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 | |
| In office May 26, 2015 – May 30, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | José Miguel Insulza |
| Succeeded by | Albert Ramdin |
| 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 served as the 10th Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) from 2015 to 2025. Before this, Almagro was the Minister of Foreign Relations of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 under President José Mujica.
Almagro was Uruguay's Ambassador to China from 2005 to 2010. He held various roles at the Ministry of Foreign Relations before that. After the 2009 election, President-elect José Mujica chose him as foreign minister. He took office in March 2010. During his time as minister, Uruguay welcomed several people from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. It also took in dozens of Syrian families who were victims of conflict. Uruguay also kept a military presence in Haiti to help with rebuilding after the 2010 earthquake.
After leaving government, Almagro was elected Senator in 2014. He took his seat in March 2015 but resigned a few months later. This was to become the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). On March 20, 2020, the OAS General Assembly re-elected him for a second term until 2025. An election was held on March 10, 2025, to choose his successor.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Luis Almagro was born on June 1, 1963, in Cerro Chato, Paysandú Department. He studied at the University of the Republic. There, he earned his law degree. During his 23 years with the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry, he represented Uruguay in Iran (1991–1996) and Germany (1998–2003). He also served as Ambassador to China (2007–2010). He speaks Spanish, English, and French fluently.
Foreign Minister of Uruguay
During Almagro's time as Foreign Minister (2010–2015), Uruguay gained global recognition. It was a top contributor to UN peacekeeping forces for its size. Uruguay also successfully won a seat on the UN Security Council. Almagro also supported efforts to restore relations between Cuba and the US.
Human Rights and Justice
Almagro cared deeply about human rights. He played an active role in ending the 1986 Expiry Law. This law had protected people who committed crimes during the military rule between 1973 and 1985. He strongly supported bringing these criminals to justice.
Almagro also represented Uruguay at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). This was in a case brought by Philip Morris International against Uruguay's anti-tobacco policies. After six years, ICSID decided in favor of Uruguay.
Trade and Refugees
As Foreign Minister, Almagro helped Uruguay expand its trade. Exports grew each year he was in office. He focused on opening new markets for Uruguayan products. This included getting access to key US markets for Uruguay's citrus fruit.
Almagro was a strong supporter of refugees. He helped arrange for a group of former detainees from Guantanamo Bay detention camp to come to Uruguay. He also led the effort to welcome dozens of Syrian refugees to Uruguay. For this work, he and former President Mujica were named among Foreign Policy magazine's top Global Thinkers 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 of the 34 Member States. He officially started his role on May 26, 2015.
His first year was marked by his strong views on democracy and human rights. Many saw his leadership as bringing new energy to the Organization. His election campaign focused on "More Rights for More People." He announced new plans to reach this goal. These included:
- The OAS School of Governance to train government workers and citizens. This helps them create open and responsible governments.
- The Inter-American Education System to ensure good, fair education for everyone.
- The Regional System for the Prevention of Social Conflicts to help talks between investors, states, and communities.
Under his leadership, Almagro continued to support important OAS programs. These include the Inter-American Human Rights System and electoral observation missions.
Regional Work
Political Discussions
On March 3, 2020, Almagro met with Santiago Abascal from the Spanish political party Vox. They discussed creating the Madrid Forum, a group against certain political ideas. Members of the Madrid Forum met with Almagro again in March 2023. They talked about protests in Peru, calling them a "destabilization campaign" against President Dina Boluarte.
Inter-religious Dialogue
The OAS, the Vatican, and the Inter-religious Institute for Dialogue started an initiative. It's called "Protecting our Home Common Home: Ensuring more rights for more people in the Americas." Their first meeting in September 2016 created a network for dialogue. This network helps OAS Member States and religious leaders talk. They work together to find solutions for peace and stability.
Other Activities
Almagro has given special talks at many well-known universities. These include Oxford, New York University, Georgetown, Harvard, and Cambridge. 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
During Almagro's time, the OAS Electoral Observation Mission for the 2019 Bolivian presidential elections found problems. The OAS, with Bolivia's government, checked the election process. Their report in November 2019 found "irregularities" that made them question the results.
On November 10, Almagro asked for the election to be canceled and new elections held. He said that the president's term should not be stopped during this time. The final report in December concluded there was "fraudulent manipulation." The European Union also found similar problems. In 2022, a US State Department report confirmed the OAS and EU findings.
Guatemala
Almagro and the OAS were key in making sure Bernardo Arévalo became president of Guatemala in January 2024. Arévalo won the 2023 elections. President Arévalo himself thanked the OAS for its "fundamental role" in supporting Guatemala's people. The Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders, said the OAS's active role prevented a "constitutional crisis and civil unrest."
Cuba
On December 7, 2018, the OAS, led by Almagro, 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 covered the situation of political prisoners and accountability for those who suppress rights.
