This week in Lima, Peru is taking place General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). The theme for this assembly is Together Against Inequality and Discrimination. Prime Minister of Aruba, Evelyn Wever-Croes is representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
At the start of the program, Wever-Croes gave a speech in which she emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogues like the assembly to reinforce bonds between the member countries and participants.
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic drastically worsened inequality already existing not only on our continent but all around the world. Inequality is not a self-arising phenomenon; it is closely linked to a variety of global challenges, including climate change and food insecurity. And only if we work together we can fight the difficult challenges of inequality.
The prime minister indicated that the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues showing a solid commitment with the efforts of OAS to reinforce democracy. Also the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirms its solid commitment to support the work of OAS in promoting human rights, particularly giving attention to vulnerable groups.
“However, we are still witnessing vulnerable structures, among others the lack of social safety due to a high degree of informality; bad service in public health and education, and unfortunately, also a high degree of pressure on human rights, gender equality and the rule of law. All this, for the government of Aruba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is as a priority. Only together, maintaining honest and critical discussions can change these inequalities” the prime minister emphasized.
On the subject of Venezuela, the prime minister expressed that being a neighbor of Venezuela, Aruba and the Kingdom are concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela that is affecting various countries, including countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean. “We urge all those involved to work together in favor of a stable, fair and democratic transition”, she said.
The prime minister ended her speech emphasizing that the Kingdom of the Netherlands, despite all challenges is not losing hope. “All crises can lead to innovation and new perspectives to solve problems of inequality and discrimination. Confronting these challenges require investment in our people to build democratic societies that work together. The Kingdom of the Netherlands, in its quality of active observer and good neighbor, will continue as a partner of OAS in the future”, she expressed.
