A brief preface by Charles McKelvey
The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States was established at the Latin American Caribbean Unity Summit in Mexico in 2010. It consists of the governments of the 33 nations of Latin America and the Caribbean. The presidency rotates annually, with the first three held by Venezuela, Chile, and Cuba, and the next two to be held by Costa Rica and Ecuador. The Second CELAC Summit of January 28-29, 2014, was held in Havana, Cuba, concluding Cuba’s year as president.
CELAC is an alternative to the Organization of American States (OAS), established in 1948 as a component of the Pan-American project of the United States (see “Pan-Americanism and OAS” blog post of 10/2/2013). The formation of CELAC is an indication of the new political reality that has emerged in Latin America during the past fifteen years, in that it brings together all of the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, excluding the two North American imperialist powers, the United States and Canada. Whereas the United States in 1961 was able to attain the expulsion of socialist Cuba from the OAS as part of its policy of isolating Cuba, today Cuba is playing a leadership role in CELAC, and it is the United States that is isolated from Latin America, universally condemned for its blockade of Cuba.
The Declaration of Havana emitted by the Second CELAC Summit on January 29, 2014 calls for an expansion the economic and commercial integration in Latin America and the Caribbean on the basis of solidarity and complementariness. It affirms the principle of South-South cooperation. It promotes a concept of development as integral, inclusive, and sustainable, noting that foreign investment should promote national development. It calls for the elimination of poverty, hunger, and child labor and the reduction of income inequality. It advocates food security, literacy, free universal education, and universal public health. It interprets climate change as one of the most serious problems of our time, and it support international efforts to develop measures for the protection of the environment. It calls for the protection of the traditional and ancestral knowledge of indigenous peoples, and it affirms the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It embraces the proposed democratic reform of the United Nations in international decision-making, giving greater voice to the governments of the South. It rejects unilateral lists of some powerful countries, specifically the inclusion of Cuba on the US list of states supposing promoting international terrorism; and it calls for the end of the US economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba. It supports the claim of Argentina with respect to the Malvinas Islands. It supports peace negotiations between FARC and the Columbian government being held in Havana, Cuba. It calls for a complete and general elimination of nuclear weapons, and it affirms the right of all states to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It supports the cooperation of CELAC with China and Russia. It does not mention the United States of America, except to condemn its policies toward Cuba.
HAVANA DECLARATION
II CELAC SUMMIT
28-29 January, 2014
We, the Heads of State and Government of the Latin America and the Caribbean States gathered in Havana, Cuba, on the occasion of the II Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), on 28 and 29 January 2014,
Reaffirming the validity of the historical heritage of the Community constituted by the historical heritage of the Rio Group and the Latin American Summit on Development and Integration and by the Declarations, Special Communiqués and decisions adopted at the I CELAC Summit held in Santiago de Chile on January 27 and 28, 2013; at the Caracas Foundational Summit held on December 3, 2011; at the Latin American and Caribbean Unity Summit held at the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico on February 23, 2010; at the Latin American and Caribbean Summits held in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil on December 16 and 17, 2008; and in the convergence process that gave birth to CELAC;
Emphasizing that after two years of the implementation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States we have managed to create a space of dialogue and political coordination which unites us and makes it possible to entertain the aspiration of working together for the wellbeing of our peoples. At the same time, a better integration of our region in the international arena has been made possible;
Ratifying today our irrevocable willingness to strengthen this space of effective political dialogue, we express that we have been, we are, and we will continue to be diverse, and from this diversity we should identify our common challenges and goals, our areas of coincidence that will enable us to move forward in the integration process of our region. Let us strengthen our democracies as well as all human rights for all; let us provide more opportunities for our peoples; let us build more inclusive societies; let us improve our productivity; let us establish closer trade links; let us improve our infrastructure and connectivity and the necessary networks that unite our peoples more; let us work for the sustainable development to overcome inequalities and for a more equitable distribution of wealth so that everybody feels that democracy provides a new sense to their lives. That is the mission of CELAC, that is the task we are called upon to carry out and the political responsibility that we have ahead of us, and for which we should be accountable to our peoples;
1. Reiterate that the unity and integration of our region must be built gradually, with flexibility, with respect for pluralism and the sovereign right of each of our peoples to choose their own political and economic system. Reiterate that our Community is founded on the unrestricted respect for the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the prohibition of the use and threat of use of force, respect for self-determination, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of each country, protection and promotion of all human rights, the Rule of Law at the national and international levels, promotion of active citizenship, and democracy. Likewise, pledge ourselves to work together for the sake of prosperity for all, in such a way as to eradicate discrimination, inequalities and marginalization, violations of human rights and transgressions of the Rule of Law;
2. Reaffirm as a general principle that the strengthening of CELAC as a political forum and actor in the international arena is one of our priorities. In this context, we believe that is fundamental to further perfect the coordination and cooperation among CELAC member states in the context of international bodies, as long as it is possible and viable;
3. Deeply regret the demise of the Commander-President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias on March 5, 2013, one of the chief promoters and founders of CELAC, a relentless humanist and champion of Latin American and Caribbean unity, who fought against social exclusion and poverty and fostered integral development in the region;
4. Stress our purpose to continue working together for Latin American and Caribbean integration and coordination as well as for the consolidation of our Community in keeping with the ideals and dreams of our liberators and founding fathers, and ratify our decision to take such actions enabling us to prevent and, where appropriate, address in a coordinated manner the impacts of the current international crises of many interrelations, that continues to adversely impact our countries’ efforts to foster sustainable and integral development in our region;
5. Promote a vision of integral and inclusive development that ensures sustainable and productive development, in harmony with nature, in such areas in which we can build synergies, particularly in the fields of energy, infrastructure, intra-regional trade, food production, intermediate industries, investments, and financing, to attain the highest social development possible for our peoples;
6. Take up our commitment to regional integrated development, non-exclusive and equitable, taking into account the importance of ensuring favorable treatment to small and vulnerable economies, to Landlocked Developing Countries and to island States;
7. Welcome the important outcomes of the National Coordinators and Foreign Ministers Meetings held so far and call for the implementation of the decisions and mandates contained in the agreements reached on the basis of flexibility and voluntary participation;
8. Recognize that the two years of CELAC’s existence proves the importance of establishing a permanent dialogue to consolidate consensus on issues of regional interest, on the basis of the principles of solidarity, complementariness with other regional institutions and experiences, and cooperation, as well as aimed at achieving effective results for a sustainable, inclusive and solidarity-based development of Latin American and Caribbean States. Highlight the progress made in the dialogue with regional and sub-regional integration mechanisms;
9. Call upon the international community to take urgent steps to address systemic fragilities and imbalances. Express our desire to work together to overcome the challenges of a weakened international scenario and make efforts to foster sustained, dynamic and long-term growth rates in our region enabling greater equality and social inclusion as well as integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, taking into consideration the importance of entrepreneurship and SMEs as tools for strengthening national economies;
10. Reaffirm that in order to eradicate poverty and hunger it is essential to foster the development of economic policies supportive of productivity and sustainable development in our nations, work to strengthen the world economic order for the benefit of our countries, foster complementariness, solidarity, and cooperation, and demand compliance with development assistance commitments by developed countries;
11. Ratify our will to promote the growth, social progress, and sustainable development of our States by designing and implementing national plans, policies and programs with timetables and quantifiable targets, aimed at the universal enjoyment and exercise of economic, social, and cultural rights, according priority to persons living in extreme poverty and vulnerable sectors such as the indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, women, children, the disabled, the elderly, youth, and migrants;
12. Welcome the success of the Third Global Conference on Child Labor and reiterate our commitment towards the elimination of the worst forms of child labor before 2016, as well as the eradication of child labor at the earliest possible date;
13. Welcome the adoption of the Caracas Declaration and Plan of Action of the meeting of authorities in charge of social development and eradication of hunger and poverty. Continue working on national plans, policies, and programs to gradually reduce income inequalities which are the root cause of hunger, poverty, and social exclusion, by adopting, inter alia, progressive fiscal policies and policies aimed at creating permanent jobs in the formal sector, protection, social security and assistance and the establishment of minimum wages and their gradual increase which would be implemented according to the capacities of each CELAC Member State, thereby gradually increasing social investment;
