IACHR

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IACHR Publishes Resolution on Human Rights and the Fight Against Impunity and Corruption

September 12, 2017

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Washington, D.C. - The Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) published today the Resolution 1/17 Human Rights and the Fight Against Impunity and Corruption. The Commission decided to issue the resolution base on the relevance of the fight against impunity and corruption is inextricably linked to the exercise and enjoyment of human rights, and the situation unfolding in Guatemala after the decision of Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales to declare Iván Velásquez, the head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (ICIG), and order him expelled from the country.

The Commission reiterates its willingness to conduct a visit through its Rapporteur for Guatemala and Rapporteur on the Rights of Human Rights Defenders with the purpose of following up the on-site visit conducted from July 31 to August 4, 2017, and receive updated information about the human rights situation for the preparation of the Country Report; as it was announced during the hearing “Reports of Threats to Judicial Independence in Guatemala”, held during the IACHR 164th Period of Sessions in México, at the request of civil society.

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 defense of 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. 140/17