Republic of ColombiaPosition Paper for the 2019 ESMOAS Summit of the Americas

Position Paper of the Republic of Colombia

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 1

I. GENERAL STATEMENT

The Republic of Colombia is honored to participate in the Twenty-Third Summit of the Americas. As one of the founding members of the Organization of American States (OAS), Colombia strongly believes in its mission of providing “more rights for more people” by ensuring democracy, development and security throughout the hemisphere. The administration of President Iván Duque Márquez firmly stands behind the principles outlined in Article 45 of the 1948 OAS Charter which states “that man can only achieve the full realization of his aspirations within a just social order, along with economic development and true peace.”1 The Delegation of Colombia looks forward to collaborating with fellow member states to work towards safeguarding democratic stability, economic prosperity, and international and intra-national security in the Western Hemisphere.

The Republic of Colombia is proud to address these issues in order to better the lives of all citizens in the Americas. Over the past year, President Duque has taken great strides in developing Colombia by recognizing the “most urgent challenges [as] the defeat of extreme poverty, the defense of democracy, environmental protection, the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation, and the maintenance of the rule of law.”2 In furthering democratic stability, President Duque has combated corruption through the implementation of the electoral transparency measure of the Agora Plan within Colombia and the promotion of an “International Anti-Corruption Court.”3 In the economic sector, President Duque has strongly supported creation of businesses large and small, specifically in the development of an orange economy through technological development.4 The Duque administration has also increased international security through lowering the production and international trade of illicit crops by gangs and cartels as well as through implementing measures to stabilize regions long affected by gang and guerilla violence.5 The Delegation of Colombia is honored to promote the goals of President Duque in the spirit of furthering the Colombian motto of “liberty and order.”

The Delegation of Colombia is striving to expand the rights of its people and strengthen its democracy. While recognizing challenges faced by individual member states, the delegation is committed to fostering a “culture of legality” and growth within the hemisphere throughout all

1 Organization of American States [hereafter OAS], Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html. 2 “Este es el discurso completo del presidente Iván Duque ante la ONU.” Canal RCN, 25 Sept. 2019, https://noticias.canalrcn.com/nacional/una-persona-muerta-por-el-desplome-de-una-bodega-en-medellin-3481663 “Presidente Duque Presentó Plan Para Garantizar La Transparencia y Seguridad En Las Elecciones De Gobernadores y Alcaldes.” Presidencia De La República, 8 July 2019, https://id.presidencia.gov.co/Paginas/prensa/2019/190708-Presidente-Duque-presento-plan-para-garantizar-transparencia-seguridad-en-las-elecciones-de-gobernadores-y-alcaldes.aspx. Duque, Ivan. “Opinion | Colombia Wants Peace and Will Not Be Intimidated by Ex-FARC Criminals Sheltered in Venezuela.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 4 Sept. 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/09/04/colombia-wants-peace-will-not-be-intimidated-by-ex-farc-criminals-sheltered-venezuela/.4 “Este es el discurso completo del presidente Iván Duque ante la ONU.” Canal RCN, 25 Sept. 2019, https://noticias.canalrcn.com/nacional/una-persona-muerta-por-el-desplome-de-una-bodega-en-medellin-3481665 Ibid.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 2

sectors.6 Through Inter-American collaboration and a unified commitment to the five pillars of the OAS, member states can promote a bright future for the hemisphere.