14. Accord the highest priority to strengthening food and nutritional security, literacy and post-literacy, free universal public general education, quality technical, vocational and higher education with a social purpose, fostering land tenure, agricultural development, including peasant and family farming, and decent and permanent jobs, support for small farmers, unemployment insurance, universal public health, the right to adequate housing for all and productive and industrial development as decisive factors to eradicate hunger, poverty, and social exclusion;
15. Reiterate our commitment to work jointly to strengthen the national, regional and multilateral mechanisms to combat illicit trafficking in cultural goods and ensure the cultural integration of peoples by promoting exchanges of traditional and modern cultural knowledge;
16. Recognize that indigenous peoples and local communities play a significant role in economic, social and environmental development and recognize also the importance of traditional sustainable agricultural practices, associated with biodiversity and the exploitation of their resources, their right to access to suitable water for irrigation, in keeping with the legislation of each country, and their traditional systems of land tenure, seed supply systems and access to financing and markets;
17. Decide to strengthen, in a comprehensive manner, the productive basis, placing emphasis on sustainable local and cultural practices of indigenous peoples and local communities for integrated management with a view to optimizing the use of and access to water for irrigation purposes by proper management of basins, the recovery of soil fertility by replenishing green cover, compost production, terrace cropping, and the preservation and increase of biodiversity through the recovery and production of native seeds and improved seed production;
18. Highlight the key role played by public policies and recognize the valuable contribution played by the private sector, civil society, the social movements and the society as a whole. Take note of the progress achieved and pledge to continue encouraging such policies in an active manner, taking into account the national development priorities and strategies of each State to attain the goals of eradicating hunger, poverty and social exclusion. Recognize the relevance of international, regional and bilateral cooperation to this end;
19. Recognize the national, sub-regional, and regional initiatives aimed at ensuring the human right to food and promoting food and nutritional security, reducing poverty levels and fostering full inclusion, and welcome progress made in such endeavors, while highlighting that in order to ensure future success, complementariness and solidarity among our nations should be prioritized;
20. Reiterate the commitment to strengthen follow-up mechanisms in each country for social programs and projects being implemented in the different sectors, providing special attention to the most vulnerable population groups, in order to assess from a multidimensional perspective their impact and share best practices among the countries of the region;
21. Support the 2025 Hunger-Free Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative;
22. Reaffirm our will to promote regional, sub-regional, bilateral, and triangular development cooperation programs, as well as regional South-South and Triangular Cooperation policy, which take into consideration the characteristics and specific needs of the different areas and sub-regions and of each and every country in them;
23. Recognize, in this regard, the Caribbean island countries and Central America as well as countries on the northern South American coast with low-lying coastal areas as the most economically, socially and environmentally vulnerable areas and advocate for the promotion of solidarity-based and complementary trade, investments and cooperation projects and actions aimed at overcoming the different challenges and difficulties related to the sub-region’s vulnerability;
24. Commit ourselves to continue contributing to reconstruction and development efforts in Haiti in accordance with the priority areas defined by its government and with full respect for its authority and sovereignty, as well as for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs, pursuant to the resolution on special cooperation with Haiti adopted by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and ratified by the Heads of State and/or Government at the First CELAC Summit. Call upon Governments, traditional donors and international financial institutions to supporting a wider way and more quickly (the implementation of the National Development Strategic Plan (NSDH) of the Haitian Government, especially in the agriculture. We call upon them also to support the National Plan to Eradicate Cholera that is in need of urgent prevention and control measures, as well as investments in water and sanitation infrastructures and in strengthening the capacities of institutions in that country;
25. Affirm that for drawing up a Regional Strategic Agenda on Integrated Disaster Risk Management, the topic must be recognized as a process of actions related to risk- estimation and reduction, preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction which should be part of a Plan of Action to be coordinated and articulated among local, national, sub-regional, and regional entities;
26. Pledge to continue consolidating sound regional concepts acknowledging the rights of migrants, as well as to increase coordination regarding regional policies on migration and common stands in global and inter-regional negotiations on migration, especially regarding the promotion of global debate on the link between migration, development and human rights;
27. Reaffirm our willingness and commitment to continue making progress in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals;
28. Ratify the crucial importance of the intergovernmental process for formulating thePost-2015 Development Agenda, which should be opened, transparent and inclusive. Stress that the new development agenda should be formulated on the basis of unrestricted respect for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in the light of the principles enshrined in the final document of Rio+20“The Future We Want” as well as for the different approaches, visions, models and instruments adopted by the countries to attain sustainable development, in accordance with their national circumstances and priorities. We should ensure that the process is of a universal nature and flexible enough to meet the priorities, conditions, and needs of developing countries, and taking into account the special needs of the different countries, including Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Islands Developing States and the designated Middle Income Countries;
29. Recognize the urgent need for the new Development Agenda to explicitly include as a goal, with specific indicators and timetables, implementation means to ensure its fulfillment, such as new additional and predictable financial resources, technological development and transfer, and capacity-building in developing countries;
30. The new Agenda should draw on the experiences in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals to harmoniously define the Sustainable Development Goals; exclude any kind of conditionality and eliminate gaps within societies, between regions and at world level. Likewise, it should reinforce the commitment of the international community to place people at the center of its concerns, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, social participative development, and protection of the environment;
31. Reaffirm United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/64/292 of July 28, 2010 in which the General Assembly recognizes the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights;
32. Convinced that climate change is one of the most serious problems of our times, express our deep concern about its increasing adverse impact on small island countries in particular, and on developing countries as a whole, hindering their efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. In this regard, and in the context of the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, we recognize that the global nature of climate change requires the cooperation of all countries and their involvement in an effective and adequate global response, in accordance with the historical responsibility of each country, to accelerate the reduction of world emissions of greenhouse gases and the implementation of adaptation measures pursuant to the provisions and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the decisions adopted at the Conferences of the Parties;
33. Welcome with satisfaction the General Assembly Interactive Dialogue on Harmony with Nature, held in New York on April 22, 2013, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Mother Earth Day. The debate centered on the different economic approaches within the sustainable development context, to promote a more ethical relation between Humanity and Earth;
34. Welcome the recent conclusion of the Minimata Convention on Mercury as the first binding document negotiated within the United Nations in the last twelve years, and the first of the post Rio+20 agenda on sustainable development, highlighting that it represents a major step in the development of international environmental law, having as its goal the protection of human health and the environment against the risks posed by mercury, particularly urging member countries to take the necessary action to expedite its entry into force and effective implementation. Likewise, call for the participation in the GRULAC regional meeting preparatory of the 6th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC-6);
35. The Latin American and Caribbean countries express their support for the Presidency of Peru of the20thConference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and of the 10th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to be held in Lima, Peru, from the 1st to the 12th of December, 2014,and we are committed to procuring its success and that of its preparatory stage, essential steps in the process to adopt in 2015 a strengthened international agreement under the Convention which should be presented in 2015. We highlight the importance for said agreement to respect the Convention principles and provisions in order to be effective and promote the participation of all countries;
36. Encourage the participation of representatives from CELAC countries in the first Social Pre-COP on Climate Change to be held on October 13-16, 2014 in Caracas, Venezuela, which represents a significant initiative in the negotiation process within the United Nations Conference on Climate Change to consolidate the people-government alliance in formulating the future regime required to meet climate change challenges;
37. Pledge, in accordance with our capacities and domestic legislations, to support scientific research on drug-addiction in CELAC countries, in order to advance in the development of treatment, including vaccines and antidotes;
38. Highlight the Latin American and Caribbean character of Puerto Rico and, in noting the resolutions on Puerto Rico adopted by the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, reiterate that it is an issue of interest for CELAC;
39. CELAC member countries commit themselves to continue working, in the framework of international law, particularly in the framework of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514/(XV) of December 14th, 1960, to make the region of Latin America and the Caribbean a territory free of colonialism and colonies;
40. We entrust the CELAC Quartet, together with the participation of other Member States that wish to join this mandate, to present proposals to move forward on the matter indicated in paragraph 38 of this Declaration.
