The Americas Policy Group (APG) welcomes the resolution adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS) to increase the annual budget of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

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The APG is concerned by the recurring financial problems faced by the Inter-American Human Rights System (“IAHRS” or “the System”), which is of vital importance to the quest for justice, safeguarding of human rights and the fight against impunity across the region, in particular for women, Indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups.

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On December 1, the Americas Policy Group, in collaboration with KAIROS Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, organized a breakfast on Parliament Hill with guest speaker Isabel Caicedo Polanco from the Organización Feminina Popular (OFP), an NGO that promotes women’s rights and works tirelessly for peace in Colombia.

Members of Parliament who attended the meeting were touched by Isabel’s testimony. This event was an important opportunity to raise parliamentarian’s awareness on the fragile peace process in this South American country and the importance of providing long-term support to grassroots local organizations.

Also guest speaker MP Robert Nault, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, shared remarks on the Committee’s recent travels to the region and its recent report Supporting peace and development in Guatemala and Colombia for the long-term.

This type of event also provides a space where APG members and Members of Parliament can build relationships and strengthen means of collaboration.