II.Particular Statements

A. Committee: General Committee (GC)

Topic 1: Ensuring Fair and Transparent Campaigns and Elections

One of the fundamental purposes of the OAS, as enumerated in Article 2(b) of the OAS Charter, is “to promote and consolidate representative democracies.”7 Fair and transparent elections are crucial to all representative democracies. In the 2001 Quebec Plan of Action, Heads of State and Government affirmed, “. . . transparency and accountability of electoral systems... are essential elements in ensuring support for and involvement in national democratic institutions.”8 The OAS has sought to establish fair and transparent elections through the efforts of the Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO) which oversees various measures to help member states with electoral processes.9 One of the most successful endeavors of the OAS has been the implementation of Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs), which “ensure that the opposition is heard, that irregularities are reported, and that elections are not unjustifiably questioned.”10 In addition to ensuring fair and transparent elections, DECO provides suggestions to states on how to improve electoral integrity.11 The OAS also annually hosts the Inter-American Meetings of Electoral Management Bodies which functions to “offer an institutional venue for sharing experiences, lessons learned and dissemination of information on elections issues in the region” as in accordance with AG/RES. 2927 (XLVIII-O/18) “Strengthening Democracy.”12

The Republic of Colombia embodies the mission of fair and transparent elections to safeguard free expression and democratic traditions. Colombia has participated in OAS EOMs fifteen times since 1994 to guarantee fair elections.13 President Duque firmly stands behind fair and transparent elections, considering “electoral corruption [to be] one of the worst forms of corruption.”14 On July 8, 2019, the Duque Administration launched the Agora Plan in pursuance of convicting those guilty of electoral fraud. This plan seeks to ensure the security and transparency of the October 2019 community elections though the creation of the Immediate

6 Ibid.7 OAS, Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html. 8 “Quebec Plan of Action 2001.” SISCA, 2001, http://www.summit-americas.org/sisca/dem_elect_pro.html. 9 “Report to Permanent Observers 2018-2019.” OAS, Department of External and Internal Relations.10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 “Report to Permanent Observers 2018-2019.” OAS, Department of External and Internal Relations.13 “Electoral Observation Missions and Recommendations Database.” OAS, 1 Aug. 2009, http://www.oas.org/EOMDatabase/default.aspx?lang14 “Considero Que La Corrupción Electoral Es Una De Las Peores Formas De Corrupción': Presidente Duque.” Presidencia De La República, 7 Apr. 2019, https://id.presidencia.gov.co/Paginas/prensa/2019/190708-Considero-que-corrupcion-electoral-es-una-de-las-peores-formas-de-corrupcion-Presidente-Duque.aspx.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 3

Election Reaction Group (GRIE).15 The purpose of GRIE is to ensure electoral integrity by identifying criminal activity within elections.16 The administration is confident that the implementation of the Agora Plan alongside cooperation with EOMs will put an end to electoral corruption.

The Delegation of Colombia is honored to have the opportunity to work alongside fellow Heads of State and Government to find solutions that will increase electoral transparency and fairness throughout the entire hemisphere. The perpetuation of fair and transparent elections is integral to the OAS pillar of promoting democracy. Through cooperation, the delegation hopes to find ways to not only increase the security of electoral systems, but also to ensure that electoral fraud and corruption is eradicated. Topic 2: Addressing the Problems of a Shrinking OAS Budget

Article 1 of the 1948 Charter seeks to “achieve an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence.”17 The OAS has contributed to the security and stability of its member states; however, a recent drop in the budget has hindered that capability. Internal audits from 2009 and 2018 show general funds dropping from $90.1 million to $81.6 million and specific funds declining from $70.1 to $41.4 million.18 In the 2005 Plan of Action of Mar del Plata, Heads of State and Government agreed on the importance of ensuring “that the OAS and other hemispheric organizations have the financial . . . capacity to implement Summit commitments.”19 Budget shortfalls pose serious threats to to fund such commitments. In the OAS Comprehensive Strategic Plan Compilation of 2019, strategic line 6 of Institutional Strengthening acknowledges the necessity of working to strengthen the “medium and long term financial robustness of the OAS.”20 To this end, AG/RES. 2923 (XLVIII-O/18) “Progress Toward Accountability, Efficiency, and Effectiveness, and Results in the OAS General Secretariat” seeks to increase the availability of funds for use by OAS programs.21 For this reason, the Department of External and Institutional Relations (DEIR) under the Strategic Counsel for Organizational Development and Management for Results seeks to increase specific funds.22 The Strategic Plan for Strengthening Funding outlines how DEIR has organized donor

