IACHR concludes 192nd Period of Sessions after holding 32 human rights hearings

March 7, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has concluded its 192nd Period of Sessions. Some 32 public hearings were held: 27 addressed specific human rights situations in 17 countries, while 5 focused on regional issues. Internal meetings were held from February 26 to 28, and online public hearings from March 3 to 7.

The IACHR received representatives from civil society organizations and OAS Member States. A wide range of topics were addressed, including the current circumstances of the National Human Rights Institute in Chile, judicial independence in El Salvador, and constitutional and legal reforms in Nicaragua that further consolidate the country's authoritarian regime. The IACHR regretted the fact that the State of El Salvador did not attend the hearing.

The IACHR received reports on the criminalization of justice operators in Guatemala and their efforts to pursue memory, truth, and justice. One of the three hearings concerning Colombia focused on individuals detained during the 2021 National Strike.

IACHR commissioners learned of the impacts of extractive industries on indigenous peoples in Peru and Suriname, as well as the exercise of indigenous jurisdiction in Peru. Other hearings addressed the situation of campesino communities in Honduras, the effects of mine closures on communities in Colombia, and the criminalization of environmental defenders in Bolivia.

On the issue of human mobility, the IACHR held hearings on the circumstances of refugees and asylum-seekers in Argentina, temporary migrant workers in Canada, and detention practices in the United States.

Other hearings concerned the rights of transgender women in Mexico and the impact of the lack of recognition of same-sex marriage in Honduras. The IACHR also heard testimonies on the situation of individuals with psychosocial disabilities who are deprived of their freedom in Brazil and Cuba, which highlighted the severe consequences of the denial of legal capacity and autonomy.

Venezuela remained a focal point for the IACHR. At the two hearings on the country, the IACHR was informed of the situation of individuals deprived of their freedom since the presidential elections and heard testimonies from relatives of victims and civil society regarding arbitrary detentions, torture, and inhumane conditions of detention. Another hearing addressed freedom of expression, association, assembly, and the press.

Other issues examined at this Period of Sessions include religious freedom in Brazil, access to information in Mexico, and the overall human rights situation in Costa Rica.

At the regional level, the IACHR received information on the situation of women judges and magistrates, human rights in contexts of corruption, arbitrary deprivation of freedom for political reasons, the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons in care institutions, and the impact of artificial intelligence.

A hearing was held on case 14.458, Diego Lamagna and family and others, concerning Argentina, which is currently being processed. At the hearing, the IACHR received statements from two relatives of the alleged victims and heard arguments from both parties. It will continue to review the case before issuing its decisions.

Two hearings were held to follow up on recommendations issued in IACHR reports, which facilitated inter-American dialogue regarding the Follow-up Committee on the Recommendations of the GIEI Report on Bolivia and 10 precautionary measures granted to ethnic communities in Colombia.

The hearing on violence, organized crime, and public insecurity in Haiti was postponed due to technical issues and will be held during the 193rd Period of Sessions.

The IACHR's internal sessions included five working meetings on precautionary measures in cases concerning Brazil, Colombia, and Honduras, at which the different states demonstrated their willingness to engage in dialogue and agree on protective measures. A working meeting was also held to assess compliance with recommendations on a case concerning Panama, which is at the transition stage.

The IACHR also met with representatives of Caribbean civil society organizations to discuss how it can support the promotion and protection of human rights in the region and strengthen its collaboration with these organizations. It engaged in dialogue with the Coalition of Human Rights Organizations of the Americas to exchange views on democracy, human rights, and priorities for joint work.

The Commissioners and the Executive Secretariat team took part in a discussion with Dr. Armin von Bogdandy, Director of the Max Planck Institute, at which they reflected on the transformative capacity of the Inter-American System, its role as a source of hope for people in the Americas, and ways to strengthen it.

The IACHR wishes to thank States and civil society organizations for participating in the 192nd Period of Sessions, emphasizing the importance of States engaging in hearings in good faith and providing substantive information, as this helps it advance constructive solutions to the region's human rights challenges.

Lastly, the IACHR reminds States that, in accordance with article 63 of its Rules of Procedure, they must guarantee the safety of all individuals attending public hearings and refrain from any retaliatory actions in response to statements made during these.

Videos of the hearings are available on the IACHR's YouTube channel.

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. 050/25

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