41. Reiterate our rejection of unilateral lists and certifications by some developed countries affecting Latin American and Caribbean countries, in particular those referring to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in person and others of a similar nature, and ratify the Special Communiqué adopted by CELAC on June 5, 2013 that rejects the inclusion of Cuba in the so-called List of States promoting international terrorism of the United States’ State Department;
42. Reaffirm the Santa Cruz Declaration, called “AmaQhilla, AmaLlulla, and AmaSuwa” (To not steal, to not lie, to not be weak), of the first Specialized Meeting of Ministers and High Level Authorities on the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), adopted in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, on November 8, 2013, which states, inter alia, that corruption crimes must be severely combated without obstruction of investigations, trial and sanction, with regard to national legislations and international agreements in force (Brazil). We likewise welcome the establishment of a specialized Working Group on the Prevention and Fight against Corruption, which will draw up a Plan of Work to promote and encourage lines of action pursuant to the priorities and bases established in the Declaration and in the CELAC Plan of Action for the year 2014, optimizing resources, complementing the works developed in other mechanisms and multilateral forums, avoiding the overlapping of efforts;
43. Stress the importance for our countries to strengthen their readiness on attention to international controversies and consider that the possibility for our region to have proper mechanisms for the settlement of controversies with foreign investors should be evaluated. Express our solidarity with those Latin American and Caribbean countries that are been affected by illegitimate claims and discredit campaigns against them, endangering the development of their peoples and request transnational enterprises and groups to maintain responsible conduct, consistent with the public policies adopted by the investment-receiving States;
44. Reaffirm the importance of developing tools conducive to the strengthening of the international financial system, providing a stricter and more effective regulation of large financial entities and the adoption of concrete measures to achieve international best practices in international financial flows. In line with the above, itself great relevance to reduce overdependence on assessments of credit-risk-rating agencies;
45. Consider it essential for the stability and predictability of international financial architecture, to ensure that agreements reached between debtors and creditors within the context of sovereign debt restructuring processes are respected, allowing payment flows to be distributed to cooperative creditors as agreed with them in the process of consensual readjustment of the debt. We must count on instruments making reasonable and definitive agreements between sovereign creditors and debtors, allowing them to confront debt sustainability problems in an orderly fashion;
46. Express our conviction regarding the relevance of direct foreign investment flows in our region and the need for them to contribute in an effective manner to the development of our countries and translate into greater wellbeing for our societies, without conditionalities being imposed and with respect for their sovereignty, in keeping with their national development plans and programs;
47. Consider it necessary to have a Latin American and Caribbean planning tool in the wake of the new challenges faced by CELAC, reason for which mutually beneficial collective integration efforts, solidarity and cooperation are a must, particularly with vulnerable countries and Least Developed Countries, which should serve for attaining clear and measurable goals, adaptable to different national realities, in order to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development;
48. Ratify the importance of regional financial cooperation and integration. In that regard, support the Resolutions adopted by the CELAC Ministers in their 2013 meetings;
49. Congratulate the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the Bolivian people for the successful launching of the first Bolivian outer space communication satellite “Tupac Katari” (TKSAT-1), on December 20, 2013 at the Xichang Space Center in the People’s Republic of China, recognizing that the benefits of the satellite will reach millions of Bolivians, facilitating access to education and information thereby ensuring the exercise of their human rights, and also facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge among the peoples of Latin American and the Caribbean;
50. Reiterate our strongest support of the legitimate right of the Republic of Argentina in its dispute concerning sovereignty over the Malvinas, Georgias del Sur, and Sandwich del Sur Islands and the surrounding maritime spaces, as well as our permanent interest that this dispute be settled through negotiations and peaceful means, pursuant to stipulations in Resolution 31/49 of the United Nations General Assembly;
51. Reiterate our commitment with the principle of the sovereign right of States to make best use of their natural resources, and manage and regulate them. Likewise, express the right of our peoples to exploit, in a sustainable manner, their natural resources which can be used as an important source to finance economic development, social justice, and the welfare of our peoples;
52. Reiterate our strongest rejection of the implementation of unilateral coercive measures and once again reiterate our solidarity with the Republic of Cuba, while reaffirming our call upon the Government of the United States of America to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on this sisterly nation for more than five decades;
53. Pledge to continue working to consolidate Latin America and the Caribbean as a Peace Zone where differences among nations shall be settled through dialogue and negotiation or any other peaceful means in compliance with International Law;
54. Taking into account the objectives set out in the Suriname Declaration adopted at the first meeting of CELAC Ministers of Culture, held on March14th and 15th 2013, in Paramaribo, Suriname, highlight the relevance of culture in Latin America and the Caribbean as the basis for the identity of each country and as a catalyst for regional integration processes. Stress the importance of culture as well as the importance of cultural industries for national economies and pledge to promote cultural entrepreneurship as a tool for preserving our cultural heritage and generating job opportunities for employment and wealth for our peoples, so that it contributes to the wellbeing of our citizens and progress of society as a whole;
55. Express their satisfaction for the celebration of the 6thWorld Summit of the Arts and Culture, in Santiago de Chile, on January13 to 16, 2013, which has contributed in portraying the region as a privileged area to celebrate meetings and dialogues of a universal character in the field of culture;
56. Renew our support for the dialogue process being held in Havana, Cuba, between the Colombian Government and FARC and welcome the progress made in reaching an agreement on two important items of the agenda. We call upon the parties to continue this process aimed at putting an end to the internal conflict that has affected the political, social and economic development of that sister nation for more than 50 years. We welcome and appreciate the role played by Cuba and Norway as the guarantor countries and by Chile and Venezuela as the accompanying countries, in the progress achieved;
57. Reiterate our support to the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 of the International Decade of Afro-descendants beginning in January 2015 under the theme of “Afro-descendants: Justice and Development”, as well as the Communiqué adopted by CELAC Ministers of Foreign Affairs at their third meeting, proclaiming the Decade of Latin American and Caribbean Afro-descendants that began on January 1stthis year;
58. Recognize the importance of taking into consideration the essential role of the collective action of indigenous peoples and local populations in the preservation and sustainable use of biological diversity as a significant contribution to the planet. Support the actions being implemented to encourage its official recognition;
59. Reiterate the need to take steps to protect the patents on traditional and ancestral knowledge of indigenous and tribal peoples and local communities to prevent violation by third parties by registrations that ignore their ownership, and to promote their fair and equitable share of the benefits derived from their use. We support in this regard the on-going negotiations taking place in the relevant multilateral forums;
60. Highlight that negotiations for a concise and action-oriented outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples of the High Level Plenary Meeting of the69th session of the Assembly, to be known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples to be held on September 22 and 23, 2014 in New York, will be aimed at sharing points of views and best practices on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples, including the fulfillment of the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We take note of the recommendations of the main topics of the World Preparatory Conference on the Indigenous People for the World Conference on Indigenous People, held on June12, 2013 in Alta, Norway. Take note of the initiative of the Mexican government to hold a preparatory meeting for the World Conference in April, 2014;