15 “Presidente Duque Presentó Plan Para Garantizar La Transparencia y Seguridad En Las Elecciones De Gobernadores y Alcaldes.” Presidencia De La República, 8 July 2019, https://id.presidencia.gov.co/Paginas/prensa/2019/190708-Presidente-Duque-presento-plan-para-garantizar-transparencia-seguridad-en-las-elecciones-de-gobernadores-y-alcaldes.aspx.16 Ibid.17 OAS, Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html. 18 “OAS Annual Audit of Accounts and Financial Statements 2018-2017.” OAS, Dec. 2018. “OAS Annual Audit of Accounts and Financial Statements 2008-2009.” OAS, Dec. 2009.19 “Plan of Action of Mar del Plata 2005.” SISCA, 2005. http://www.summit-americas.org/sisca/oas.html.20 “Comprehensive Strategic Plan Compilation 2019.” OAS, Jan. 2019. http://scm.oas.org/pdfs/2019/CP40460ESTRATEGICPLANREV1.pdf21 “AG/RES. 2923 (XLVIII-O/18) ‘Progress Toward Accountability, Efficiency, and Effectiveness, and Results in the OAS General Secretariat.’” OAS, 2018.22 “Strategic Plan for Strengthening External Funding.” Strategic Counsel for Organizational Development and Management for Results, OAS, Dec. 2017, http://scm.oas.org/Pdfs/2017/CP38535E.pdf.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 4

roundtables with Permanent Observer States. Additionally, the department annually publishes a Report to Permanent Observers informing states of past OAS contributions to the hemisphere as well as opportunities to support financially specific mandates.23

The Republic of Colombia strongly believes in the importance of the OAS mission and therefore securing its continuation. As of August 2019, Colombia has already paid its $1,397,800 in dues to the Regular Fund.24 In addition, it donated $429,722 to Specific Funds of the organization.25 In 2019, Colombia hosted the 49th Regular Session of the General Assembly in Medellín. In addressing the assembly, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Holmes Trujillo, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the OAS and dedicated the conference to “improving and optimizing practices and procedures, and boosting the dynamism of [OAS] relations with other international organizations and with nongovernmental actors, including the business sector and civil society organizations.”26 Through optimizing its procedures and furthering the relations with other entities, the OAS can succeed in proper allocation of funds in addition to garnering more donations from non-member states. These measures will enable the organization to fund programs and fulfill its mandates.

The Delegation of Colombia hopes to collaborate with fellow Heads of State and Government to realize Strategic Line 6.2 of Institutional Strengthening of the OAS Comprehensive Strategic Plan Compilation of 2019 in “[diversifying] sources of income by seeking alternative sources as a complement to the Regular Fund.”27 By enhancing contributions to OAS Specific Funds from non-member states, the budget will achieve solvency. The delegation looks forward to finding innovative solutions for enhancing available funds by improving efficiency, revising the quota system and promoting more donations to specific funds. Through these negotiations, the Delegation of Colombia hopes to ensure a firm financial base able to support promotion of all five OAS pillars today and for the future.

B. Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (ESID)

Topic 1: Promoting Youth Participation in Government and Civics

The OAS Charter makes clear the commitment of all member states to fostering and preserving democratic systems in the Western Hemisphere. The very foundation of the OAS is based on the belief that “representative democracy is an indispensable condition for the stability, peace and development of the region.”28 In Article 95, the duties of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) are enumerated, one of these being to strengthen the civic conscience of the American peoples, as this is one of the bases for the effective exercise of

