From October 7 to 11, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Court) will be holding its 48th Special Session in Mexico City. During this session, the Court will hold hearings regarding one contentious case and a forthcoming advisory opinion, both concerning the rights of migrants.
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Inter-American Commission Launches Online System for Requesting Meetings and Hearings, As New Rules of Procedure Take Effect
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has unveiled a new, online system through which victims and advocates will now be able to request working meetings and hearings related to pending petitions, as well as thematic hearings. Previously, the Commission received such requests by letter or email; going forward, the new online system will be the exclusive method for requesting
Read moreOAS General Assembly Elects Three New IACHR Commissioners during its 43rd Regular Session
The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) held its 43rd regular session from June 4 to 6, 2013 in Antigua, Guatemala. [OAS; IACHR] Notably, the General Assembly filled three upcoming vacancies on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), electing two new Commissioners and electing current IACHR Chair José de Jesús Orozco to a second term. [OAS Press Kit]
Read moreEl Salvador Allows Caesarean, but Not Abortion, to Save Life of Pregnant Woman Granted Provisional Measures by IACtHR
On May 29, 2013, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (the Court) granted provisional measures ordering El Salvador to take all necessary measures to protect the life and personal integrity of “Beatriz,” an ill, pregnant 22-year-old Salvadoran woman, in effect mandating termination of her pregnancy. I/A Court H.R., Matter of B. Provisional Measures. Judgment of May 29, 2013, para. 17.
Read moreHuman Rights Bodies Call for End to Discrimination, Intolerance on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, celebrated annually on May 17, serves as an opportunity to call attention to the challenges, stigma, and rights violations experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals around the world. Today, many of the major human rights monitoring bodies released statements calling on governments to initiate or increase efforts to put an end
Read moreAs Hunger Strike Continues, International Human Rights Experts Urge U.S. to Close Guantanamo Detention Center
In response to the hunger strike carried out by detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan Mendez, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while
Read moreOAS Concludes Formal Inter-American Human Rights ‘Strengthening’ Process, but Dialogue Continues on Contentious Reforms
Just before midnight on Friday, March 22, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States approved a resolution making specific recommendations to OAS Member States and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ostensibly aimed at strengthening the regional human rights system. The resolution closes a contentious two-year process of reflection on the Inter-American human rights organs, but requires the OAS Permanent
Read moreInter-American Commission and Court to Address Broad Range of Human Rights Issues in March Hearings
The two bodies of the Inter-American human rights system will be in session this month to consider issues of concern in the Americas and to receive testimony in pending contentious cases. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights will hold its 147th Session from March 7 to 22, with public hearings taking place on March 11-12 and 14-16 at the Commission’s headquarters
Read moreInter-American Commission's Proposed Rule Changes Adopt Some OAS Recommendations
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has announced proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure, policies, and practices, which are open to public comment through March 1. The proposals are motivated by the Commission’s interest in increasing its transparency and effectiveness, but are also a proactive response to the ongoing reform process through which the General Assembly of the
Read moreIACtHR Swears in New Judges, Hears Cases on Range of Issues during Ongoing 98th Session
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) is holding its 98th Ordinary Session from February 4 through February 15, 2013 at its seat in San José, Costa Rica. [IACtHR Press Release (Spanish)] During this session, the Court will hear evidence and legal arguments from the parties in six cases pending before it, preside over private hearings on States’ compliance with three previous judgments,
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