Haiti
After the second round of presidential elections was stopped in January 2016, President Michel Martelly asked the OAS for help. An OAS Special Mission went to Haiti to help find a solution. The Mission talked with political and community leaders. They helped reach an agreement for the next steps. On February 6, 2016, former President Martelly announced a plan. It included electing an interim President and confirming a Prime Minister.
The Representative of Haiti to the OAS praised the Mission. He said it "reestablished the image of the Organization." Almagro has urged Haitian leaders to take responsibility. He believes the interests of the Haitian people should come before political groups.
Honduras
Fighting corruption has been a main goal for Secretary Almagro. In 2015, large protests started in Honduras. This happened after a big corruption scandal was found in the social security system. In August 2015, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández invited Almagro to help. Almagro met with government, political parties, and citizens. They discussed how to end corruption and rebuild trust.
On January 19, 2016, Almagro and Honduras signed an agreement. It created the OAS Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH). MACCIH brought in international investigators and judges. They worked with Honduran officials to investigate corruption cases. MACCIH also supported reforms in justice, elections, and public safety. However, in January 2020, the Honduran government ended MACCIH.
Nicaragua
Under Almagro's leadership, the OAS used different ways to show the serious situation in Nicaragua. An agreement for election reforms was made in early 2017. This aimed to strengthen democratic systems. While the agreement is on hold, Almagro still supports ways to bring back democracy. He also seeks justice for victims in Nicaragua. His efforts allowed the Inter-American Human Rights Commission to visit Nicaragua. He also approved a group of independent experts to investigate crimes. In December 2018, he announced the activation of Article 20 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter for Nicaragua.
Venezuela
Before the December 2015 elections in Venezuela, Secretary General Almagro wrote an open letter. He spoke out against the Venezuelan government's actions. He said they were violating human rights and trying to control the elections. This was the first time a senior diplomat in the region openly criticized Venezuela.
As the situation in Venezuela got worse, Almagro released a report in June 2016. It described the worsening economy and humanitarian crisis. He said Venezuela had a "breakdown of the constitutional order." The report suggested releasing political prisoners and holding a recall vote. It also called for a balance of power between government branches.
Almagro continued to speak out for political prisoners and for democracy in Venezuela. In March 2017, he released an updated report. It stated that the democratic order had completely broken down. In July 2017, he appointed former International Criminal Court Prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, as an advisor. Ocampo helped assess if crimes against humanity had happened in Venezuela.
In May 2018, experts reported that there were reasons to believe crimes against humanity had occurred. Almagro then formally asked the International Criminal Court to investigate. In September 2018, several countries formally referred the situation to the ICC.
Almagro has urged the international community to use all legal ways to protect Venezuelans' rights. This includes the idea of "responsibility to protect." As more Venezuelans fled their country, Almagro created a working group in September 2018. This group helps find solutions for the Venezuelan migrants and refugees.
International Conflicts
Ukraine-Russia War
On February 24, 2022, Almagro spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He called for an immediate stop to the fighting. On April 21, 2022, the OAS suspended Russia as a permanent observer. 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.
Israel-Hamas War
When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Almagro immediately called it a "terrorist attack." He stated that Israel has the right to defend itself. Almagro also called on the Palestinian Authority to stop the aggression. He said Hamas's actions against civilians violate human rights and international law. On the one-year anniversary of the attack, Almagro said releasing the hostages held by Hamas is very important. He also said Hamas's terrorism should never happen again. After meeting with families of Israeli hostages in November 2024, Almagro stated that demanding the release of hostages is key to peace.
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.
- In September 2024, Almagro received an award from the CAF – 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 support of democracy in the Western Hemisphere.
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 by CERTAL.
- Americas Society Gold Medal.
- AJC Champion of Democracy Award by American Jewish Committee (AJC).
- CHLI Ileana Ros-Lehtinen International Leadership Award by Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI).
- Global Equality Champion by Human Rights Campaign.
- Romulo Betancourt Prize for Democratic Diplomacy by Human Rights Foundation.
- Honorary Membership Rotary Club Bethesda-Chevy Chase, by Rotary International.
2018
- VIII FAES Freedom Prize (Spain).
- Alas de Libertad, 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” award from @FJovenesLideres.
- Received the keys to the city of Miami.
- Received an award at the XV Latin American Summit of Political Marketing and Governance.
2017
- The Oswaldo Paya Prize.
- 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.
- Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award, from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
- The Francisco de Miranda Award.
- Press Freedom Grand Prize from the Inter-American Press Association.
- World Peace & Liberty Award from the World Jurist Association.
- Honorary doctorate from the University of San Martín de Porres, 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 by the Community of Democracies.
- Recipient of the TIC-Americas 2016 “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award.
2014
- H prize from Uruguayan civil society groups.
- Foreign Policy Magazine Global Thinker.
See also
In Spanish: Luis Almagro para niños
