The IACHR announces the resignation of Commissioner Arif Bulkan

November 15, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reports that Commissioner and Second Vice President Arif Bulkan submitted his resignation with immediate effect on November 13.

In compliance with Article 11 of the IACHR Statute, President José Luis Caballero has notified the Secretary General of the OAS, Albert Ramdin, of the resignation of Commissioner Bulkan, so that the member states may be informed through him.

In accordance with Article 9.3 of the Rules of Procedure, the Board of Directors is made up of President José Luis Caballero, First Vice President, Andrea Pochak and Second Vice President, Commissioner Stuardo Ralón. Likewise, the rapporteurships that were in charge of Commissioner Arif Bulkan, will be in charge of the Board of Directors. These rapporteurships are Canada; Dominica; Jamaica; Nicaragua; and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and of indigenous peoples and LGBTI people

The IACHR congratulates Commissioner Arif Bulkan on his appointment to the Caribbean Court of Justice, wishes him every success in his new position, and thanks him for his work, institutional commitment, and valuable contributions during his period of service at the Inter-American Commission.

In light of this new institutional context, the Commission’s plenary reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the protection and full guarantee of human rights throughout the region.

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. 231/25

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