OEA - CP - Resolución CP CSH SA 399

PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OEA/Ser.G

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CSH/SA.399/25 23 January 2026

COMMITTEE ON HEMISPHERIC SECURITY Original: Spanish Summary of the meeting of November 20, 20251 / Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Venue: Padilha Vidal Room The regular meeting of the Committee was presided over by its chair, Ambassador Ana Irene Delgado, Permanent Representative of Panama to the OAS.

A quorum was established with the presence of representatives of Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and Uruguay. The audio recording of the meeting can be found at the following link: http://scm.oas.org/audios/2025/CP-CSH-2353_11-20-2025.mp3

1. Adoption of the order of business The Committee adopted the order of business, document CP/CSH-2353/25.

Before beginning consideration of the substantive items, the Chair reported that on November 7, document CP/CSH-2313/25 rev. 1 was published, containing the updated version of the Proposal for the Institutionalization of the Voluntary Peer Review Mechanisms to Strengthen the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). This document was forwarded by the CICTE Secretariat and incorporates comments made by delegations at the meeting of that Committee on April 24, 2025. The Chair recalled that the General Assembly, through paragraph 17 of resolution

AG/RES. 3031 (LIV-O/24), mandated the CICTE Secretariat to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of establishing such a voluntary peer review mechanism, with particular emphasis on biosafety and biosecurity policies and procedures. In this regard, she informed delegations that those wishing to consult the document could do so through the CICTE Secretariat, specifically through the Disarmament and Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Section. She also reported that information document CP/CSH/INF.605/25—transmitted by the Department of Public Security—was published on the outcome of the regional consultation conducted

1 . The statements submitted by the delegations are linked in this document in their original language.- 2by ICAT with civil society organizations and international agencies on human trafficking in the Americas. The document is available in Spanish and English.

2. Progress and challenges in the implementation of programs and projects related to disarmament and nonproliferation in the Hemisphere , particularly those on disarmament and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction applied to sensitive biological materials and technologies. Report of the CICTE Secretariat (document CP/CSH-2352/25) and concept note

(document CP/CSH-2350/25). As the meeting was the second held to consider substantive issues under the new structure contained in the document CP/CSH/INF.602/25, the Chair noted that, in accordance with that structure, the intention was to create spaces for dialogue that went beyond the mere presentation of reports, with the active participation of experts from the respective capitals invited by the distinguished delegations. In that regard, she requested the good offices of the delegations to consider the possibility of submitting, in advance of each meeting, reports on the activities that member states carry out in relation to the topic under discussion, in order to focus the dialogue on identifying possible mechanisms or

contributions that would enable further progress on projects and initiatives related to the topic, as well as on mechanisms for coordination and cooperation with the permanent observers and/or at the subregional level, and on options to promote technical and/or financial support for the implementation of OAS programs and projects related to the topic. Current context, progress and challenges Ms. Edith Valles, manager of the Biosafety Program of the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Section of the CICTE Secretariat, delivered a presentation on the current context, progress, and challenges related to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as applied to sensitive biological materials and technologies. The PowerPoint presentation and Ms. Valles’s statement are available at the following links: PowerPoint, Intervention (available in Spanish only). Dialogue on the topic The Committee held a dialogue with member state and permanent observer delegations on possible support mechanisms to make progress on the topic. The delegations of Argentina, Brazil, Canada Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and Uruguay spoke on the topic under consideration. The statements received are linked to the name of each country. The Committee took note of the presentation made by the CICTE Secretariat and of the delegations’ comments. Conclusions At the conclusion of the dialogue, Marcelo Martínez, Chief of the Disarmament and NonProliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Section of the CICTE Secretariat, presented the conclusions of the meeting. Subsequently, the CICTE Secretariat circulated the following main3conclusions and recommendations of the CSH meeting on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction applied to sensitive biological materials and technologies: • The need to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity Participants recognized that biosafety and biosecurity were essential pillars of regional security

