OEA - Resolución AG CG doc LVI O 26 2 de 2026

FIFTY-SIXTH REGULAR SESSION OEA/Ser.P June 22 to 24, 2026 AG/CG.doc.2/26

Panama City, Panama 23 June 2026

Original: English

DRAFT RESOLUTION

“INSTALLATION OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES”

(Diplomatic Note by the Permanent Mission of the Bahamas submitting Proposed Amendments and Explanatory Note)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY2I.

ANNEX I

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED BY THE PERMANENT MISSION

OF COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

Draft Resolution: “Installation of the Credentials Committee of the Organization of American States” OAS/Ser.G CP/doc.6206/26 rev. 2 (11 June 2026) Accompanied by Explanatory Notes and Rationale

I. PROPOSED RECUSAL AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISION

PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 QUATER

“1 quater. To establish that where the credentials, accreditation, or representation of a Member State are under review by the Credentials Committee, representatives of that Member State shall not participate in the Committee’s consideration of the matter, including its deliberations, consultations, recommendations, report preparation, or any related decision-making process, except when invited by the Committee solely for the purpose of providing information or clarification relevant to its review.”

II. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 23 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL

PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 BIS

“Article 23. Membership of Permanent Committees

All Member States are members of the permanent committees.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Credentials Committee established pursuant to

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL

PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 BIS

“Article 23. Membership of Permanent Committees

All Member States are members of the permanent committees.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Credentials Committee established pursuant to resolutions of the General Assembly shall constitute an exception to this rule and shall be composed in accordance with the membership and modalities determined by the General Assembly.”

III. PROPOSED COMPOSITION OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

Following consultations with Member States and further consideration of concerns regarding geographic representation, efficiency, institutional legitimacy, and the avoidance of any appearance of permanent membership, the Delegation of The Bahamas respectfully submits four alternative options for consideration.

Each option seeks to preserve the principles of sovereign equality, balanced geographic representation, transparency, institutional credibility, and operational effectiveness while ensuring that no Member State acquires a permanent entitlement to membership on the Committee.

Regardless of the composition ultimately adopted, all options maintain the principles of equitable participation, periodic rotation, non-permanency, and the advisory character of the Credentials Committee.- 3The following options are presented without prejudice and in no order of preference.

OPTION 1

STATUS QUO MODEL

(Existing General Assembly Framework) That the Credentials Committee shall consist of the following five (5) members: one (1) representative from North America (Canada, Mexico, and the United States); one (1) representative from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); one (1) representative from the Subregion of Central America and the Dominican Republic; one (1) representative from South America; and the Chair of the Permanent Council.

MAINTENANCE OF THE CURRENT FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED BY AG/RES. 3040

(LV-O/25) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH “To reaffirm paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25) and maintain the composition of the Credentials Committee as established by the General Assembly.” Composition

making body, thereby reducing procedural efficiency and undermining the purpose for which credentials committees are traditionally established within international organizations.

Furthermore, because credentials questions may, in certain circumstances, involve competing claims of representation, contested governmental authority, or politically sensitive questions affecting individual Member States, a smaller and representative committee provides a more appropriate framework for impartial review, preliminary assessment, and the orderly presentation of recommendations to the General Assembly.- 12The proposed amendment therefore serves four principal legal and institutional objectives:

a) harmonizing the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council with the mandate established by the General Assembly; b) providing a clear legal basis for a limited-membership Credentials Committee; c) preserving the distinction between the advisory review function of the Committee and the decision-making authority of the General Assembly; and d) strengthening procedural integrity, efficiency, and institutional coherence in the handling of credentials matters.

The amendment neither diminishes the sovereign equality of Member States nor limits the authority of the General Assembly. Rather, it establishes the procedural framework necessary for the effective operation of a specialized advisory body whose recommendations remain subject to the consideration and ultimate determination of the General Assembly.

