IACHR pays tribute to Hon. Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

July 8, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) recognizes the legacy and contributions of Judge Adrian Saunders upon his retirement as President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), particularly within the framework of inter-American human rights standards and jurisprudence.

Given their respective mandates, on December 20, 2024, the IACHR and CCJ signed a cooperation agreement with the purpose of establishing a framework for cooperation to promote technical exchange between the Parties.

The IACHR gratefully acknowledges Justice Saunders' leadership in fostering this collaboration. We recall the landmark case of Quincy McEwan et al v The Attorney General of Guyana, where Justice Saunders reminded that: "Civilized society has a duty to accommodate suitably, differences among human beings. Only in this manner can we give due respect to everyone's humanity. No one should have his or her dignity trampled upon, or human rights denied, merely on account of a difference."

The IACHR wishes Justice Saunders the best as he moves into the next chapter of his life and looks forward to continued cooperation with the CCJ under the leadership of President Hon. Justice Winston Anderson.

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. 135/25

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