IACHR announces ex officio hearings and meeting with civil society organizations during 194th Period of Sessions

October 8, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) announces that registration is now open for participation in the ex officio regional hearings and the meeting with civil society organizations to be held in person during its 194th Period of Sessions, which will take place from November 17 to 21, 2025, at the University of Miami, Florida, United States.

Regional public hearing: recruitment of children and adolescents in contexts of violence

This regional thematic hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. It will focus on the challenges posed by the recruitment of children and adolescents by organized crime in the region. The hearing will identify the areas most affected by this issue, the coercive recruitment tactics used, the role of social media, and the prevention or protection initiatives led by civil society, communities, and States.

Regional public hearing: Fiscal and economic policies to address poverty and structural inequality

This hearing will take place on Friday, November 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will analyze the role of fiscal and economic policy in combating poverty and structural inequality in the Americas, while also highlighting best practices and policy innovations in this area.

Interested people and representatives of States and civil society organizations wishing to take part in the ex officio public hearings must register through the electronic system (available in Spanish and English) by October 17 at 11:59 p.m. (Washington, DC, time). In accordance with article 66 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, applicants must provide identification and explain why they wish to take part in the hearing.  

The IACHR will publish the list of States, organizations, and individuals selected to participate in due course. Those not selected to speak are encouraged to submit relevant written documentation and information on the topics to be discussed.

Meeting with civil society

A meeting with members of civil society will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., in the University of Miami Auditorium. The IACHR invites members of organizations, communities, academic establishments, and other interested parties to attend this in-person meeting. The event aims to foster direct dialogue with civil society and the Latin American diaspora in Miami. The meeting will be open to the public and conducted in both English and Spanish.

Anyone interested in taking part in the ex officio public hearings must register through the electronic system (available in Spanish and English) by October 17 at 11:59 p.m. (Washington, DC, time). Selected participants will receive further information for their participation via the email address provided in their registration.

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. 203/25

4:40 PM