IACHR Selects Five Finalists for the Interview Round for the Position of Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights

July 13, 2023

Washington, D.C. — During the 187th Period of Sessions, in an internal session held on July 11, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) selected the five finalists in the selection process for the position of Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights, who will move on to the interview round.

• Adoración Guamán, Ecuador
• Francisco Xavier Mena Vasconéz, Ecuador
• Javier Palummo, Uruguay
• Jorge Francisco Calderón Gamboa, Mexico
• Rosa Guillermina Sandoval Martínez, El Salvador

The five selected candidates will be interviewed on Wednesday, July 19, during an internal session that will take place during the 187th Period of Sessions. The IACHR is expected to announce its decision at the end of the period of sessions.

The application and selection process is governed by the criteria established in the announcement published on February 17, 2023, and the OAS regulations. It takes into account gender parity and the representation of the different regions in the Americas.

The candidate chosen for the role will begin work on August 28, 2023, in accordance with Article 15 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure. They will report to the IACHR, work in coordination with the IACHR Executive Secretariat, and be based in Washington, DC.

The IACHR wishes to thank all those who took part in the selection process, as well as those who submitted videos. It was immensely satisfied with the level of interest that this competitive selection process garnered and the number of highly qualified individuals with extensive experience and knowledge that applied for the position. The IACHR is also grateful for the more than 739 letters and comments received from OAS Member States and civil society during the public consultation that was held between June 7 and July 7, 2023, in accordance with Article 15.4 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure.

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.

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. 154/23

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