Luis Almagro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luis Almagro
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Luis Almagro in September 2018
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| 10th Secretary General of the Organization of American States | |
| Assumed office May 26, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | José Miguel Insulza |
| Minister of Foreign Relations of Uruguay | |
| In office March 1, 2010 – February 28, 2015 |
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| President | José Mujica |
| Preceded by | Pedro Vaz |
| Succeeded by | Rodolfo Nin Novoa |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Luis Leonardo Almagro Lemes
June 1, 1963 Paysandú, Uruguay |
| Political party | Independent (since 2018) |
| Other political affiliations |
Broad Front (until 2018, expelled) |
| Spouse | Luisa Fernanda Marín (2024) |
| Children | 7 |
| Alma mater | University of the Republic |
Luis Leonardo Almagro Lemes (born June 1, 1963) is a lawyer, diplomat, and politician from Uruguay. He is currently the 10th Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). He has held this important role since 2015.
Before leading the OAS, Almagro was the Minister of Foreign Relations for Uruguay. He served in this position from 2010 to 2015. He worked under President José Mujica. He was also Uruguay's Ambassador to China from 2005 to 2010.
After his time as Foreign Minister, Almagro became a Senator in Uruguay in 2015. However, he resigned a few months later. This was to take on his new role as Secretary General of the OAS. In March 2020, he was re-elected for a second term until 2025.
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Early Life and Education
Luis Almagro was born on June 1, 1963, in Cerro Chato, Paysandú Department, Uruguay. He studied at the University of the Republic. There, he earned his degree in law.
He worked for the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry for 23 years. During this time, he represented Uruguay in several countries. He worked in Iran from 1991 to 1996. He also served in Germany from 1998 to 2003. Later, he became the Ambassador to China from 2007 to 2010. He can speak Spanish, English, and French fluently.
Foreign Minister of Uruguay
As Foreign Minister from 2010 to 2015, Uruguay gained global attention. It was the largest per capita contributor to UN peacekeeping forces. Uruguay also successfully won a seat on the UN Security Council. Almagro also helped improve relations between Cuba and the United States.
He strongly supported human rights within Uruguay. He helped to repeal the 1986 Expiry Law. This law had granted amnesty for crimes committed during the civic-military dictatorship (1973-1985). He actively supported bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice.
Almagro also worked to expand Uruguay's trade. He helped increase exports every year he was in office. A key goal was opening new markets for Uruguayan products. For example, he helped Uruguay's citrus fruit gain access to US markets.
He was a strong supporter of refugees. He helped arrange the transfer of former detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp to Uruguay. He also led the effort to welcome dozens of Syrian refugees to Uruguay. For this work, he was named a "Global Thinker" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2014.
Secretary General of the OAS
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Election to the OAS
Almagro was elected Secretary General of the Organization of American States on March 18, 2015. He received support from 33 out of 34 member states. He officially started his job on May 26, 2015.
His first year was known for his strong stand on democracy and human rights. Many people saw his leadership as bringing new energy to the OAS. His election campaign focused on the idea of "More Rights for More People."
He set up new plans to reach this goal. These included the OAS School of Governance. This school trains government workers and citizens in transparent government. He also started the Inter-American Education System. This system aims to provide good and fair education for everyone. Another plan was the Regional System for the Prevention of Social Conflicts. This helps create talks between investors, states, and communities.
Under his leadership, the OAS continues to support key initiatives. These include the Inter-American Human Rights System. They also include electoral cooperation and observation missions. These are important for the organization.
Regional Work
Almagro has given special talks at many famous universities. These include the University of Oxford and Harvard University. He also spoke at New York University and Georgetown University.
During the 2022 Summit of the Americas, Almagro called for a global agreement. This agreement would aim to end violence against women and girls.
National Work
Bolivia
The OAS Electoral Observation Mission reported problems in Bolivia's 2019 presidential elections. The OAS then audited the election process. Their report found "irregularities" that questioned the election results.
On November 10, 2019, Almagro asked for the election to be canceled. He called for new elections. The final report confirmed "fraudulent manipulation" and "serious irregularities." The European Union also found similar problems. A 2022 US State Department report also agreed with the OAS findings.
Guatemala
Almagro and the OAS played a key role in ensuring Bernardo Arévalo became president of Guatemala. Arévalo won the 2023 elections. President Arévalo himself thanked the OAS for its support. He said the OAS helped Guatemala assert its sovereignty.
An ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda also praised the OAS. He said that without the OAS and Almagro, Guatemala would have faced a crisis.
Cuba
On December 7, 2018, the OAS held a conference on human rights in Cuba. This was the first such meeting since 2009. The conference discussed freedom of expression in Cuba. It also talked about political prisoners and accountability for repression.
Haiti
After the 2016 presidential elections were suspended, Haiti asked for OAS help. Almagro sent a special mission to Haiti. The mission helped different groups talk and find solutions.
On February 6, 2016, a temporary agreement was reached. An interim President was elected. Haiti's representative to the OAS praised the mission. He said it helped restore the image of the Organization. Almagro has urged Haitian leaders to prioritize their country's interests.