III. PROPOSED COMPOSITION OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

Following consultations with Member States and further consideration of concerns regarding geographic representation, efficiency, institutional legitimacy, and the avoidance of any appearance of permanent membership, the Delegation of The Bahamas respectfully submits four alternative options for consideration.

Each option seeks to preserve the principles of sovereign equality, balanced geographic representation, transparency, institutional credibility, and operational effectiveness while ensuring that no Member State acquires a permanent entitlement to membership on the Committee.

Regardless of the composition ultimately adopted, all options maintain the principles of equitable participation, periodic rotation, non-permanency, and the advisory character of the Credentials Committee.

The following options are presented without prejudice and in no order of preference.

OPTION 1

STATUS QUO MODEL

(Existing General Assembly Framework) That the Credentials Committee shall consist of the following five (5) members: one (1)

General Assembly.

Taken together, the proposals seek to achieve five principal objectives:

1. To operationalize AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25) in a manner that is legally coherent, procedurally sound, and institutionally sustainable.

2. To restore and reaffirm the central role of Member States in matters relating to credentials, accreditation, and representation, recognizing that such matters constitute governance and oversight functions of the political organs of the Organization rather than purely administrative functions of the General Secretariat.

3. To establish safeguards that protect the impartiality, credibility, and integrity of the Credentials Committee through clear conflict-of-interest and recusal provisions.

4. To provide a legally sustainable framework for the establishment of a representative and operationally efficient Credentials Committee while preserving the principle of sovereign equality among Member States.

5. To strengthen accountability, transparency, procedural fairness, and confidence in the Organization’s credentials review process while preserving the ultimate authority of the political organs of the Organization.

The proposals are presented in the following order:

i. Proposed Operative Paragraph 1 quater (Recusal and Conflict of Interest) ii. Proposed Amendment to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council iii. Alternative Options for the Composition of the Credentials Committee10I. PROPOSED RECUSAL AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISION

PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 QUATER

“1 quater. To establish that where the credentials, accreditation, or representation of a Member State are under review by the Credentials Committee, representatives of that Member State shall not participate in the Committee’s consideration of the matter, including its deliberations, consultations, recommendations, report preparation, or any related decision-making process, except when invited by the Committee solely for the purpose of providing information or clarification relevant to its review.”

Rationale

This proposal is intended to strengthen the credibility, impartiality, and procedural integrity of the Credentials Committee by establishing a clear and universally applicable conflict-of-interest

(LV-O/25) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH “To reaffirm paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25) and maintain the composition of the Credentials Committee as established by the General Assembly.” Composition The Committee shall retain the composition established pursuant to AG/RES. 3040 (LVO/25). The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee.

OPTION 2

EFFICIENCY MODEL :( 7 Members)

(Seven-Member Geographic Representation Model) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and notwithstanding paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25), the Credentials Committee shall be composed of seven (7) Member States distributed as follows: i. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); ii. one (1) Member State selected from among the Member States of North America; iii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of South America; and iv. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee.- 4The members referred to in subparagraphs (i) through (iv) shall be designated by the respective geographic groupings and shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were appointed unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly.” ROTATION AND NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “Membership on the Credentials Committee shall be rotational in nature. No seat allocated pursuant to this paragraph shall be construed as belonging permanently to any Member State, nor shall recurring participation arising from geographic circumstances be interpreted as creating any permanent right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status within the Organization. The geographic groupings shall designate their representatives in accordance with principles of equitable participation and periodic rotation.”

OPTION 3

▪ Requires no further negotiations concerning Committee size or allocation. ▪ Provides the highest degree of institutional continuity.

