IACHR announces departure of Commissioner Joel Hernández García

August 4, 2023

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) announces that Commissioner Joel Hernández García submitted his resignation from the IACHR on August 3, 2023. On the same day, the President of the IACHR, Commissioner Margarette May Macaulay, notified the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro.

Joel Hernández García served as Commissioner of the IACHR from January 1, 2018, to August 3, 2023, serving as President for the 2020-2021 term. During his tenure, the Commission benefited from his experience in multilateral organizations and diplomacy.

IACHR recognizes Commissioner Hernández for his valuable contributions to thematic and country monitoring, friendly settlements and follow-up mechanisms. These include the Follow-up Committee for the Implementation of the GIEI-Bolivia Recommendations, the Joint Follow-up Mechanism for the recommendations of the Situation of Human Rights in Chile report and the Joint Follow-up Mechanism for Colombia after the visit to the country in June 2021.

The Commissioner also stood out for his commitment to strengthening institutions, constructive dialogue and active listening. Within the organization, his collaborative spirit and close relationship with the team of the executive secretariat was also noted.

The IACHR expresses its deepest appreciation to Joel Hernández García. His departure for the Commission leaves a large void. The Commission is going to miss his participation. However, the IACHR wishes him the very best and success in his next professional position.

The coordination of the Country and Thematic Rapporteurships that were in charge of Commissioner Joel Hernández will be assumed by the Board of the Commission.

The IACHR is a principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 175/23

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