Press Release
IACHR celebrates its 65-year commitment to equality and non-discrimination
December 10, 2024
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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) celebrates International
Human Rights Day, highlighting the unwavering commitment to promoting equality
and non-discrimination in the Americas it has kept up for 65 years. The IACHR
calls for increased cooperation to build fairer, more stable, and more inclusive
societies in the Americas, besides noting progress made in defense of the rights
of all people.
Created by Member States of the Organization of American States (OAS) as the
guardian of human rights in the region, the IACHR has become a crucial
institution to interpret and apply inter-American standards, adapting to the
needs of diverse, ever-changing societies. Through its monitoring mechanisms,
its reviews of individual cases, and its rights promotion efforts, the IACHR has
fostered regional dialogue and States’ accountability and made a significant
contribution to the effective practical implementation of international
standards in the Americas. Today, the IACHR’s mission is as essential as it was
when the Commission was founded.
By interpreting human rights conventions in contemporary real-life contexts, the
IACHR has made equality and non-discrimination the main pillars of its work.
This approach has proved essential to address the complex, intersectional forms
of discrimination that continue to affect individuals, groups, and peoples in
the Americas.
Over time, the IACHR’s decisions have led to the adoption of domestic
legislation and public policies that have in turn transformed the lives of both
individuals and whole communities, based on the political will of States who are
committed to human rights and on the support of a dynamic and well-organized
civil society. Recognition of the need for protection, justice, and redress in
cases involving domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence has
had an impact on women’s lives. Recognition of diverse sexual orientations and
gender identities and protection of their needs has enabled LGBTI persons to
live their lives in more equal conditions.
In particular, the IACHR’s work in favor of indigenous peoples and
Afro-descendant communities has enabled States to make progress in the
protection of essential rights including self-determination, the preservation of
cultural heritage, the protection of traditional territories, free, prior, and
informed consultation in decision-making processes affecting these peoples and
communities, and environmental conservation, all of which are essential for the
survival of these peoples and communities. Indigenous women, who often face
multiple and intersectional discrimination, have benefited from integral forms
of protection combining various international standards concerning the rights of
women and indigenous peoples.
As it reflects on these achievements, the IACHR also acknowledges the urgent
challenges the Americas are currently facing. Discriminatory policies,
prejudice-based violence, restrictions of freedom of expression, and threats
against democracy and against the independence of human rights institutions all
continue to jeopardize the progress that has been attained with so much
effort. Addressing these issues requires renewed commitment and collective
action to defend achievements focused on enforcing equality and
non-discrimination.
On the 65th anniversary of its founding, the IACHR remains firm in its mission
to tackle the challenges, honoring its mandate to safeguard human rights all
over the Americas, working alongside other multilateral organizations, and
continuing to focus on individuals, particularly those who are victims of rights
violations. The IACHR therefore calls on States and societies to strengthen
national, regional, and universal human rights systems.
The Americas stand before an opportunity to address structural and systemic
injustice through broad-based, participatory dialogue among all sectors of
society, promoting greater inclusion and prioritizing individual and collective
rights. In this context, the IACHR stresses its relentless commitment to the
principle of equality and non-discrimination, noting its essential role to build
a fairer, more equitable future for all people in the Americas.
The IACHR is an autonomous body of the OAS whose mandate is based on the OAS
Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote
and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body
to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected
by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not
represent their countries of origin or residence.
No. 313/24
8:00 AM