61. Support the International Year of Family Farming proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly;
62. Welcome the election of the Plurinational State of Bolivia as Chairman of the G-77 and China for 2014 and pledge our support in the fulfillment of its mandate for the benefit of the interests of Latin America and the Caribbean. We further welcome holding a Summit of Heads of State and Government of the G-77 plus China to take place in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, on June 15 and 15, 2014 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the G-77 foundation;
63. Considering the need for equitable geographical distribution in the United Nations system, stress the need for Latin America and the Caribbean to quantitatively and qualitatively increase its presence in key posts within the United Nations and other international agencies, a goal to which we will devote our best efforts;
64. Reiterate our stand regarding the need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, especially the democratization of international decision-making instances, particularly the Security Council. The required democratization should include representativeness, transparency, efficiency, democracy, respect for the mandates of other United Nations bodies, and due accountability to the entire United Nations membership;
65. Considering that international migration is a global phenomenon involving more than 220 million persons, including women, boys, girls, adolescents and indigenous persons, we recognize the significance of the text of the resolution adopted at the Second United Nations High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development (DAN2013), which favors a human rights approach, stresses the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable groups in migration flows and insists on the need for greater involvement by the United Nations, its agencies, funds, and programs related to this matter as well as the interest to include in the issue of international migration in the Post-2015 Development Agenda, among other things, and pledge to strengthen cooperation within the framework of shared responsibility, to make progress in addressing the multiple challenges posed by international migration;
66. Ratify the commitment to strengthen actions to combat transnational organized crime in accordance with International Law. In this regard, we are aware that crime and violence are an obstacle for the full development of Latin America and the Caribbean and stress the need for a regional consensus on a public safety vision with a human development approach, respect for human rights and the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs. With this in mind, we should consolidate dialogue and coordination mechanisms, as appropriate, to improve regional strategies on public safety and sustainable development;
67. We express our most serious concern over the grave humanitarian and safety situation in the Arab Republic of Syria, and the threat posed by this situation to international peace and security. We congratulate the Syrian Parties for their acceptance to hold direct negotiations at the International Conference on Syria (the “Geneva II Conference”) under the auspices of the Special Envoy jointly designated by the United Nations and the Arab League. We congratulate the Secretary General of the United Nations for the organization of that Conference. Dialogue and negotiations are essential to advance the efforts toward national reconciliation and to secure the full implementation of the Geneva Conventions on Syria. We renew our belief that an inclusive political process driven by the Syrian people and conducted on the basis of the principles of sovereignty, independence, self-determination, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs is the only avenue that may lead to peace and the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people;
68. Highlight the holding, for the first time, of a United Nations High Level Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament on September 26, 2013 in which CELAC reaffirmed the urgent need to advance towards nuclear disarmament and complete and general elimination of nuclear weapons in a transparent, irreversible and verifiable manner and urged to work towards the negotiation of a universal and legally binding instrument banning nuclear weapons under a multilaterally agreed timetable. We pledge to follow-up these positions;
69. Express our gravest concern at the immeasurable humanitarian impact and a global devastating effect of any accidental or intentional nuclear detonation. We urge the international community to reiterate its concern regarding the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, wherever a debate on these weapons takes place. We welcome the outcome of the Oslo Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, held on March, 2013 and, in this regard, called upon all States to participate in the Second International Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons to be held in Mexico on February 13 and 14, 2014;
70. Note with satisfaction the preliminary agreement concluded between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the 5+1 Group in Geneva regarding the Iranian nuclear program, which shows that disputes between States should be settled through dialogue and negotiation and express our expectation that very soon a broad and lasting solution to this issue is reached. Ratify the inalienable right of all States, in conformity with the Non Proliferation Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination, which, together with disarmament and non-proliferation constitute the pillars of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to which all CELAC Members are a Party;
71. Reiterate our call for the Conference on the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East be held at the earliest date possible, as agreed by the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1995, 2000, and 2010, as it would be a valuable contribution to international peace and security;
72. Highlight the importance and contribution of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco) and its protocol to international peace and security, which established the first densely populated nuclear free zone in the planet. Stress our full support to the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean and, in this regard, reaffirm the importance of the collaboration and cooperation between CELAC and OPANAL, the specialized body in the region for articulating common positions and joint actions on nuclear disarmament;
73. Take note of the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty by the United Nations General Assembly in April, 2013;
74. Take note of the international activities of CELAC, particularly the visit of the Foreign Ministers of the Extended Troika to the Russian Federation, the open meetings of the Foreign Ministers of the CELAC Troika with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States, Turkey, and Japan held in New York on the occasion of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as the work to develop a roadmap for dialogue and cooperation with each of these interlocutors;
75. Congratulate ourselves for the establishment of the CELAC-China Forum and the Dialogue Mechanism with the Russian Federation, elements which could positively benefit CELAC activities;
76. We are convinced of the need to continue seeking new CELAC synergies at international level, and to this end we need to take up again those initiated in 2012 and establish additional convergence and relational modalities;
77. Welcome coordination among CELAC Member States in the United Nations and express our willingness to continue working progressively in this manner and to expand our work to other venues, in such cases as appropriate and necessary;
78. Express also our support to the preparatory process for the Second CELAC-EU Summit, to be held in Brussels in 2015. We entrust National Coordinators and Senior Officials of the CELAC-EU Dialogue, as appropriate, with the task of finalizing the negotiation of an international agreement for the establishment of the EULAC Foundation, for the Second CELAC-EU Summit;
79. Thank the President of the Republic of Chile, Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echenique, who completes his mandate this year for his excellent work and leadership developed during the convergence and starting process of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States, which ended up with the successful holding of the I CELAC Summit in Santiago, Chile, on 27-28 of January, 2013;
80. Thank the Republic of Costa Rica for accepting the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC in 2014 and the holding of the Third CELAC Summit in 2015. Recognize Her Excellency Mrs. Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President of the Republic of Costa Rica, who shall complete her mandate on May 2014, her strong and valuable support to CELAC since its foundation;
81. Appreciate the Republic of Ecuador for hosting the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC in 2015 and holding the Fourth CELAC Summit;
82. Take note of the offer made by the Dominican Republic to be the venue of CELAC in 2016, submitted in February, 2013;
83. Express our gratitude to the President of the State Council and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba for his leadership and the work done during the Pro Tempore Presidency of this forum as well as its appreciation to the Cuban people and government for organizing the II CELAC Summit in Havana on January 28 and 29, 2014.
