IACHR

Press Release

IACHR Appreciates Financial Contributions Received in First Half of 2017

August 15, 2017

Contact info

IACHR Press and Communication Office
Tel: +1 (202) 370-9000

More on the IACHR

A+ A-

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) appreciates the financial contributions it received during the first half of 2017, which total $3,707,000. The IACHR continues to look for funding to reach the levels of voluntary contributions of previous years and fulfill its mandates to defend, promote, and monitor human rights in the Americas.

The Commission is deeply grateful to the countries and institutions that have financially supported the work of the IACHR this year. Thanks to this support, the Inter-American Commission has been able to do its work of defending and promoting human rights in the region. The IACHR has also been able to provide recommendations to member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS ) on the adoption of measures to safeguard human rights in their jurisdictions, supporting and guiding States on the application of standards through dialogue and promotional activities. These contributions have also enabled the IACHR to help victims gain access to the justice system and to international protection. The Commission has also been able to follow up on recommendations from its reports—recommendations that have triggered actions to prevent the repetition of human rights violations—and has helped formulate and implement public policies in States to prevent and address specific situations involving violations of the rights of groups, individuals, and communities that have historically faced discrimination.

These voluntary donations have particularly contributed to the Inter-American Commission’s ability to hold sessions outside its headquarters, process more cases of human rights violations and requests for precautionary measures, strengthen its capacity to provide support in friendly settlement proceedings, carry out working visits, and prepare thematic reports.

The Inter-American Commission expresses its gratitude to Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States, OAS Member States that made special voluntary contributions to the Commission through June 30, 2017. The Commission also recognizes Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the European Union, OAS permanent observers that have also made significant financial contributions. In addition, the IACHR appreciates the voluntary financial contributions made by the Arcus Foundation, Avina, Google, the Pan American Development Foundation, and Stanford University. The Commission also recognizes the important contributions from Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Uruguay, which have undertaken to host IACHR sessions throughout the year. Thanks to these donors’ financial support, the IACHR is furthering its work of defending and promoting human rights in the region.

In 2016, the IACHR received a total of $4,220,000 in voluntary contributions, which allowed the Commission to maintain its capabilities and activities. For the 2017 budget to be equivalent to last year’s, the IACHR continues to look for funding so that it can sustain all its current activities.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 121/17