23 Ibid.24 “CONTRIBUTIONS TO OAS FUNDS.” OAS, 31 Aug. 2019.25 Ibid.26 “Remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.” Organization of American States, 29 June 2019, https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/speech.asp?sCodigo=19-0040.27 “Strategic Plan for Strengthening External Funding.” Strategic Counsel for Organizational Development and Management for Results, OAS, Dec. 2017, http://scm.oas.org/Pdfs/2017/CP38535E.pdf.28 Organization of American States (OAS), Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html. Accessed October 6, 2019.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 5

democracy and for the observance of the rights and duties of man.29 Recent actions towards advancing the participation of youth in government and with that, civic conscience, include the Lima Commitment of the Summit of the Americas, 2018. This mandate, signed by all Heads of State and Government, calls for the flourishing of a culture of citizen participation and prevention of corruption with a view to strengthening democratic and civic values from early childhood and throughout life.30 Other actions include “The Voice of the Youth of the Americas” contest, established by the OAS and the Republic of Guatemala, which invited young people to promote creative solutions to the global drug problem.31 The youth is the future, and the OAS seeks to empower it through initiatives and collaborations such as the ones mentioned above.

The Duque administration has taken many steps to promote youth participation in its government and civil society. It has supported Colombia Jóven, which is the youth’s national and official counseling sector to the Presidency. 32 Colombia Jóven assists the national government in implementation of programs promoting opportunities for the youth and eliminating barriers to their development.33 Additionally, the Duque administration promoted youth participation by sponsoring laws supporting indigenous youth, such as Law 1986 passed in 2019. This law established the Fondo Álvaro Ulcué to fund scholarships for indigenous youth in rural areas so they may continue their studies beyond the undergraduate level.34 Furthermore, at the latest United Nations (UN) General Assembly, President Duque emphasized Colombia’s commitment towards a future of equity, as well as recognizing that the country must keep fighting for the defense of democracy, the promotion of innovation, and the respect for the rule of the law: all for the betterment of its youth.35

The Delegation of Colombia is extremely delighted to have the opportunity to cooperate with fellow member states and hopes to find cost-effective programs to help with involvement of the youth in government and civics in their respective countries. This Delegation admires the implementation of the 2014 “The Voice of the Youth of the Americas” contest, and looks to similar initiatives that are cost-effective yet stimulate youth incorporation in the government. It hopes to come together with other member to operationalize the Lima Commitment, to find new and innovative youth programs. In this way, we can ensure a bright future for democratic rule in the hemisphere.

29 Ibid.30 “Lima Commitment: Democratic Governance against Corruption”. Organization of American States, April 14, 2018. Accessed October 6, 2019.31 “Contest The Voice of the Youth of the Hemisphere.” Organization of American States, 2014. Accessed October 6, 2019.32 “¿Qué es Colombia Jóven?” Colombian Government, http://www.colombiajoven.gov.co/colombiajoven/queescolombiajoven, Accessed October 6, 2019.33 Ibid.34 “Ley 1986.” Gobierno Colombiano, July 30, 2019. https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/normativa/LEY%201986%20DEL%2030%20DE%20JULIO%20DE%202019.pdf, Accessed October 6, 2019. 35 “Este es el discurso completo del presidente Iván Duqué ante la ONU.” Noticias Canal RCN, September 25, 2019. https://noticias.canalrcn.com/nacional/este-es-el-discurso-completo-del-presidente-ivan-duque-ante-la-onu-347484, Accessed October 6, 2019.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 6

Topic 2: Encouraging the Growth of Micro- and Small- Business Development

One of the essential purposes of the OAS is to promote, by cooperative action, the member states’ economic, social, and cultural development.36 To encourage the growth of micro- and small- businesses, the OAS has set about a number of initiatives. In 2012, the OAS and the United States launched “a project to establish Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in five Member States of CARICOM, an initiative that aims to improve the competitiveness of small companies in Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Dominica and St. Lucia, especially those headed by women.”37 The OAS recognizes the importance of these small businesses, as they make up to 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Latin American region.38 SEDI also supports the Inter-American Dialogue of High-Level micro, small and medium enterprises authorities (MSMEs), which “enhance the capacity of the institutions that support the design and implementation of policies and programs that encourage MSME productivity, entrepreneurship, innovation and internationalization in OAS member states.”39 With regard to these economic matters, SEDI seeks to support innovation, design, and cooperation between these businesses and their respective member states.40 By incentivizing our economies, we can not only support our youth, but also grow towards a better and more stable future.

