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Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) in charge of for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Americas. It is composed of seven independent members who perform in a personal capacity and has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was created by the OAS in 1959 and, jointly with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), installed in 1979, it is an institution of the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights (IACHR).

In 1990, he created the Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in order to provide attention to the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas who are especially exposed to human rights violations due to their vulnerable situation and to strengthen, promote and systematize the work of the Inter-American Commission itself in the area.

Since the 1980s, the Inter-American Commission has sistematically ruled on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in its special reports and through the casos system, in admissibility reports, substantive reports, friendly settlement reports, the precautionary measures mechanism, as well as through lawsuits and requests for provisional measures filed with the Inter-American Court.

Right to self-determination of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples

Right to self-determination of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Right to self-determination of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples 2021 In this report, the IACHR addresses the right to self-determination of indigenous and tribal peoples with the aim of elucidating international standards in relation to this right and its application to indigenous and tribal peoples, which is closely linked to other … Read more

COVID-19 vaccines and Inter-American Human Rights obligations

COVID-19 vaccines and Inter-American Human Rights obligations

COVID-19 vaccines and Inter-American Human Rights obligations Resolution 1/2021 One year since the beginning of the COVID–19 pandemic, a global effort has led to the development and distribution of safe and effective vaccines that have been approved by the competent health authorities. However, the immunization of a critical mass of the world population — crucial … Read more

Indigenous Women and Their Human Rights in the Americas

Indigenous Women and Their Human Rights in the Americas

Indigenous Women and Their Human Rights in the Americas 2017 Through its various human rights protection and promotion mechanisms, the Inter–American Commission on Human Rights (hereinafter the “IACHR” or the “Commission”) has consistently received information regarding numerous human rights violations faced by and specific to indigenous women in the Americas. During hearings and working visits … Read more

Human Rights Protection in the Context of Extraction, Exploitation, and Development Activities

Human Rights Protection in the Context of Extraction, Exploitation, and Development Activities

Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Descendent Communities, and Natural Resources: Human Rights Protection in the Context of Extraction, Exploitation, and Development Activities 2015 Many extractive and development activities in the hemisphere are implemented in lands and territories historically occupied by indigenous and Afro-descendent communities, which often coincide with areas hosting a great wealth of natural resources. Moreover, the … Read more

Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact in the Americas

Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact in the Americas

Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact in the Americas Recommendations for the full respect of their human rights 2013 Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact are holders of human rights in a unique situation of vulnerability, and among the few who cannot advocate for their own rights. This reality makes … Read more