Press briefing note on The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:  Ravina Shamdasani
Location:  Geneva
Date: 27 May 2016
Subject:   The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

We are disturbed by the severe financial crisis that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is facing. Should the Commission not receive the necessary funds in the coming weeks, the capacity of the regional human rights system to respond to victims of rights violations across the Americas may be seriously diminished.

The pioneering work of the Inter-American Commission, as an agent of constitutional, legislative and policy reform, has had a strong impact on human rights in the region and beyond. It has provided a vital recourse for victims of human rights violations in the region and has played an important role in advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups. The Commission is also a strategic partner for the UN Human Rights Offices in the region and a point of reference for the development of human rights standards worldwide. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Commission has faced undue pressure from a number of States.

We urge States to reaffirm their commitment to human rights by providing the Commission with the required resources to fulfil its crucial mandate and indeed to strengthen this key institution. The Commission’s robust defence of human rights in the region should be encouraged – not punished.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org) or Cécile Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org)

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