January 29, 2026
Speaking from Antigua and Barbuda at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, U.S. Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau delivered a blunt message. Representing Washington, he urged the organization to move beyond passivity in the face of pressing democratic and security challenges across the continent.
Landau praised the election of new Secretary General Albert Ramdin but reminded the OAS that it can no longer rest on its founding ideals alone. “It is time for the OAS to deliver results,” he declared, calling for a collective awakening to defend democracy throughout the region.
With seriousness, he criticized the organization’s inaction regarding Venezuela, describing it as a case of a “blatantly stolen election” and a major humanitarian crisis. He highlighted that many member states are now hosting millions of refugees without the OAS providing a clear response.
Haiti was also central to his concerns. “As armed gangs control the ports and streets of the capital, the current crisis impacts the entire region,” he warned, urging the OAS to step up its engagement alongside existing multilateral efforts, especially those led by the United States.
Landau stressed that Washington cannot shoulder the financial and security burden alone, posing a pointed question: “If the OAS is unwilling or unable to play a constructive role in Haiti, then what is its purpose?”
He concluded by calling on member states to support Rosa María Payá at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, affirming that “we need honest voices to confront the gravest violations in our hemisphere.” Ending with a passionate appeal, he insisted: “The time for slogans about continental solidarity is over. It is time to act.”
