C. The Organisation of American States

The Organisation of American States (OAS) was formed in 1948 when 21 countries met in Bogata, Colombia to adopt the Charter of the Organisation of American States.

Since then the OAS has expanded to include the nations of the Caribbean, as well as Canada. The Organisation’s aims include the strengthening of democracy, the advancement of human rights and the promotion of trade.

Cartagena Declaration on Refugees

In 1984, ten Latin American states adopted the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees which contained an extension of the refugee definition found in the 1951 refugee Convention.

This definition was approved by the 1985 General Assembly of the Organisation of American States, which resolved to urge Member States to extend support and, insofar as possible, to implement the conclusions and recommendations to the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees. Although not formally binding, the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees has become the basis of refugee policy in the region and has been incorporated in to the national legislation of a number of States.

The refugee definition of the Cartagena Declaration builds upon the OAU (Organisation for African Unity) definition, adding to it:

• the threat of generalized violence,

• internal aggression,

• massive violation of human rights.

However, unlike the OAU definition, a refugee must show a link between herself or himself and the real risk of harm: all applicants must demonstrate that "their lives, safety or freedom have been threatened". This demand is similar to the 1951 refugee Convention which requires individuals to show that they risk persecution as a particular individual rather than in general.

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The Rights of Refugees and Displaced Persons