IACHR elects Special Rapporteur for Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights

July 21, 2023

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) selected Javier Palummo for the position of Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) and forwarded that decision to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), who expressed his agreement with the appointment.

The IACHR selected the new Special Rapporteur based on his professional qualities and experience, considering his technical capacity, leadership, and ability to work effectively with States, civil society organizations, and other actors of the Inter-American Human Rights System.

Javier Palummo is a national of Uruguay with more than 17 years of professional experience. He is Human Rights expert and Vice-President of the Advisory Committee for the UN Human Rights Council. With dual PhDs in Human Rights and Law & Social Sciences, he is director of research and information management at the Institute of Public Policies on Human Rights of MERCOSUR (IPPDH). He has worked with international organizations and excels in strategic planning, project management and fundraising. His expertise fosters global cooperation and the protection of human rights, especially in social development, children's, and women's rights.

It should be noted that the selection process was governed by Article 15 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, the criteria established in the call published on February 18, and the OAS regulatory standards. It paid special attention to gender parity and representation of the different regions of the Americas, being the result of a broad, open, transparent, and participatory process.

The Commission appreciates the interest shown by the 114 people who applied to the contest and to civil society organizations and States for sending 739 letters and observations during the public consultation carried out within the framework of this call. Finally, it is reported that the new Special Rapporteur for the Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights will begin his functions on August 28.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up 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. 162/23

9:08 AM