IACHR

Press Release

IACHR Announces Schedule of Public Hearings for its 163rd Sessions and calls for Participation in Hearings Convened at its own Initiative or Requested by a State

June 9, 2017

Contact info

IACHR Press and Communication Office
Tel: +1 (202) 370-9001
[email protected]

More on the IACHR

A+ A-

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) today publishes the schedule of public hearings that will take place during its 163rd Extraordinary Period of Sessions, to be held in Lima, Peru. Also, 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 hearings in Peru will take place on July 5, 6 and 7, during the morning hours. Attached to this press release is the complete schedule of hearings.

The IACHR’s convened on its own initiative (ex officio) a hearing on “Reports of Killings of Women on the Basis of Gender in Argentina,” and 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: “Right to Free Legal Aid as Part of the Right to a Fair Trial in Venezuela.”

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 June 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. These organizations will have a combined total of 20 minutes to present any information they consider relevant. 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.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) announces that it has decided that the hearing “Reports of Human Rights Violations in Venezuela”—which will take place during its 163rd session, to be held in Lima, Peru—will be private. The IACHR has made this decision in application of Article 68 of its Rules of Procedure, in consideration of the exceptional circumstances of this hearing, in which the parties are two branches of the State. Consequently, the hearing will be held behind closed doors, with no attendance by the public or the press. There will be no live transmission of the hearing, nor will videos, audio recordings, or minutes or notes of its contents be made available.*

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 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.

* This paragraph was added to this press release on June 29, 2017.

No. 073/17