OPTION 2

EFFICIENCY MODEL :( 7 Members)

(Seven-Member Geographic Representation Model) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and notwithstanding paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25), the Credentials Committee shall be composed of seven (7) Member States distributed as follows: i. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); ii. one (1) Member State selected from among the Member States of North America; iii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of South America; and14iv. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee. The members referred to in subparagraphs (i) through (iv) shall be designated by the respective geographic groupings and shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were appointed unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly.” ROTATION AND NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “Membership on the Credentials Committee shall be rotational in nature. No seat allocated pursuant to this paragraph shall be construed as belonging permanently to any Member State, nor shall recurring participation arising from geographic circumstances be interpreted as creating any permanent right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status within the Organization. The geographic groupings shall designate their representatives in accordance with principles of equitable participation and periodic rotation.” Rationale This option establishes the smallest geographic representation model while maintaining participation by all principal geographic groupings. The model recognizes the relatively limited number of Member States within North America while preserving balanced hemispheric participation. The reduced size may facilitate efficiency, rapid consultations, and streamlined deliberations. Under this illustrative arrangement:

This option establishes the smallest geographic representation model while maintaining participation by all principal geographic groupings. The model recognizes the relatively limited number of Member States within North America while preserving balanced hemispheric participation. The reduced size may facilitate efficiency, rapid consultations, and streamlined deliberations. Under this illustrative arrangement: a. each Member State serves during two of every three terms; b. no Member State serves during all three consecutive terms; c. each Member State is absent from the Committee for one term during each complete rotation cycle; and d. no Member State acquires a permanent seat, right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status by virtue of recurring participation. The foregoing example is provided solely to demonstrate one possible method of implementing the principles of rotation and non-permanency. The geographic grouping concerned shall retain full discretion to determine its own internal rotational arrangements, provided that such arrangements are consistent with the principles of equitable participation, periodic rotation, and the avoidance of permanent membership. Observations ▪ Smallest and most operationally efficient geographic model. ▪ Ensures participation by all geographic groupings. ▪ Reflects the relative size of North America.- 15OPTION 3 PARITY MODEL (8 Members) (Eight-Member Geographic Representation Model) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and notwithstanding paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25), the Credentials Committee shall be composed of eight (8) Member States distributed as follows: i. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); ii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of North America; iii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of South America; and iv. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of Central America and the Dominican Republic.

1. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of North America; iii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of South America; and iv. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of Central America and

the Dominican Republic. The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee. The members referred to in subparagraphs (i) through (iv) shall be designated by the respective geographic groupings and shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were appointed unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly.” ROTATION AND NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “Membership on the Credentials Committee shall be rotational in nature. No seat allocated pursuant to this paragraph shall be construed as belonging permanently to any Member State, nor shall recurring participation arising from geographic circumstances be interpreted as creating any permanent right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status within the Organization. The geographic groupings shall designate their representatives in accordance with principles of equitable participation and periodic rotation. For any geographic grouping composed of three Member States and allocated two seats, membership shall rotate among those Member States pursuant to a predetermined rotation cycle established by the grouping concerned, ensuring that each Member State serves during two of every three terms and that no Member State serves during all three consecutive terms.” Rationale This option provides equal representation for each geographic grouping while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable committee size. The model balances efficiency and representativeness and directly addresses concerns regarding any perception of permanent membership through an explicit rotational mechanism.- 16Observations ▪ Provides parity among geographic groupings. ▪ Strongly reinforces the principle of sovereign equality. ▪ Preserves a manageable committee size. ▪ Incorporates an explicit safeguard against de facto permanent representation.

OPTION 4

ELECTION MODEL

(Elected Membership Framework) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and

State, nor shall recurring participation arising from geographic circumstances be interpreted as creating any permanent right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status within the Organization. The geographic groupings shall designate their representatives in accordance with principles of equitable participation and periodic rotation.”