The Duque administration is especially excited to support innovation in its economy. It seeks to paint the nation’s economy orange, and promote creativity whenever and wherever it can. President Duque has supported legislation to help sustain these ideals, such as the Orange Law, which has its goal to develop, foment, incentivize and protect creative industries in the country, as well as protect intellectual property.41 The Orange Law will help any business in Colombia ensure their intellectual property, no matter the size of the industry. These laws have had a salutatory effect on Colombia’s economy, as in 2019, Colombia was ranked the fourth most competitive economy in Latin America.42 These new forms of economic initiatives support the youth and help move forward technology as well as protect proprietary assets, helping Colombia reduce its level of poverty.

36 OAS, Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html. Accessed October 7, 2019.37 “The OAS supports the establishment of small business development centers in the Caribbean.” Organization of American States, February 24, 2012. https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_release.asp?sCodigo=E-061/12, Accessed October 7, 2019. 38 Ibid 39 Inter-American Dialogue of High-Level MSME Authorities. Organization of American States, 2019. http://www.oas.org/en/sedi/desd/iadialogues/about-us.asp, Accessed October 8, 2019. 40 Ibid41 “Balance 30 días.” Gobierno de Colombia, July 9, 2018. https://id.presidencia.gov.co/Paginas/prensa/2018/180907-Balance-30-dias-Economia-Naranja-toma-impulso-en-Colombia.aspx, Accessed October 8, 2019. 42 “Colombia es el cuarto país mas competitivo de América Látina, según el Foro Económico Mundial”. Gobierno de Colombia, October 8, 2019. https://id.presidencia.gov.co/Paginas/prensa/2019/Colombia-es-el-cuarto-pais-mas-competitivo-de-America-Latina-segun-el-Foro-Economico-Mundial-191008.aspx, Accessed October 8, 2019.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 7

This delegation looks forward to collaborating with member states and moving orange economies along the entire Western Hemisphere, with the help of environmentally friendly legislation and fair trade. It admires initiatives such as the 2012 SBDC initiative in the Caribbean and hopes to find other initiatives that promote micro- and small businesses through creativity and innovation in the hemisphere.

C. Secretariat for Multidimensional Security (SMS)

Topic 1: Improving Cooperation on Border Security and Regional Stability

The OAS Charter states that one of the organization’s goals is “to strengthen the peace and security of the continent.”43 Through this, the OAS is dedicated to supporting member states in their provision of safety and security for their respective citizens. In CICTE/DEC.1/09 “Declaration on Strengthening Border Controls and International Cooperation in the Fight against Terrorism,” member states affirmed “their commitment to strengthen border security and controls through the broadest cooperation possible.”44 Additionally, the OAS is committed to fostering regional stability. The main goal of the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP) is to support “communities . . . at the municipal, departmental, and national level” in the areas of Colombia that have been affected by internal and armed conflict with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).45 The OAS and Colombia historically had and continue to have a strong and successful working relationship on securing regional stability.

The Duque administration is committed to working with MAPP in furthering the stability of regions affected by armed conflict.46 With OAS oversight, Colombia also continues to build upon the Comprehensive System of Transitional Justice, which strengthens the legitimacy of Colombian courts in the eyes of its citizens.47 In addition to the development of rural infrastructure, the Rural Development Agency is working to increase governmental accessibility in distinct areas of the border to aid in the prevention of illicit substance trafficking into Colombia. Furthermore, the Colombian government is committed to aiding regional stability by addressing the refugee crisis. It is providing shelter, medical treatment, and education to displaced immigrants.48 Through these efforts, Colombia is dedicated to restoring peace within and outside its borders.