Havana, January 29, 2014
The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States was established at the Latin American Caribbean Unity Summit in Mexico in 2010. It consists of the governments of the 33 nations of Latin America and the Caribbean. The presidency rotates annually, with the first three held by Venezuela, Chile, and Cuba, and the next two to be held by Costa Rica and Ecuador. The Second CELAC Summit of January 28-29, 2014, was held in Havana, Cuba, concluding Cuba’s year as president.
CELAC is an alternative to the Organization of American States (OAS), established in 1948 as a component of the Pan-American project of the United States (see “Pan-Americanism and OAS” blog post of 10/2/2013). The formation of CELAC is an indication of the new political reality that has emerged in Latin America during the past fifteen years, in that it brings together all of the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, excluding the two North American imperialist powers, the United States and Canada. Whereas the United States in 1961 was able to attain the expulsion of socialist Cuba from the OAS as part of its policy of isolating Cuba, today Cuba is playing a leadership role in CELAC, and it is the United States that is isolated from Latin America, universally condemned for its blockade of Cuba.
The Declaration of Havana emitted by the Second CELAC Summit on January 29, 2014 calls for an expansion the economic and commercial integration in Latin America and the Caribbean on the basis of solidarity and complementariness. It affirms the principle of South-South cooperation. It promotes a concept of development as integral, inclusive, and sustainable, noting that foreign investment should promote national development. It calls for the elimination of poverty, hunger, and child labor and the reduction of income inequality. It advocates food security, literacy, free universal education, and universal public health. It interprets climate change as one of the most serious problems of our time, and it support international efforts to develop measures for the protection of the environment. It calls for the protection of the traditional and ancestral knowledge of indigenous peoples, and it affirms the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It embraces the proposed democratic reform of the United Nations in international decision-making, giving greater voice to the governments of the South. It rejects unilateral lists of some powerful countries, specifically the inclusion of Cuba on the US list of states supposing promoting international terrorism; and it calls for the end of the US economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba. It supports the claim of Argentina with respect to the Malvinas Islands. It supports peace negotiations between FARC and the Columbian government being held in Havana, Cuba. It calls for a complete and general elimination of nuclear weapons, and it affirms the right of all states to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It supports the cooperation of CELAC with China and Russia. It does not mention the United States of America, except to condemn its policies toward Cuba.
HAVANA DECLARATION
II CELAC SUMMIT
28-29 January, 2014
We, the Heads of State and Government of the Latin America and the Caribbean States gathered in Havana, Cuba, on the occasion of the II Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), on 28 and 29 January 2014,
Reaffirming the validity of the historical heritage of the Community constituted by the historical heritage of the Rio Group and the Latin American Summit on Development and Integration and by the Declarations, Special Communiqués and decisions adopted at the I CELAC Summit held in Santiago de Chile on January 27 and 28, 2013; at the Caracas Foundational Summit held on December 3, 2011; at the Latin American and Caribbean Unity Summit held at the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico on February 23, 2010; at the Latin American and Caribbean Summits held in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil on December 16 and 17, 2008; and in the convergence process that gave birth to CELAC;
Emphasizing that after two years of the implementation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States we have managed to create a space of dialogue and political coordination which unites us and makes it possible to entertain the aspiration of working together for the wellbeing of our peoples. At the same time, a better integration of our region in the international arena has been made possible;
Ratifying today our irrevocable willingness to strengthen this space of effective political dialogue, we express that we have been, we are, and we will continue to be diverse, and from this diversity we should identify our common challenges and goals, our areas of coincidence that will enable us to move forward in the integration process of our region. Let us strengthen our democracies as well as all human rights for all; let us provide more opportunities for our peoples; let us build more inclusive societies; let us improve our productivity; let us establish closer trade links; let us improve our infrastructure and connectivity and the necessary networks that unite our peoples more; let us work for the sustainable development to overcome inequalities and for a more equitable distribution of wealth so that everybody feels that democracy provides a new sense to their lives. That is the mission of CELAC, that is the task we are called upon to carry out and the political responsibility that we have ahead of us, and for which we should be accountable to our peoples;
1. Reiterate that the unity and integration of our region must be built gradually, with flexibility, with respect for pluralism and the sovereign right of each of our peoples to choose their own political and economic system. Reiterate that our Community is founded on the unrestricted respect for the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the prohibition of the use and threat of use of force, respect for self-determination, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of each country, protection and promotion of all human rights, the Rule of Law at the national and international levels, promotion of active citizenship, and democracy. Likewise, pledge ourselves to work together for the sake of prosperity for all, in such a way as to eradicate discrimination, inequalities and marginalization, violations of human rights and transgressions of the Rule of Law;
2. Reaffirm as a general principle that the strengthening of CELAC as a political forum and actor in the international arena is one of our priorities. In this context, we believe that is fundamental to further perfect the coordination and cooperation among CELAC member states in the context of international bodies, as long as it is possible and viable;
3. Deeply regret the demise of the Commander-President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias on March 5, 2013, one of the chief promoters and founders of CELAC, a relentless humanist and champion of Latin American and Caribbean unity, who fought against social exclusion and poverty and fostered integral development in the region;
4. Stress our purpose to continue working together for Latin American and Caribbean integration and coordination as well as for the consolidation of our Community in keeping with the ideals and dreams of our liberators and founding fathers, and ratify our decision to take such actions enabling us to prevent and, where appropriate, address in a coordinated manner the impacts of the current international crises of many interrelations, that continues to adversely impact our countries’ efforts to foster sustainable and integral development in our region;
5. Promote a vision of integral and inclusive development that ensures sustainable and productive development, in harmony with nature, in such areas in which we can build synergies, particularly in the fields of energy, infrastructure, intra-regional trade, food production, intermediate industries, investments, and financing, to attain the highest social development possible for our peoples;
6. Take up our commitment to regional integrated development, non-exclusive and equitable, taking into account the importance of ensuring favorable treatment to small and vulnerable economies, to Landlocked Developing Countries and to island States;
7. Welcome the important outcomes of the National Coordinators and Foreign Ministers Meetings held so far and call for the implementation of the decisions and mandates contained in the agreements reached on the basis of flexibility and voluntary participation;
8. Recognize that the two years of CELAC’s existence proves the importance of establishing a permanent dialogue to consolidate consensus on issues of regional interest, on the basis of the principles of solidarity, complementariness with other regional institutions and experiences, and cooperation, as well as aimed at achieving effective results for a sustainable, inclusive and solidarity-based development of Latin American and Caribbean States. Highlight the progress made in the dialogue with regional and sub-regional integration mechanisms;
9. Call upon the international community to take urgent steps to address systemic fragilities and imbalances. Express our desire to work together to overcome the challenges of a weakened international scenario and make efforts to foster sustained, dynamic and long-term growth rates in our region enabling greater equality and social inclusion as well as integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, taking into consideration the importance of entrepreneurship and SMEs as tools for strengthening national economies;
10. Reaffirm that in order to eradicate poverty and hunger it is essential to foster the development of economic policies supportive of productivity and sustainable development in our nations, work to strengthen the world economic order for the benefit of our countries, foster complementariness, solidarity, and cooperation, and demand compliance with development assistance commitments by developed countries;
11. Ratify our will to promote the growth, social progress, and sustainable development of our States by designing and implementing national plans, policies and programs with timetables and quantifiable targets, aimed at the universal enjoyment and exercise of economic, social, and cultural rights, according priority to persons living in extreme poverty and vulnerable sectors such as the indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, women, children, the disabled, the elderly, youth, and migrants;
12. Welcome the success of the Third Global Conference on Child Labor and reiterate our commitment towards the elimination of the worst forms of child labor before 2016, as well as the eradication of child labor at the earliest possible date;
13. Welcome the adoption of the Caracas Declaration and Plan of Action of the meeting of authorities in charge of social development and eradication of hunger and poverty. Continue working on national plans, policies, and programs to gradually reduce income inequalities which are the root cause of hunger, poverty, and social exclusion, by adopting, inter alia, progressive fiscal policies and policies aimed at creating permanent jobs in the formal sector, protection, social security and assistance and the establishment of minimum wages and their gradual increase which would be implemented according to the capacities of each CELAC Member State, thereby gradually increasing social investment;
