OAS General Assembly Adopts Declaration to Recognize the IACHR’s Contributions 65 Years after the Commission Was Founded

June 28, 2024

Washington, D.C. – The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) adopted on June 28, 2024, during its 54th period of sessions in Asunción, Paraguay, a declaration to recognize the contributions made by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to promote and protect human rights and to strengthen democratic systems in the Americas.

This resolution marks the 65th anniversary of the IACHR’s creation and establishment, the 55th anniversary of the American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San José), and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

The resolution adopted by the OAS General Assembly recognizes the contributions made by the IACHR and the Inter-American Court to strengthen democratic systems, the rule of law, and the enjoyment of human rights in the Americas. The resolution notes that the IACHR’s strategic planning makes the inter-American system more effective. The OAS General Assembly invites States to enable adequate conditions for the Commission to be able to conduct working visits and promotional activities to raise awareness of inter-American principles and instruments.

The resolution commends the State of Paraguay for celebrating the IACHR’s 65th anniversary during an event at the OAS General Assembly’s period of sessions and invites other Member States to conduct similar activities.

The General Assembly decided to hold in the second half of 2024 a special meeting of its Permanent Council aimed at celebrating the 65th anniversary of the IACHR, the 55th anniversary of the Pact of San José, and the 45th anniversary of the Inter-American Court.

The resolution stressed the importance of the Pact of San José as a source of international law and as one of the main legal instruments to promote and protect human rights in the Americas. The resolution calls on States to ensure the Pact’s implementation and encourages all States who are yet to sign or ratify it to do so.

The IACHR expresses its special gratitude to the State of Costa Rica for its leadership in presenting this commemorative Declaration.

A principal, autonomous body of the OAS, the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 152/24

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