Honduras
Fighting corruption has been a main goal for Almagro. In 2015, a large corruption scandal was found in Honduras. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández asked Almagro for help. Almagro met with leaders and citizens to discuss ending corruption.
On January 19, 2016, the OAS and Honduras created the MACCIH. This mission helps fight corruption and impunity. It brings together international investigators and judges. They work with Honduran officials to investigate corruption cases. The MACCIH also supports reforms in justice and security. However, the Honduran government ended the MACCIH in January 2020.
Nicaragua
The OAS, led by Almagro, has worked to address the situation in Nicaragua. They agreed on electoral reforms with the government in 2017. This was to strengthen democratic institutions.
Almagro supported a visit by the Inter-American Human Rights Commission. He also approved a group of independent experts to investigate crimes. In December 2018, he started a process to address the situation under the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
Venezuela
Before the 2015 elections in Venezuela, Almagro spoke out. He criticized the government for human rights violations. He also pointed out efforts to undermine the elections. This was the first time a senior diplomat in the region openly criticized Venezuela.
As the situation in Venezuela worsened, Almagro released a report in 2016. It detailed the economic and humanitarian crisis. He called for the release of political prisoners. He also asked for a return to a balance of power in the government.
He continued to advocate for political prisoners. He also pushed for a return to constitutional order in Venezuela. In 2017, he stated that there was a complete breakdown of democracy. He published several reports detailing the situation.
In 2017, Almagro appointed Luis Moreno Ocampo as a Special Advisor. Ocampo helped assess if crimes against humanity had occurred in Venezuela. In 2018, a panel of experts found evidence of such crimes. Almagro then asked the International Criminal Court to investigate.
He also worked to get countries to refer the situation to the ICC. In September 2018, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru did so. Almagro has urged the international community to protect Venezuelans' rights.
As many Venezuelans fled their country, Almagro created a working group in 2018. This group helps find solutions for Venezuelan migrants and refugees. They aim to help those seeking a better life in other countries.
Awards
2024
- On August 8, 2024, the City of Doral, Florida, declared August 8 as “Dr. Luis Almagro Day.” This was for his work in defending democracy and freedom.
- On September 23, 2024, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave Almagro the Order of Merit, First Class. This was for his help in strengthening cooperation and supporting Ukraine's independence.
- In September 2024, Almagro received an award from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. This recognized his teamwork with the Bank.
- In November 2024, Almagro received the “Champions of Freedom Award” at the VI Annual Meeting of Youth and Democracy in the Americas. This was for his dedication to strengthening democracy.
2023
- Medal of Honor from the World Jurist Association.
2022
- "COA Chairman's Award for Leadership in the Americas" from the Council of the Americas (COA).
2019
- “Freedom Flame of Expression” Award from CERTAL.
- Americas Society Gold Medal.
- AJC Champion of Democracy Award from American Jewish Committee (AJC).
- CHLI Ileana Ros-Lehtinen International Leadership Award from Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI).
- Global Equality Champion from Human Rights Campaign.
- Romulo Betancourt Prize for Democratic Diplomacy from Human Rights Foundation.
- Honorary Membership Rotary Club Bethesda-Chevy Chase, from Rotary International.
2018
- VIII FAES Freedom Prize for defending democracy in Latin America (Spain).
- Alas de Libertad (Wings of Liberty) from Red Liberal de America Latina (RELIAL).
- Global Leadership Award 2018 from @YOA_Orchestra.
- Named “Distinguished Tourist” by the Legislature of Buenos Aires.
- Received the keys to the city of Medley (Florida).
- Received the “Referent of Humanity” distinction from @FJovenesLideres.
- Received the keys to the city of Miami from Commissioner Wifredo Gort.
- Received an award at the XV Latin American Summit of Political Marketing and Governance in Miami.
2017
- The Oswaldo Paya Prize, though he was prevented from traveling to Cuba to accept it.
- The Rómulo Betancourt Order of Venezuelan Exile.
- An award during the XIV Latin American Political Consulting and Governance Summit.
- The Freedom Award from Freedom House.
- The 2017 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
- The Francisco de Miranda Award.
- The Press Freedom Grand Prize from the Inter-American Press Association.
- The World Peace Prize from the World Jurist Association.
- An honorary doctorate from the Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru.
- Ranked 4th in the Top 100 Leaders List from Multilateral Organisations by Richtopia.
2016
- Named one of the 10 most influential Hispanic people in Canada.
- Received the Oswaldo Payá Liberty and Life Prize.
- Received an award from the Inter-American Institute for Democracy (IID).
- Received an award from the Ibero-American Association of Communication (ASICOM).
- Awarded the 2016 Mark Palmer Prize from the Community of Democracies.
- Recipient of the TIC-Americas 2016 “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award.
2014
- H prize for defending the rights of LGBTQ+ persons.
- Foreign Policy Magazine Global Thinker.
Images for kids
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Secretary General of the Organization of American States, H.E. Luis Almagro (left), during a discussion at the NYU DC Dialogues while conversed with CNN columnist Geovanny Vicente Romero who moderated the conversation, on April 24, 2019
See also
In Spanish: Luis Almagro para niños