14. Accord the highest priority to strengthening food and nutritional security, literacy and post-literacy, free universal public general education, quality technical, vocational and higher education with a social purpose, fostering land tenure, agricultural development, including peasant and family farming, and decent and permanent jobs, support for small farmers, unemployment insurance, universal public health, the right to adequate housing for all and productive and industrial development as decisive factors to eradicate hunger, poverty, and social exclusion;
15. Reiterate our commitment to work jointly to strengthen the national, regional and multilateral mechanisms to combat illicit trafficking in cultural goods and ensure the cultural integration of peoples by promoting exchanges of traditional and modern cultural knowledge;
16. Recognize that indigenous peoples and local communities play a significant role in economic, social and environmental development and recognize also the importance of traditional sustainable agricultural practices, associated with biodiversity and the exploitation of their resources, their right to access to suitable water for irrigation, in keeping with the legislation of each country, and their traditional systems of land tenure, seed supply systems and access to financing and markets;
17. Decide to strengthen, in a comprehensive manner, the productive basis, placing emphasis on sustainable local and cultural practices of indigenous peoples and local communities for integrated management with a view to optimizing the use of and access to water for irrigation purposes by proper management of basins, the recovery of soil fertility by replenishing green cover, compost production, terrace cropping, and the preservation and increase of biodiversity through the recovery and production of native seeds and improved seed production;
18. Highlight the key role played by public policies and recognize the valuable contribution played by the private sector, civil society, the social movements and the society as a whole. Take note of the progress achieved and pledge to continue encouraging such policies in an active manner, taking into account the national development priorities and strategies of each State to attain the goals of eradicating hunger, poverty and social exclusion. Recognize the relevance of international, regional and bilateral cooperation to this end;
19. Recognize the national, sub-regional, and regional initiatives aimed at ensuring the human right to food and promoting food and nutritional security, reducing poverty levels and fostering full inclusion, and welcome progress made in such endeavors, while highlighting that in order to ensure future success, complementariness and solidarity among our nations should be prioritized;
20. Reiterate the commitment to strengthen follow-up mechanisms in each country for social programs and projects being implemented in the different sectors, providing special attention to the most vulnerable population groups, in order to assess from a multidimensional perspective their impact and share best practices among the countries of the region;
21. Support the 2025 Hunger-Free Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative;
22. Reaffirm our will to promote regional, sub-regional, bilateral, and triangular development cooperation programs, as well as regional South-South and Triangular Cooperation policy, which take into consideration the characteristics and specific needs of the different areas and sub-regions and of each and every country in them;
23. Recognize, in this regard, the Caribbean island countries and Central America as well as countries on the northern South American coast with low-lying coastal areas as the most economically, socially and environmentally vulnerable areas and advocate for the promotion of solidarity-based and complementary trade, investments and cooperation projects and actions aimed at overcoming the different challenges and difficulties related to the sub-region’s vulnerability;
24. Commit ourselves to continue contributing to reconstruction and development efforts in Haiti in accordance with the priority areas defined by its government and with full respect for its authority and sovereignty, as well as for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs, pursuant to the resolution on special cooperation with Haiti adopted by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and ratified by the Heads of State and/or Government at the First CELAC Summit. Call upon Governments, traditional donors and international financial institutions to supporting a wider way and more quickly (the implementation of the National Development Strategic Plan (NSDH) of the Haitian Government, especially in the agriculture. We call upon them also to support the National Plan to Eradicate Cholera that is in need of urgent prevention and control measures, as well as investments in water and sanitation infrastructures and in strengthening the capacities of institutions in that country;
25. Affirm that for drawing up a Regional Strategic Agenda on Integrated Disaster Risk Management, the topic must be recognized as a process of actions related to risk- estimation and reduction, preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction which should be part of a Plan of Action to be coordinated and articulated among local, national, sub-regional, and regional entities;
26. Pledge to continue consolidating sound regional concepts acknowledging the rights of migrants, as well as to increase coordination regarding regional policies on migration and common stands in global and inter-regional negotiations on migration, especially regarding the promotion of global debate on the link between migration, development and human rights;
27. Reaffirm our willingness and commitment to continue making progress in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals;
28. Ratify the crucial importance of the intergovernmental process for formulating thePost-2015 Development Agenda, which should be opened, transparent and inclusive. Stress that the new development agenda should be formulated on the basis of unrestricted respect for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in the light of the principles enshrined in the final document of Rio+20“The Future We Want” as well as for the different approaches, visions, models and instruments adopted by the countries to attain sustainable development, in accordance with their national circumstances and priorities. We should ensure that the process is of a universal nature and flexible enough to meet the priorities, conditions, and needs of developing countries, and taking into account the special needs of the different countries, including Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Islands Developing States and the designated Middle Income Countries;
29. Recognize the urgent need for the new Development Agenda to explicitly include as a goal, with specific indicators and timetables, implementation means to ensure its fulfillment, such as new additional and predictable financial resources, technological development and transfer, and capacity-building in developing countries;
30. The new Agenda should draw on the experiences in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals to harmoniously define the Sustainable Development Goals; exclude any kind of conditionality and eliminate gaps within societies, between regions and at world level. Likewise, it should reinforce the commitment of the international community to place people at the center of its concerns, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, social participative development, and protection of the environment;
31. Reaffirm United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/64/292 of July 28, 2010 in which the General Assembly recognizes the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights;
32. Convinced that climate change is one of the most serious problems of our times, express our deep concern about its increasing adverse impact on small island countries in particular, and on developing countries as a whole, hindering their efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. In this regard, and in the context of the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, we recognize that the global nature of climate change requires the cooperation of all countries and their involvement in an effective and adequate global response, in accordance with the historical responsibility of each country, to accelerate the reduction of world emissions of greenhouse gases and the implementation of adaptation measures pursuant to the provisions and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the decisions adopted at the Conferences of the Parties;
33. Welcome with satisfaction the General Assembly Interactive Dialogue on Harmony with Nature, held in New York on April 22, 2013, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Mother Earth Day. The debate centered on the different economic approaches within the sustainable development context, to promote a more ethical relation between Humanity and Earth;
34. Welcome the recent conclusion of the Minimata Convention on Mercury as the first binding document negotiated within the United Nations in the last twelve years, and the first of the post Rio+20 agenda on sustainable development, highlighting that it represents a major step in the development of international environmental law, having as its goal the protection of human health and the environment against the risks posed by mercury, particularly urging member countries to take the necessary action to expedite its entry into force and effective implementation. Likewise, call for the participation in the GRULAC regional meeting preparatory of the 6th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC-6);
35. The Latin American and Caribbean countries express their support for the Presidency of Peru of the20thConference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and of the 10th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to be held in Lima, Peru, from the 1st to the 12th of December, 2014,and we are committed to procuring its success and that of its preparatory stage, essential steps in the process to adopt in 2015 a strengthened international agreement under the Convention which should be presented in 2015. We highlight the importance for said agreement to respect the Convention principles and provisions in order to be effective and promote the participation of all countries;
36. Encourage the participation of representatives from CELAC countries in the first Social Pre-COP on Climate Change to be held on October 13-16, 2014 in Caracas, Venezuela, which represents a significant initiative in the negotiation process within the United Nations Conference on Climate Change to consolidate the people-government alliance in formulating the future regime required to meet climate change challenges;
37. Pledge, in accordance with our capacities and domestic legislations, to support scientific research on drug-addiction in CELAC countries, in order to advance in the development of treatment, including vaccines and antidotes;
38. Highlight the Latin American and Caribbean character of Puerto Rico and, in noting the resolutions on Puerto Rico adopted by the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, reiterate that it is an issue of interest for CELAC;
39. CELAC member countries commit themselves to continue working, in the framework of international law, particularly in the framework of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514/(XV) of December 14th, 1960, to make the region of Latin America and the Caribbean a territory free of colonialism and colonies;
40. We entrust the CELAC Quartet, together with the participation of other Member States that wish to join this mandate, to present proposals to move forward on the matter indicated in paragraph 38 of this Declaration.
