IACHR

Press Release

IACHR Announces Schedule of Public Hearings for its 165th Sessions and calls for Participation in Hearings Convened at its own Initiative or Requested by a State

September 29, 2017

A+ A-

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has published the schedule of public hearings that will take place during its 165th Period of Sessions, to be held from October 23 until October 27, 2017, in Montevideo, Uruguay. The IACHR calls for expressions of interest from civil society organizations that may wish to participate in the hearings convened at the IACHR’s own initiative or which had been requested by a State Member.

The public hearings will take place on October 23 and 24, 2017, in Montevideo. Attached to this press release is the schedule of hearings.

The IACHR’s convened on its own initiative (ex officio) a hearing on the “Situation of Democratic Institutions in Venezuela“ and a hearing on “Violence, Citizen Security, and Freedom of Expression in Venezuela”.  The Commission invites interested organizations and persons to participate.

In addition, pursuant to Article 61 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission convokes civil society organizations that may be interested in participating in the hearing requested by the State of Venezuela on the Right to Education. 

Beginning today, the Commission is accepting expressions of interest to participate in these hearings. Pursuant to Article 66 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, those interested must submit information indicating the identity of the participants and the purpose of their appearance. Expressions of interest should be sent through this system, which will be available until October 15 at midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST), in the United States.

At a later date, the IACHR will announce the list of organizations convened to participate in the hearings. The expense of participating in the hearings must be covered by the organization or persons interested in participating. In terms of organizations and persons that are not called on to participate, the IACHR invites them to present in writing any documentation and information they believe is relevant to the subject matter of the hearing.

Pursuant to Article 68 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, the hearings will be public. Anyone interested may attend, subject only to space restrictions in the hearing room, and no prior registration is required.

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. 147/17