IACHR Adopts Resolution on the Rights of Relatives and Individuals with Personal Ties to People Deprived of their Liberty

August 19, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has published Resolution No. 2/25 on the rights of relatives and individuals with close personal ties to people deprived of their liberty, which was adopted during its 193rd Period of Sessions. The document recognizes the impacts experienced by people whose relatives are incarcerated and calls on States to adopt measures to safeguard their rights in this capacity.

This resolution is the Inter-American Human Rights System’s first statement on this issue and sets out an initial position on the topic. It underscores that the relatives of people in State custody—who are primarily children and adolescents—face social, economic, and emotional consequences, including the breakdown of protective bonds, obstacles to maintaining adequate contact with their incarcerated relatives, and loss of care. The resolution also highlights the impact of the discrimination and stigmatization faced by these families.

Based on these considerations, the resolution outlines States’ obligations to guarantee the rights of these individuals with the aim of guiding States in adopting or reviewing prison policies, with special emphasis on the protection of children and adolescents, people with disabilities, older people, and women.

Priority issues include maintaining family bonds, incorporating relatives’ perspectives into prison policies and programs, ensuring that people deprived of their liberty are held in facilities close to their families, guaranteeing families’ access to information, and combating violence against them.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (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. They serve in their personal capacities and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 2/25

No. 166/25

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