The Delegation of Colombia is grateful to have the opportunity to work with other delegations seeking solutions to strengthen border security and regional stability. The delegation postulates that cooperation is integral to securing borders and lowering crime in all member 43 OAS, Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html.44“CICTE/DEC.1/09 Declaration on Strengthening Border Controls and International Cooperation in the Fight against Terrorism.” OAS, Jan. 2009.45“Acerca de la MAPP/OEA.” MAPP OEA, https://www.mapp-oea.org/mappoea/acerca-de-la-mappoea/.46 “Statement by the OAS Secretary General: Colombia and the Peace.” OAS, 1 Aug. 2019, https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_release.asp?sCodigo=E-037/19.47 “Follow-Up To Recommendations Made By The IACHR In Its Country Or Thematic Reports.” Oas.org, IACHR, http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/docs/annual/2018/docs/IA2018cap.5CO-en.pdf48 “Lasting Peace in Colombia Requires Building Strong Rural and Agricultural Institutions.” FAO, http://www.fao.org/americas/noticias/ver/en/c/897020/.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 8

states. Furthermore, the delegation firmly believes that the stabilization of internal regions of member states will lead to greater peace for the Hemisphere as a whole. Through these measures, the OAS can foster a culture of security and stability throughout the Western Hemisphere. Topic 2: Addressing High Rates of Incarceration and Gang Development

One of the main purposes of the OAS Charter as enumerated in Article 1 is the establishment of “an order of peace and justice.”49 The existence of high rates of incarceration and gang development throughout the hemisphere pose a threat to the security of states. In the 2000 Declaration of Mar del Plata, Heads of State and Government “emphasize(d) [their] concern for the criminal gang problem and its related aspects, as well as its effect on the economic and social environments that challenge the progress made by our societies in the stability, democratization, and sustainable development.”50 In the 2003 “Declaration on Security in the Americas” Heads of State and Government agreed that “the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and related materials are a threat to hemispheric security and, when these are used by terrorists and criminals [such as gang members], undermines the rule of law, breeds violence and… represents a serious threat to human security.”51 In response, CP/CSH-990/08 “Promotion of Hemispheric Cooperation in Dealing with Criminal Gangs” directed the General Secretariat to “support to initiatives by member states aimed at preventing . . . the phenomenon of criminal gangs in its diverse forms.”52 In regard to gang development, the OAS Drug Report: 16 Months of Debate and Consensus acknowledged, “. . . the incarceration rate (is) skyrocketing in many of our countries, contributing to serious overcrowding in prisons” and needs to be addressed.53 In response to rising incarceration rates, AG/RES. 2925 (XLVIII-O/18) “Advancing Hemispheric Security: A Multidimensional Approach” mandated that SMS continues in “supporting member states that so request, through the DPS . . . in addressing and reducing overpopulation in prisons, or reducing prison population, as appropriate.”54 The OAS has continually worked to relieve the hemisphere of this scourge of gangs and it attendant effect resulting in overcrowding in the penal system

