The Threat to Democracy and Human Rights in the Organization of American States
The sudden withdrawal of Paraguay’s candidate, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, from the race for Secretary General of the Organization of American States’ (OAS) is more than a political shift—it is a wake-up call for democratic governance in the Americas.
Lezcano’s withdrawal resulted in an uncontested election by acclamation of the only remaining candidate, Albert Ramdin from Suriname. This development exposed a concerning trend in the region: the increasing erosion of transparency, the rising influence of authoritarian regimes, and the exclusion of voices advocating for sovereignty and human rights.
If democratic nations continue to fail to push back against these pressures, the result will be devastating for the OAS, an international institution that now barely aligns with the principles it was created to uphold.
As an organization committed to defending human dignity and democratic values, the World Youth Alliance (WYA) expresses deep concern over the implications of this political shift. We call on regional leaders to challenge authoritarian political maneuvering, resist external pressures, and reaffirm their commitment to democracy and fundamental freedoms.
The Role of the Organization of American States
The OAS has long played a central role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Americas. However, the process that led to Lezcano’s withdrawal signals a strategic political realignment that threatens these values:
Lezcano’s candidacy—rooted in the defense of democratic governance and the rule of law—was systematically isolated and he was being pressured out of the race. This exclusion was not the result of open debate, but rather a calculated effort by regional powers to consolidate support behind Albert Ramdin (Suriname), a candidate with ties to authoritarian regimes and increasing influence of the Chinese Communist Party.
The fact that this decision was made behind closed doors is an assault on democratic accountability. If no mission openly challenges such opaque decision-making, the OAS risks legitimizing a process that serves cynical political convenience rather than democratic integrity.
Suriname, which now stands to secure the OAS leadership after Luis Almagro’s (Uruguay) term ends May 25th, is one of Beijing’s closest allies in Latin America, with almost its entire national debt owed to China.
This shift mirrors authoritarian strategies seen worldwide, where economic dependence is used as leverage to suppress opposition, manipulate governance, and limit sovereignty. If left unchecked, this growing influence will reshape the priorities of the OAS, moving it further away from defending human rights and towards enabling political repression.
The ever-present fight against new forms of authoritarianism
The Organization of American States vs. Authoritarianism
Once a firm advocate against authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, the OAS now faces the risk of becoming a passive observer under its new leadership. Without strong opposition from Member States and civil society, the organization will lose its ability to hold oppressive governments accountable.
If silence prevails, the OAS will no longer be a guardian of democracy but a stage for political maneuvering at the expense of human rights.
At WYA, we believe that true freedom is rooted in the recognition of the intrinsic dignity of every human person. This dignity is best protected within just institutions, transparent governance, and societies where human rights are upheld.
The outcome of this OAS election presents serious risks to these principles. When democratic voices are excluded, human dignity is threatened. The sidelining of Lezcano’s candidacy reflects a broader effort to silence those who defend democratic integrity, prioritizing power over principle.
When economic dependence dictates political decisions, sovereignty is compromised. The increasing Chinese influence in Latin America is not just an economic issue—it is a direct challenge to independent decision-making and democratic stability.
When international institutions fail to uphold fundamental freedoms, their legitimacy is weakened. If the OAS continues down this path, it will no longer serve the people of the Americas, but rather the interests of those who seek control through coercion and influence.
The World Youth Alliance will Not Back Down
Yet, despite these challenges, WYA remains committed to fostering a new generation of leaders equipped to defend democracy at the highest levels of governance. Through its Advocacy Fellowship program, WYA trains young people in international advocacy, empowering them to engage in policy discussions and stand for democratic values, human rights, and national sovereignty.
Our declaration on human dignity and totalitarian ideologies
Our fellows work alongside national delegations, contributing informed perspectives and ensuring that democracy is not only defended—but strengthened.
The future of governance in the Americas cannot be dictated by political realignments that disregard democracy and human dignity. The World Youth Alliance urges:
- The Organization of American States to uphold its mission by ensuring that it does not become a platform for authoritarian influence, but remains a defender of human rights, transparency, and sovereignty.
- Member States to resist external pressures that undermine national sovereignty and democratic processes, ensuring that their participation in the OAS reflects the true will of their people, not political bargaining.
- Young people across the region to remain engaged, recognizing that democracy is not guaranteed—it must be actively defended. Silence in the face of political manipulation is complicity.
The Consequences of Relinquishing Democracy to Authoritarianism
The battle for governance in the Americas is about more than leadership—it is about the survival of democratic values. If regional leaders fail to push back, the OAS will lose its credibility, and civil society organizations like WYA will be left without a voice in key international discussions.
At WYA, we continue to advocate for human dignity, freedom, and justice in every political space where these values are at risk. We stand in solidarity with those who fight for democracy, resist authoritarian influence, and uphold the value of every human person.
Now, more than ever, we must act.