41. Reiterate our rejection of unilateral lists and certifications by some developed countries affecting Latin American and Caribbean countries, in particular those referring to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in person and others of a similar nature, and ratify the Special Communiqué adopted by CELAC on June 5, 2013 that rejects the inclusion of Cuba in the so-called List of States promoting international terrorism of the United States’ State Department;
42. Reaffirm the Santa Cruz Declaration, called “AmaQhilla, AmaLlulla, and AmaSuwa” (To not steal, to not lie, to not be weak), of the first Specialized Meeting of Ministers and High Level Authorities on the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), adopted in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, on November 8, 2013, which states, inter alia, that corruption crimes must be severely combated without obstruction of investigations, trial and sanction, with regard to national legislations and international agreements in force (Brazil). We likewise welcome the establishment of a specialized Working Group on the Prevention and Fight against Corruption, which will draw up a Plan of Work to promote and encourage lines of action pursuant to the priorities and bases established in the Declaration and in the CELAC Plan of Action for the year 2014, optimizing resources, complementing the works developed in other mechanisms and multilateral forums, avoiding the overlapping of efforts;
43. Stress the importance for our countries to strengthen their readiness on attention to international controversies and consider that the possibility for our region to have proper mechanisms for the settlement of controversies with foreign investors should be evaluated. Express our solidarity with those Latin American and Caribbean countries that are been affected by illegitimate claims and discredit campaigns against them, endangering the development of their peoples and request transnational enterprises and groups to maintain responsible conduct, consistent with the public policies adopted by the investment-receiving States;
44. Reaffirm the importance of developing tools conducive to the strengthening of the international financial system, providing a stricter and more effective regulation of large financial entities and the adoption of concrete measures to achieve international best practices in international financial flows. In line with the above, itself great relevance to reduce overdependence on assessments of credit-risk-rating agencies;
45. Consider it essential for the stability and predictability of international financial architecture, to ensure that agreements reached between debtors and creditors within the context of sovereign debt restructuring processes are respected, allowing payment flows to be distributed to cooperative creditors as agreed with them in the process of consensual readjustment of the debt. We must count on instruments making reasonable and definitive agreements between sovereign creditors and debtors, allowing them to confront debt sustainability problems in an orderly fashion;
46. Express our conviction regarding the relevance of direct foreign investment flows in our region and the need for them to contribute in an effective manner to the development of our countries and translate into greater wellbeing for our societies, without conditionalities being imposed and with respect for their sovereignty, in keeping with their national development plans and programs;
47. Consider it necessary to have a Latin American and Caribbean planning tool in the wake of the new challenges faced by CELAC, reason for which mutually beneficial collective integration efforts, solidarity and cooperation are a must, particularly with vulnerable countries and Least Developed Countries, which should serve for attaining clear and measurable goals, adaptable to different national realities, in order to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development;
48. Ratify the importance of regional financial cooperation and integration. In that regard, support the Resolutions adopted by the CELAC Ministers in their 2013 meetings;
49. Congratulate the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the Bolivian people for the successful launching of the first Bolivian outer space communication satellite “Tupac Katari” (TKSAT-1), on December 20, 2013 at the Xichang Space Center in the People’s Republic of China, recognizing that the benefits of the satellite will reach millions of Bolivians, facilitating access to education and information thereby ensuring the exercise of their human rights, and also facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge among the peoples of Latin American and the Caribbean;
50. Reiterate our strongest support of the legitimate right of the Republic of Argentina in its dispute concerning sovereignty over the Malvinas, Georgias del Sur, and Sandwich del Sur Islands and the surrounding maritime spaces, as well as our permanent interest that this dispute be settled through negotiations and peaceful means, pursuant to stipulations in Resolution 31/49 of the United Nations General Assembly;
51. Reiterate our commitment with the principle of the sovereign right of States to make best use of their natural resources, and manage and regulate them. Likewise, express the right of our peoples to exploit, in a sustainable manner, their natural resources which can be used as an important source to finance economic development, social justice, and the welfare of our peoples;
52. Reiterate our strongest rejection of the implementation of unilateral coercive measures and once again reiterate our solidarity with the Republic of Cuba, while reaffirming our call upon the Government of the United States of America to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on this sisterly nation for more than five decades;
53. Pledge to continue working to consolidate Latin America and the Caribbean as a Peace Zone where differences among nations shall be settled through dialogue and negotiation or any other peaceful means in compliance with International Law;
54. Taking into account the objectives set out in the Suriname Declaration adopted at the first meeting of CELAC Ministers of Culture, held on March14th and 15th 2013, in Paramaribo, Suriname, highlight the relevance of culture in Latin America and the Caribbean as the basis for the identity of each country and as a catalyst for regional integration processes. Stress the importance of culture as well as the importance of cultural industries for national economies and pledge to promote cultural entrepreneurship as a tool for preserving our cultural heritage and generating job opportunities for employment and wealth for our peoples, so that it contributes to the wellbeing of our citizens and progress of society as a whole;
55. Express their satisfaction for the celebration of the 6thWorld Summit of the Arts and Culture, in Santiago de Chile, on January13 to 16, 2013, which has contributed in portraying the region as a privileged area to celebrate meetings and dialogues of a universal character in the field of culture;
56. Renew our support for the dialogue process being held in Havana, Cuba, between the Colombian Government and FARC and welcome the progress made in reaching an agreement on two important items of the agenda. We call upon the parties to continue this process aimed at putting an end to the internal conflict that has affected the political, social and economic development of that sister nation for more than 50 years. We welcome and appreciate the role played by Cuba and Norway as the guarantor countries and by Chile and Venezuela as the accompanying countries, in the progress achieved;
57. Reiterate our support to the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 of the International Decade of Afro-descendants beginning in January 2015 under the theme of “Afro-descendants: Justice and Development”, as well as the Communiqué adopted by CELAC Ministers of Foreign Affairs at their third meeting, proclaiming the Decade of Latin American and Caribbean Afro-descendants that began on January 1stthis year;
58. Recognize the importance of taking into consideration the essential role of the collective action of indigenous peoples and local populations in the preservation and sustainable use of biological diversity as a significant contribution to the planet. Support the actions being implemented to encourage its official recognition;
59. Reiterate the need to take steps to protect the patents on traditional and ancestral knowledge of indigenous and tribal peoples and local communities to prevent violation by third parties by registrations that ignore their ownership, and to promote their fair and equitable share of the benefits derived from their use. We support in this regard the on-going negotiations taking place in the relevant multilateral forums;
60. Highlight that negotiations for a concise and action-oriented outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples of the High Level Plenary Meeting of the69th session of the Assembly, to be known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples to be held on September 22 and 23, 2014 in New York, will be aimed at sharing points of views and best practices on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples, including the fulfillment of the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We take note of the recommendations of the main topics of the World Preparatory Conference on the Indigenous People for the World Conference on Indigenous People, held on June12, 2013 in Alta, Norway. Take note of the initiative of the Mexican government to hold a preparatory meeting for the World Conference in April, 2014;