and of compliance with the obligations set out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) (UNSCR 1540) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). In that regard, they underscored the need for continuous training, interinstitutional coordination, and solid regulatory frameworks. • Creation of a regional coordination mechanism Participants expressed interest in establishing a regional mechanism, with national focal points, to facilitate the exchange of good practices, coordinated responses, and the sustainability of an agreed, gradual roadmap. The establishment of such a mechanism would be subject to the availability of financial resources. • National capacity building Participants emphasized the need to strengthen national capacities through specialized workshops, simulation exercises, training programs, and the consolidation of technical networks, as well as to enhance early warning systems and specialized infrastructure. • Consolidation of export controls and dual-use technologies Participants stressed the importance of establishing solid export control regimes, licensing mechanisms, technical evaluation procedures, and adequate regulation of strategic materials and dualuse technologies to prevent diversion and ensure compliance with international obligations. • Peer review exercises as a voluntary instrument Participants stressed that peer review exercises were useful tools for sharing good practices and strengthening the implementation of international instruments such as UNSCR 1540 and the BWC. They further emphasized that such exercises should always be voluntary, ad hoc, and complementary in nature, and should not replace or interpret the verification mechanisms of the BWC or the peer review processes established under UNSCR 1540.

3. Hemispheric cooperation efforts to combat trafficking in persons Interregional Dialogue between Western Hemisphere and European National Authorities on Trafficking in Persons

(document CP/CSH-2351/25). At the start of the Interregional Dialogue between Western Hemisphere and European National Authorities on Trafficking in Persons, the Chair stressed that trafficking in persons remained one of the most widespread and complex crimes worldwide, seriously affecting human rights and driven by factors

such as inequality, irregular migration, organized crime, and the growing use of digital platforms for the recruitment and exploitation of victims. She then noted that the regional consultation organized by ICAT and presented in document CP/CSH/INF.605/25 identified four predominant modalities: sexual exploitation, forced labor, forced criminality, and organ removal. Gaps were also identified in the implementation of regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity, and victim protection.- 4She further indicated that the interregional dialogue sought to strengthen cooperation between the Western Hemisphere and Europe, promote the exchange of good practices, and identify joint responses based on victim-centered approaches, with a gender perspective and a human rights approach. Presentation by the Director of the Department of Public Security Mr. Stephen Griner, Director of the OAS Department of Public Security, presented the results of the Regional Consultation on Trafficking in Persons in the Americas. The consultation was conducted in collaboration with UNODC and other international organizations. Four main trafficking modalities were identified: • Sexual exploitation: An increase in the normalization of sexual exploitation was observed, particularly along migration routes. Social media and digital technologies were identified as key tools for victim recruitment. • Forced labor: Although commonly associated with the informal economy, forced labor is also present in formal sectors. Participants stressed the need to strengthen labor inspection systems and enhance the protection of migrant workers. • Forced criminality: An increase in the forced recruitment of children and adolescents for illicit activities was noted, underscoring the importance of treating them as victims rather than offenders. • Organ removal: Although less visible, trafficking for the purpose of organ removal has become a growing concern. Participants recommended strengthening the training of health professionals and establishing clear protocols to verify the voluntary nature of donations. Mr. Griner stressed that the recommendations resulting from the consultation would continue to be followed up by the OAS and UNICEF—which would become co-chairs of ICAT in 2026—with the aim of strengthening international cooperation and increasing awareness of trafficking in persons. The PowerPoint presentation and Mr. Griner’s statement are available at the following links: PowerPoint, Statement (available in English only). Presentation by the European Union Anti-Trafficking Coordinator

the aim of strengthening international cooperation and increasing awareness of trafficking in persons. The PowerPoint presentation and Mr. Griner’s statement are available at the following links: PowerPoint, Statement (available in English only). Presentation by the European Union Anti-Trafficking Coordinator Ms. Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, addressed the trafficking situation in Europe, noting that in 2023 more than 10,000 victims were registered in the European Union, reflecting an increase in case detection. She emphasized, however, that the increase did not necessarily indicate a rise in the number of victims, but rather an improved capacity for identification. She noted that, prior to 2022, the majority of victims were European nationals, whereas at the time of this report 64 percent originated from outside the EU, particularly from Latin America. She also indicated that the European Union had adopted a new comprehensive strategy to combat trafficking in persons, which includes modernizing the legal framework to address emerging forms of exploitation, such as online exploitation and surrogacy. In addition, legislation had been implemented to criminalize the use of services linked to trafficking. Lastly, Ms. Schmitt underscored that international cooperation was essential in combating this crime and referred to joint operations with Brazil and Colombia that had resulted in the identification5of victims and the arrest of traffickers. Ms. Schmitt’s statement is available at the following link (available in English only). Presentation by the Permanent Observer of Austria to the OAS Ambassador Petra Schneebauer, Permanent Observer of Austria to the OAS, noted that her country had prioritized the fight against trafficking in persons, focusing on three key areas: prosecuting perpetrators, protecting victims, and addressing the structural causes of trafficking. Ambassador Schneebauer referred to Operation Bogotá, a joint action between Austria and Colombia that led to the dismantling of an international trafficking network, the arrest of traffickers,

