IACHR
Press Release
IACHR Grants Precautionary Measures in Favor of Eduardo Rodríguez Torres, Concerning Venezuela
June 15, 2020
Washington, D.C. - On June 11, 2020, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 25/2020 (link in Spanish), through which it granted precautionary protection measures in favor of Miguel Eduardo Rodríguez Torres, in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, whom it deems to be at serious, urgent risk of suffering irreparable harm to his human rights.
The petition alleges that Mr. Rodríguez is being deprived of his liberty at the facilities of the 35th Military Police Brigade in Fuerte Tiuna, Caracas. Although several petitions have been presented to the competent authorities, Miguel Eduardo Rodríguez Torres is allegedly not receiving medical attention appropriate to his health condition. The IACHR expressed its regret over not having received observations from the state on this matter, despite the fact that these were requested, in accordance with article 25.5 of its Rules of Procedure.
Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: a) take the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity. Specifically, it requested that the state ensure that the beneficiary has access to the medical treatment prescribed for him by competent authorities; b) agree on any measures to be adopted in consultation with the beneficiary and his representatives; and c) implement actions to investigate the events that led to the adoption of this precautionary measure so as to prevent them from being repeated.
The fact that this precautionary measure has been granted and its adoption by the state does not entail a prejudgment on any petition that may eventually be filed before the inter-American system to allege that the rights protected by all applicable instruments have been violated.
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. 136/20