Organization of American States (OAS)

The Organization of American States (OAS), the world's oldest regional organization, promotes and supports democracy, human rights, economic and social development, and multi-dimensional security in the Americas. It seeks to prevent conflicts and to bring political stability, social inclusion and economic prosperity to the region through dialogue and collective action. The Inter-American Democratic Charter, various legal instruments and mandates provide it with the legitimacy to carry out its work in the western hemisphere.