OPTION 3

PARITY MODEL (8 Members) (Eight-Member Geographic Representation Model) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and notwithstanding paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25), the Credentials Committee shall be composed of eight (8) Member States distributed as follows: i. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); ii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of North America; iii. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of South America; and iv. two (2) Member States selected from among the Member States of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee. The members referred to in subparagraphs (i) through (iv) shall be designated by the respective geographic groupings and shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were appointed unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly.” ROTATION AND NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “Membership on the Credentials Committee shall be rotational in nature. No seat allocated pursuant to this paragraph shall be construed as belonging permanently to any Member State, nor shall recurring participation arising from geographic circumstances be interpreted as creating any permanent right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status within the Organization.- 5The geographic groupings shall designate their representatives in accordance with principles of equitable participation and periodic rotation. For any geographic grouping composed of three Member States and allocated two seats, membership shall rotate among those Member States pursuant to a predetermined rotation cycle established by the grouping concerned, ensuring that each Member State serves during

▪ Incorporates an explicit safeguard against de facto permanent representation.

OPTION 4

ELECTION MODEL

(Elected Membership Framework) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and notwithstanding paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25), the Credentials Committee shall be composed of Member States elected annually by the General Assembly. The Committee may consist of seven (7), eight (8), ten (10), eleven (11), or twelve (12) elected Member States, as determined by the General Assembly, taking into account equitable geographic representation among the Member States of the Organization. In determining the composition of the Committee, the General Assembly shall seek to ensure broad participation among all geographic groupings of the Hemisphere. Where an eleven-member composition is adopted, the General Assembly may be guided by the objective of achieving representation broadly reflecting the following distribution: i. three (3) Member States from among the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); ii. two (2) Member States from among the Member States of North America; iii. three (3) Member States from among the Member States of South America; iv. three (3) Member States from among the Member States of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee. Members elected to the Committee shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were elected unless otherwise determined by the General Assembly.” NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “No Member State shall possess a permanent seat on the Credentials Committee. Election to the Committee shall not create any continuing entitlement, right, privilege, expectation, or claim to future membership. In electing members, the General Assembly shall seek to promote equitable geographic representation, broad participation among Member States, and periodic rotation in Committee membership.- 17Where a geographic grouping comprises three Member States and two seats are contemplated,

The geographic groupings shall designate their representatives in accordance with principles of equitable participation and periodic rotation. For any geographic grouping composed of three Member States and allocated two seats, membership shall rotate among those Member States pursuant to a predetermined rotation cycle established by the grouping concerned, ensuring that each Member State serves during two of every three terms and that no Member State serves during all three consecutive terms.”

OPTION 4

ELECTION MODEL

(Elected Membership Framework) PROPOSED OPERATIVE PARAGRAPH 1 TER “To decide that, pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the Permanent Council, and notwithstanding paragraph 2 of AG/RES. 3040 (LV-O/25), the Credentials Committee shall be composed of Member States elected annually by the General Assembly. The Committee may consist of seven (7), eight (8), ten (10), eleven (11), or twelve (12) elected Member States, as determined by the General Assembly, taking into account equitable geographic representation among the Member States of the Organization. In determining the composition of the Committee, the General Assembly shall seek to ensure broad participation among all geographic groupings of the Hemisphere. Where an eleven-member composition is adopted, the General Assembly may be guided by the objective of achieving representation broadly reflecting the following distribution: i. three (3) Member States from among the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); ii. two (2) Member States from among the Member States of North America; iii. three (3) Member States from among the Member States of South America; iv. three (3) Member States from among the Member States of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Chair of the Permanent Council shall serve as an ex officio member of the Committee. Members elected to the Committee shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were elected unless otherwise determined by the General Assembly.” NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “No Member State shall possess a permanent seat on the Credentials Committee. Election to the Committee shall not create any continuing entitlement, right, privilege, expectation, or

Members elected to the Committee shall serve until the conclusion of the General Assembly for which they were elected unless otherwise determined by the General Assembly.” NON-PERMANENCY PROVISION “No Member State shall possess a permanent seat on the Credentials Committee. Election to the Committee shall not create any continuing entitlement, right, privilege, expectation, or claim to future membership. In electing members, the General Assembly shall seek to promote equitable geographic representation, broad participation among Member States, and periodic rotation in Committee membership.- 6Where a geographic grouping comprises three Member States and two seats are contemplated, the General Assembly shall encourage rotational participation so as to avoid continuous representation by any single Member State.”- 7Footnote(s)12

1 Geographic Groupings CARICOM: Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago.

North America: Canada; Mexico; United States of America.

