and remittances, equity, social cohesion and poverty reduction programs.
It is also possible to download documents. Examples include institutional documents, documents produced by the Secretariat, and working programs of the Secretariat.
Finally, SELA publishes periodical publications:
The Organization of American States
The organization and its aims
The OAS comprises 35 states, from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Cuba was the 25th state, but has been suspended since 1962. These nations are brought together by the Organization of American States to:
(OAS in brief, OAS at glance, para 1)
The organization has four official languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
It has three headquarters in Washington, USA and country offices in all member states.
The history of the organization
“On April 30, 1948, 21 nations of the hemisphere met in Bogotá, Colombia, to adopt the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS), which affirmed their commitment to common goals and respect for each nation’s sovereignty. Since then, the OAS has expanded to include the nations of the English-speaking Caribbean, as well as Canada”
- (OAS in brief, Oas history at glance, para 1)
The first international conference of the OAS was in 1890 in Washington D.C, where the International Union of American Republics was established. At the Ninth International American Conference in 1948 participants signed the first international expression of human rights principles with the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (OAS in brief, OAS history at a glance, para 1).
Good governance
To strengthen democratic governance the OAS promotes the exchange of ideas on democratic practices. On this front the organization works together with academic institutions, political parties, civil society organizations and many others in achieving this goal. The OAS supports member states to strengthen national legislatures, modernize political parties, and to install a democratic culture in society (OAS in brief, Good governance and democratic values para 2).
Inter-American Drug Abuse Control commission (CICAD)
The aims of the organization
This organization was established by the OAS in 1986, and was done as policy on all aspects of the drug problem in the Western Hemisphere. “CICAD promotes regional cooperation and coordination among the thirty-four OAS member states through action programmes” (About CICAD, mission statement). This is carried out by the permanent Secretariat to:
(About CICAD, mission statement).
The origins of CICAD came during the cocaine epidemic in the 1970’s. The organization first comprised 11 member states elected by the General Assembly every three years. Over time more nations became member of the organization because the drug problem became more acute throughout the hemisphere. Since 1998 CICAD has 24 members, and meetings occur every two years by the representatives of the countries and, if needed, more meetings can be arranged
Adoption of the Anti-Drug Strategy in the Hemisphere in 1997 made it possible to put greater efforts to control drugs in the twenty-first century (About CICAD, mission statement).
Cooperation with other organizations
In order to realise the mission of the organization, cooperation with other institutions is vital. CICAD has worked with many international partners such as the UN, the Inter American Development Bank, the European Commission; and nations worldwide such as France, Israel, Turkey, Korea, amongst others. Thus, cooperation is needed “in order to together build a strong and united front against the constantly evolving substance abuse trends and international drug markets which jeopardize all aspects of life in our societies” (About CICAD, Partnerships).
Finances
CICAD receives funding from the Regular Fund of the OAS; and in cash and kind contributions from external donors. In the year 2006 the organization received US$7,778,809 in cash and US$584,932 in kind (Annual Report, p22)
Below it is visible from which countries and organizations CICAD receives the bulk of its contributions.
CASH CONTRIBUTIONS TO CICAD IN 2006
Country - Donor Agency Contribution
United States $ 4,389,000
OAS Regular Fund $ 1,740,158
Canada $ 1,009,097
Spain $ 256,340
Mexico $ 145,000
France $ 52,240
Pan American Health Organization $ 30,000
Inter-American Development Bank $ 29,400
NIDA $ 20,000
Chile $ 15,000
Turkey $ 4,000
Bahamas $ 3,000
Other donors* $ 76,156
Total contributions in cash $ 7,778,809 (Annual Report, p22)
Inter-American Development Bank
The aims of the organizations
The IDB is the oldest and largest regional bank in the world. It was founded in 1959 and is the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization provides and grants “finance development projects and support strategies to reduce poverty, expand growth, increase trade and investment, promote regional integration, and foster private sector development and modernization of the State” (IDB, what is the IDB).
Its mission is to help reach economic and social development of the member countries. In the past few years the organization launched several initiatives to reduce poverty, promote small businesses and to extend financial democracy (IDB, what is the IDB).
The two main goals of the organization are to reduce poverty and social equity, as well as achieve environmentally sustainable growth. To reach these goals the bank focuses its efforts on four priority areas:
(IDB, Goals and Priorities)
History
In order to create an organization to focus on pressing problems in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1890 saw the First Inter-American Conference. A specific proposal toward that end by the President of Brazil Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira in 1958 received support throughout the hemisphere.
In its long period of operations, the bank has helped to change Latin America and the Caribbean. This has been achieved through support for social programmes, education, regional integration.
Partners
To reach its goals the IDB works together with many international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society and government agencies. This cooperation take place in many ways, “to prepare, co-finance and implement loans and technical cooperation programs, to provide technical assistance, to carry out studies and to disseminate knowledge” (IDB, IDB members and partners)
