Our active engagement in the Inter-American system, on an incredibly wide range of topics, strongly reflects our commitment to participate, to learn, and to work together to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms -- on the basis of equality and shared responsibility.

Our support to the IACHR aims to help ensure its autonomy, as well as its ability to exercise independent judgement in monitoring and reporting on countries where serious human rights violations occur. Canada approved funding of $1.6 million for the Commission in 2013.

It is essential that we as Member States continue to make voluntary financial contributions —and Mexico will do so— to the Inter-American Commission and Court. We can show some creativity as well, and finance fellowships or events to promote human rights.

Spain underscores its firm commitment as a strategic partner in advocating for human rights in the region, on a bilateral level and through its involvement in international institutions, and through the strengthening of the inter-American human rights system endorsed by the OAS.

In the context of the European Union's external engagement in Human Rights, the EU supports the Inter-American Human Rights System and the independence of the Commission and the Court. For 2013, the EU has committed $1.33 million to fund activities of the Commission and the Court.

As an early supporter of the Commission, we very much welcome the strategic plan, where the vision and priorites are put down on paper. We are committed to supporting the total program instead of projects, and we are continuing that support this year.