South America: Argentina; Bolivia; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Ecuador; Paraguay; Peru; Uruguay;

Venezuela. Central America and the Dominican Republic: Costa Rica; Dominican Republic; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Panama. These groupings are utilized solely for purposes of facilitating geographic representation on the Credentials Committee and shall not be construed as creating formal subregional structures, legal rights, privileges, or institutional status within the Organization. 2 Illustrative Rotation Cycle for North America (Option 3) For illustrative purposes only, where a geographic grouping consists of three Member States and is allocated two seats on the Credentials Committee, a rotational arrangement may be implemented to ensure equitable participation and to avoid continuous representation by any single Member State. In the case of North America, comprising Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, an illustrative three-term rotation could operate as follows:

Term Member States Serving Year 1 United States and Canada

3040 (LV-O/25). Rather, they seek to provide Member States with a range of implementation models capable of accommodating differing perspectives regarding representation, efficiency, and institutional design. The proposals reaffirm the authority of Member States over matters of credentials and representation, strengthen procedural integrity through safeguards against permanent membership, and present alternative frameworks capable of supporting the impartial and effective operation of the Credentials Committee. The Bahamas therefore respectfully commends these options for the favorable consideration of Member States.- 19FOOTNOTE(s)12

1 Geographic Groupings CARICOM: Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago.

North America: Canada; Mexico; United States of America.

South America: Argentina; Bolivia; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Ecuador; Paraguay; Peru;

Uruguay; Venezuela. Central America and the Dominican Republic: Costa Rica; Dominican Republic; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Panama. These groupings are utilized solely for purposes of facilitating geographic representation on the Credentials Committee and shall not be construed as creating formal subregional structures, legal rights, privileges, or institutional status within the Organization.

2 Illustrative Rotation Cycle for North America (Option 3) For illustrative purposes only, where a geographic grouping consists of three Member States and is allocated two seats on the Credentials Committee, a rotational arrangement may be implemented to ensure equitable participation and to avoid continuous representation by any single Member State. In the case of North America, comprising Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, an illustrative three-term rotation could operate as follows:

Term Member States Serving Year 1 United States and Canada Year 2 United States and Mexico Year 3 Mexico and Canada Under this illustrative arrangement: a) each Member State serves during two of every three terms; b) no Member State serves during all three consecutive terms;

ensure equitable participation and to avoid continuous representation by any single Member State. In the case of North America, comprising Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, an illustrative three-term rotation could operate as follows:

Term Member States Serving Year 1 United States and Canada Year 2 United States and Mexico Year 3 Mexico and Canada Under this illustrative arrangement: a) each Member State serves during two of every three terms; b) no Member State serves during all three consecutive terms; c) each Member State is absent from the Committee for one term during each complete rotation cycle; and d) no Member State acquires a permanent seat, right, privilege, entitlement, or institutional status by virtue of recurring participation. The foregoing example is provided solely to demonstrate one possible method of implementing the principles of rotation and non-permanency. The geographic grouping concerned shall retain full discretion to determine its own internal rotational arrangements, provided that such arrangements8are consistent with the principles of equitable participation, periodic rotation, and the avoidance of permanent membership.- 9II. Annex II

EXPLANATORY NOTE

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

Submitted by:

The Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas INTRODUCTION Following further legal and procedural review of the draft Resolution concerning the operationalization of the Credentials Committee established pursuant to AG/RES. 3040 (LVO/25), the Delegation of The Bahamas respectfully submits three complementary proposals for the consideration of Member States.

These proposals are intended to provide the