61. Support the International Year of Family Farming proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly;
62. Welcome the election of the Plurinational State of Bolivia as Chairman of the G-77 and China for 2014 and pledge our support in the fulfillment of its mandate for the benefit of the interests of Latin America and the Caribbean. We further welcome holding a Summit of Heads of State and Government of the G-77 plus China to take place in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, on June 15 and 15, 2014 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the G-77 foundation;
63. Considering the need for equitable geographical distribution in the United Nations system, stress the need for Latin America and the Caribbean to quantitatively and qualitatively increase its presence in key posts within the United Nations and other international agencies, a goal to which we will devote our best efforts;
64. Reiterate our stand regarding the need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, especially the democratization of international decision-making instances, particularly the Security Council. The required democratization should include representativeness, transparency, efficiency, democracy, respect for the mandates of other United Nations bodies, and due accountability to the entire United Nations membership;
65. Considering that international migration is a global phenomenon involving more than 220 million persons, including women, boys, girls, adolescents and indigenous persons, we recognize the significance of the text of the resolution adopted at the Second United Nations High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development (DAN2013), which favors a human rights approach, stresses the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable groups in migration flows and insists on the need for greater involvement by the United Nations, its agencies, funds, and programs related to this matter as well as the interest to include in the issue of international migration in the Post-2015 Development Agenda, among other things, and pledge to strengthen cooperation within the framework of shared responsibility, to make progress in addressing the multiple challenges posed by international migration;
66. Ratify the commitment to strengthen actions to combat transnational organized crime in accordance with International Law. In this regard, we are aware that crime and violence are an obstacle for the full development of Latin America and the Caribbean and stress the need for a regional consensus on a public safety vision with a human development approach, respect for human rights and the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs. With this in mind, we should consolidate dialogue and coordination mechanisms, as appropriate, to improve regional strategies on public safety and sustainable development;
67. We express our most serious concern over the grave humanitarian and safety situation in the Arab Republic of Syria, and the threat posed by this situation to international peace and security. We congratulate the Syrian Parties for their acceptance to hold direct negotiations at the International Conference on Syria (the “Geneva II Conference”) under the auspices of the Special Envoy jointly designated by the United Nations and the Arab League. We congratulate the Secretary General of the United Nations for the organization of that Conference. Dialogue and negotiations are essential to advance the efforts toward national reconciliation and to secure the full implementation of the Geneva Conventions on Syria. We renew our belief that an inclusive political process driven by the Syrian people and conducted on the basis of the principles of sovereignty, independence, self-determination, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs is the only avenue that may lead to peace and the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people;
68. Highlight the holding, for the first time, of a United Nations High Level Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament on September 26, 2013 in which CELAC reaffirmed the urgent need to advance towards nuclear disarmament and complete and general elimination of nuclear weapons in a transparent, irreversible and verifiable manner and urged to work towards the negotiation of a universal and legally binding instrument banning nuclear weapons under a multilaterally agreed timetable. We pledge to follow-up these positions;
69. Express our gravest concern at the immeasurable humanitarian impact and a global devastating effect of any accidental or intentional nuclear detonation. We urge the international community to reiterate its concern regarding the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, wherever a debate on these weapons takes place. We welcome the outcome of the Oslo Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, held on March, 2013 and, in this regard, called upon all States to participate in the Second International Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons to be held in Mexico on February 13 and 14, 2014;
70. Note with satisfaction the preliminary agreement concluded between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the 5+1 Group in Geneva regarding the Iranian nuclear program, which shows that disputes between States should be settled through dialogue and negotiation and express our expectation that very soon a broad and lasting solution to this issue is reached. Ratify the inalienable right of all States, in conformity with the Non Proliferation Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination, which, together with disarmament and non-proliferation constitute the pillars of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to which all CELAC Members are a Party;
71. Reiterate our call for the Conference on the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East be held at the earliest date possible, as agreed by the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1995, 2000, and 2010, as it would be a valuable contribution to international peace and security;
72. Highlight the importance and contribution of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco) and its protocol to international peace and security, which established the first densely populated nuclear free zone in the planet. Stress our full support to the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean and, in this regard, reaffirm the importance of the collaboration and cooperation between CELAC and OPANAL, the specialized body in the region for articulating common positions and joint actions on nuclear disarmament;
73. Take note of the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty by the United Nations General Assembly in April, 2013;
74. Take note of the international activities of CELAC, particularly the visit of the Foreign Ministers of the Extended Troika to the Russian Federation, the open meetings of the Foreign Ministers of the CELAC Troika with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States, Turkey, and Japan held in New York on the occasion of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as the work to develop a roadmap for dialogue and cooperation with each of these interlocutors;
75. Congratulate ourselves for the establishment of the CELAC-China Forum and the Dialogue Mechanism with the Russian Federation, elements which could positively benefit CELAC activities;
76. We are convinced of the need to continue seeking new CELAC synergies at international level, and to this end we need to take up again those initiated in 2012 and establish additional convergence and relational modalities;
77. Welcome coordination among CELAC Member States in the United Nations and express our willingness to continue working progressively in this manner and to expand our work to other venues, in such cases as appropriate and necessary;
78. Express also our support to the preparatory process for the Second CELAC-EU Summit, to be held in Brussels in 2015. We entrust National Coordinators and Senior Officials of the CELAC-EU Dialogue, as appropriate, with the task of finalizing the negotiation of an international agreement for the establishment of the EULAC Foundation, for the Second CELAC-EU Summit;
79. Thank the President of the Republic of Chile, Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echenique, who completes his mandate this year for his excellent work and leadership developed during the convergence and starting process of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States, which ended up with the successful holding of the I CELAC Summit in Santiago, Chile, on 27-28 of January, 2013;
80. Thank the Republic of Costa Rica for accepting the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC in 2014 and the holding of the Third CELAC Summit in 2015. Recognize Her Excellency Mrs. Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President of the Republic of Costa Rica, who shall complete her mandate on May 2014, her strong and valuable support to CELAC since its foundation;
81. Appreciate the Republic of Ecuador for hosting the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC in 2015 and holding the Fourth CELAC Summit;
82. Take note of the offer made by the Dominican Republic to be the venue of CELAC in 2016, submitted in February, 2013;
83. Express our gratitude to the President of the State Council and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba for his leadership and the work done during the Pro Tempore Presidency of this forum as well as its appreciation to the Cuban people and government for organizing the II CELAC Summit in Havana on January 28 and 29, 2014.
Havana, January 29, 2014