IACHR and IPPDH conclude 8th International Course on Public Policies on Human Rights

December 17, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the MERCOSUR Institute of Public Policies on Human Rights (IPPDH) have concluded the 8th International Course on Public Policies and Human Rights, which brought together 70 public officials, representatives of civil society organizations, and academics.

The 70 participants were selected from more than 3,000 applicants and included government officials responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies, as well as members of social organizations and movements and academics from MERCOSUR and OAS Member States.

This eighth edition of the course concluded with an in-person phase that featured an institutional opening session attended by Commissioner Andrea Pochak, First Vice President of the IACHR, and IPPDH Executive Director Andressa Caldas. Participants attended theoretical and practical sessions on budgeting and human rights, indicator systems, and principles for integrating a human rights–based approach into public policies. The program also included a panel with representatives of civil society organizations addressing issues of memory, truth, and justice.

The aim of the International Course on Public Policies on Human Rights is to strengthen the capacities of key regional stakeholders to integrate a human rights–based approach into public policy. The exchange among individuals from government, academia, and civil society led to reflections on challenges, obstacles, resources, and opportunities to strengthen institutions and public policies from a human rights perspective, with a view to enhancing their effectiveness.

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. 273/25

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