and the identification and release of victims from Colombia. Regarding victim protection, she noted that her country had implemented programs such as MEN VIA, a support center for male victims of trafficking. She also stressed that efforts to combat this crime should address not only its criminal dimensions, but also its root causes, such as transnational crime, armed conflict, and climate change, which were contributing to vulnerability and the increase in trafficking. Ambassador Schneebauer’s statement is available at the following link (available in English only). The Chair thanked the presenters for sharing their experience and knowledge on this important topic with the Committee. Dialogue The delegations of Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, as well as the permanent observer delegations of Portugal and the Holy See expressed thanks for the presentations and spoke on the topic. The Committee took note of the presentations and the comments of delegations. Conclusions Due to time constraints, Steven Griner, Director of the Department of Public Security (DPS), was unable to present the findings during the meeting. Subsequently, the DPS submitted the following comments: • International collaboration and strengthening regional responses. Several countries emphasized the importance of international cooperation to combat trafficking in persons, particularly through bilateral and multilateral agreements with the European Union and other regions. Participants highlighted joint efforts with the European Union to develop protocols for the identification and protection of victims. They also suggested strengthening platforms for information exchange and cooperation in transnational investigations. • New forms of trafficking: Impact of technology. Participants referred to the increasing use of digital tools for the recruitment and exploitation of victims. They underscored the need to address online recruitment, which had become a growing concern due to6the use of social media, encrypted applications, and the dark web to recruit victims, particularly women and children. • Interregional cooperation and operational mechanisms. Participants emphasized the

need to advance common protocols for the identification and protection of victims and to strengthen cooperation in areas such as forensic investigation and operational coordination. They also stressed the importance of sharing operational data and developing tools to ensure a coherent transnational response. • Institutional strengthening and prevention. Participants highlighted the importance of training security forces and public officials in the early identification of victims and in the application of a human rights-based approach. • Protection and assistance to victims. Comprehensive victim protection was identified as a key issue. Participants emphasized the importance of avoiding revictimization and ensuring access to employment, housing, and therapeutic assistance. They also underscored the value of joint investigation teams and the use of financial intelligence to dismantle criminal networks, as well as the importance of adopting an intersectional approach in identifying victims, taking into account factors such as gender, migration status, and poverty. • Vulnerabilities in high exposure zones. Participants identified irregular migration as a significant risk factor for trafficking, particularly along routes to Europe. They proposed establishing working groups to harmonize identification protocols and strengthen cooperation in detecting transnational networks. They also underscored the importance of strengthening national legislation and the operational capacities of member states to effectively address smuggling and trafficking networks operating in and transiting through their territories. • Awareness raising. Participants stressed the importance of awareness campaigns, particularly those targeting women, youth, and migrant communities, to prevent trafficking in persons. They emphasized the need to provide accurate and up-to-date information to vulnerable populations on the risks of trafficking and the methods used by traffickers. • Summary of the dialogue. During the dialogue, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation, addressing emerging trafficking modalities facilitated by technology, and promoting a comprehensive approach to ensure victim protection and operational coordination between countries of the region and Europe. They highlighted the need to enhance national capacities, promote legislation aligned with international standards, and continue the exchange of

operational information to dismantle trafficking networks.

4. Consideration of the Draft Methodology for the Presentation and Negotiation of the Draft

Omnibus Resolution, document CP/CSH-2349/25 Consideration of the Draft Methodology for the Presentation and Negotiation of the Draft Omnibus Resolution was postponed to a future meeting of the Committee

5. Other business