A&B’s Ambassador to OAS Warns of Growing Threats to Democratic Institutions
Source: Antigua Observer
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Sir Ronald Sanders, warned member states that democratic institutions are under siege globally, citing the rise of misinformation and disinformation as key threats.
During a Special Meeting of the Permanent Council, Sir Ronald addressed the implementation challenges of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, noting that constitutional orders in numerous member states face “unprecedented challenges.”
“Democratic institutions are under siege, and in many cases, they appear to be weakening. That is our situation today,” Sir Ronald told the gathering in Washington.
The diplomat highlighted concerns about artificial intelligence amplifying misinformation, stating it has made it “increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.”
He pointed out that the spread of false information extends beyond rogue actors to “figures of great authority in Member States,” who use it as a tool for persuasion.
The Special Meeting, which focused on discussions of ‘Strengthening Democracy ’, also featured presentations from Chile’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Pedro Vaca.
Sir Ronald emphasised that defending democracy requires collective action, stating, “No single nation can beat this challenge alone.”
He called on the OAS, as the leading multilateral institution in the Americas, to ensure the Inter-American Democratic Charter remains “a living, enforceable instrument, not just an aspirational document.”
The Ambassador advocated for developing policies to address the social media platform’s role in spreading misinformation while maintaining “due regard to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.”
Antigua and Barbuda “remains steadfast in its commitment to these principles,” Sir Ronald affirmed, urging member states to “act with urgency and resolve in preserving democracy and rights in our hemisphere and globally.”
The meeting concluded with discussions on strengthening the OAS’s role in protecting democratic institutions throughout the Americas.
Antigua and Barbuda will host the OAS General Assembly in June.