OAS and PAHO Strengthen Inter-American Cooperation Through Administrative Tribunal Agreement

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OAS and PAHO Strengthen Inter-American Cooperation Through Administrative Tribunal Agreement

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today signed an agreement expanding the jurisdiction of the OAS Administrative Tribunal to hear certain cases involving PAHO locally recruited staff members.

During the signing ceremony held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC., PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said "This is a very positive initiative, because it demonstrates two organizations of the Inter-American system working together. This agreement provides important support and creates a valuable opportunity for PAHO and the OAS to collaborate to strengthen the Inter-American system."

For his part, OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin said: "I echo the words of the Director regarding the importance of working together and building synergies. This is one way to demonstrate the synergies among the institutions of the Inter-American system." He also noted that "we need this kind of opportunity and mechanism to provide legal certainty to all our staff members, and that is something we deeply value. The Tribunal plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of staff rights."

The agreement will provide PAHO and its eligible personnel with access to an administrative justice mechanism characterized by efficiency, accessibility, and due process guarantees, helping to strengthen legal certainty and confidence in the international administration of justice. It also reinforces the principles of institutional cohesion, regional solidarity, and normative harmonization that underpin the Inter-American system.

Reference: FNE-144887