         President Duque firmly believes in the protection of citizens instilling institutional legality that “form[s] a society of values, that from an early age… form in civic, urbanity and respect.”55 President Duque is adamant about stopping the development of drug cartels that have caused large amounts of violence in Colombia. He believes that by working to eradicate illicit crops and disrupting the logistic supply chains of drugs, cartels will die.56 In recent years, Colombia has led the way in implementing social prevention to stop young citizens from joining gangs. In Cali, Colombia, the implementation of an Integrated Approach to Gangs—Youth 49 OAS, Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html.50 “Plan of Action of Mar del Plata 2005.” SISCA, 2005. http://www.summit-americas.org/sisca/oas.html.51“Declaration on Security in the Americas.” OAS, 2003, https://www.oas.org/en/sms/docs/DECLARATION SECURITY AMERICAS REV 1 - 28 OCT 2003 CE00339.pdf.52 “CP/CSH-990/08 Promotion of Hemispheric Cooperation in Dealing with Criminal Gangs” OAS, May 2008.53 “The OAS Drug Report.” OAS, 2014.54 “AG/RES. 2925 (XLVIII-O/18) “Advancing Hemispheric Security: A Multidimensional Approach.” OAS, 2018.55 “Ivan Duque Marquez - Presidential Inaugural Address.” American Rhetoric, 7 Aug. 2018, https://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ivanduquemarquezpresidentialinauguraladdress.htm.56 Ibid.

Republic of Colombia Position Paper, Page 9

Without Borders (TIP) program in 2016 successfully reduced gang development.57 This program lowering youth and adolescent involvement in the criminal gangs by providing them with a community of support and entertainment to keep them away from gangs while on the streets.58 Stopping gang development will alleviate prison overcrowding. The Colombian government has made other efforts in lowering incarceration rates. In 2014, alarmed at the high rates of incarceration within the country, the government allowed between 7,000 and 9,000 prisoners the opportunity to request parole or house arrest because of the establishment of a new Penitentiary Code.59 Prisoners eligible for this request were those with no previous record and no violent crime association. Colombia believes this new Penitentiary Code will allow guards to shift their attention towards the more dangerous inmates and relieve the current prisons of current corruption.60 In the past decade, Colombia has made great strides to reduce gang development and relieve overcrowded prisons.

This delegation is humbled at the opportunity to work with other member states on these important issues. It is interested in creating successful resolutions to tackle the major issue of criminal gang violence. It also believes that by lowering the amount of gang violence and strengthening youth participation in communities, it can stop the criminal cartels from recruiting adolescents and reduce the number of adolescents incarcerated for gang activity. The delegation looks forward to finding new innovative solutions to stop these two serious issues.

III. Conclusion

President Duque and the Delegation of the Republic of Colombia are committed to promoting the peace and security of the continent.61 Since the establishment of the OAS in 1948 in Bogotá, Colombia, the Republic and the Colombian Mission to the OAS has been committed to the fulfillment of the five pillars. In June 2019, Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia gave a poignant reminder of why the OAS exists. At the 49th General Assembly Meeting in Medellín, Colombia, he stated the OAS is for “the inhabitants of the Americas, for whom respect for human rights, strengthened democratic institutions and the rule of law, integral development fueled by sustainable economic growth, and multidimensional security are essential.”62 In participating in this Summit of the Americas, the Delegation of Colombia plans to work hard to cultivate a “culture of legality” and growth for the hemisphere so that its citizens may enjoy the highest quality of life possible.63

57 Moloney, Anastasia. “Colombian City Helps Young Shun 'Life Choice' of Gang Violence.” Reuters, 27 Sept. 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-youth-gangs/colombian-city-helps-young-shun-life-choice-of-gang-violence-idUSKCN1M71GA.58 Ibid.59 “Colombia: Nueva Ley Beneficiaría Unos 7.000 Presos.” Actualidad 1040AM, 22 Jan. 2014, http://actualidadradio.com/noticias/colombia-nueva-ley-beneficiaria-unos-7-000-presos/.60 Ibid.61 Organization of American States (OAS), Charter of the Organization of American States, 30 April 1948, http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b3624.html. Accessed October 7, 2019.62 “Remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.” Organization of American States, 29 June 2019, https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/speech.asp?sCodigo=19-0040.63 “Este es el discurso completo del presidente Iván Duque ante la ONU.” Canal RCN, 25 Sept. 2019, https://noticias.canalrcn.com/nacional/una-persona-muerta-por-el-desplome-de-una-bodega-en-medellin-348166