What Is the Union of South American Nations?
The Union of South American Nations, more commonly known as UNASUR, is an intergovernmental organization made up of twelve countries in South America. The organization was established in 2008 by the Treaty of Cuzco and it is the successor to the South American Community of Nations (SACN), which was first established in 2004. UNASUR’s main objective is to promote economic integration, justice and social inclusion in the region, and it is committed to tackling issues related to politics, energy and energy security, education, disaster prevention and health. The organization is headquartered in Quito, Ecuador, and has a total population of around 375 million people.
History and Creation of UNASUR
The idea of a South American Community of Nations (SACN) first emerged after the signing of the Treaty of Asunción in 1991, which established Mercosur, the Latin American Free Trade Area. The heads of 10 South American countries witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Asunción and a year later, in 1992, the Treaty of Tarija established the SACN and attempted to bring the countries closer together.
The creation of UNASUR took place in 2008, when the “Declaration of Cuzco” was signed. The declaration was signed by the representatives of 12 South American countries – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela – and it declared their mutual intention of creating a “rational, balanced and innovatory space,” as well as an “integral, shared and solidary plan of union.” This was followed in 2011 by the signing of the Constitutive Treaty of UNASUR, which formalized the powers of the organization.
Objectives and Goals of UNASUR
UNASUR has a number of objectives and goals, which are outlined in its Constitutive Treaty. These objectives and goals include:
● To promote the integration of all its countries, taking into account their particular characteristics;
● To strive for cooperative economic progress in the region;
● To foster the equitable distribution of income and possessive rights between the various countries;
● To promote social justice, social inclusion, and solidarity;
● To defend and protect the cultures and identities of its countries;
● To strive for sustainable development and environmental protection;
● To promote the interchange of scientific, technological, and cultural experience in the region;
● To promote security and stability throughout the region;
● To defend human rights and promote democracy;
● To foster collective action against organized crime; and
● To create a framework for resolving differences.
United Nations Recognition
UNASUR is recognized by the United Nations, which has granted it observer status, allowing the organization to attend meetings of the General Assembly and other U.N. agencies. This recognition helps to give UNASUR legitimacy in the international sphere and has opened up opportunities for the organization to strengthen its ties with the U.N. and its members.
Organizational Structure
UNASUR is governed by a variety of bodies, including the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Council of Heads of State, the Secretary General and the High Level Commission.
The Council of Foreign Ministers is the main decision-making body of UNASUR and is composed of the foreign ministers of all 12 member states. The Council meets on a regular basis to discuss policy initiatives and the progress of current projects.
The Council of Heads of State is composed of the presidents of the 12 member states and it meets less frequently than the Council of Foreign Ministers. It is responsible for approving or rejecting proposals put forward by the Council of Foreign Ministers.
The Secretary General is the executive body of UNASUR and is responsible for ensuring that the organization’s objectives are achieved. The current Secretary General is Ernesto Samper from Colombia.
The High Level Commission is an advisory body whose primary role is to provide advice to the Secretary General and the Councils of Foreign Ministers and Heads of State. It is responsible for the implementation of UNASUR’s programs and projects.
Notable Actions
UNASUR has taken a number of initiatives to promote unity, integration and cooperation in the region.
In 2011, UNASUR launched the South American Identity Card, which allowed people from member countries to move between countries without needing a visa. The card also served as a form of identification and was welcomed by the countries participating in the initiative.
In 2012, UNASUR launched a health program, dubbed Big Health South American, which aimed to improve health care in the region. The program included the creation of a health observatory, a health alert system, and an emergency medical service.
In 2015, UNASUR created the South American Defense Council to protect the region against external threats and to promote peace and stability. This body operates independently from the Council of Foreign Ministers and its primary role is to advise the member states on defense policy.
In 2017, UNASUR established the South American Institute for Peace, which is a multilateral organization dedicated to preventing, managing, and resolving crises in the region. It is the first of its kind in Latin America and has the potential to be a powerful tool for conflict resolution in the region.
UNASUR is a regional intergovernmental organization founded by 12 South American countries in 2008. Its main objectives are to promote economic integration, justice and social inclusion in the region. It is recognized by the United Nations and has a number of dedicated bodies for decision-making and implementation of its programs. Through initiatives such as the South American Identity Card, Big Health South American, the South American Defense Council, and the South American Institute for Peace, UNASUR is working to achieve its mission of achieving a unified and cooperative South American continent.