Country Visits

Venezuela, February 4 - 7

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) carried out, from February 5 to 8, a historic on-site visit to monitor the human rights situation in Venezuela. The visit, which was initially scheduled to take place between February 4 and 7 in the cities of Caracas and Maracaibo, was carried out in the city of Cúcuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, after the refusal by the Venezuelan authorities of the entry from the IACHR to the country.

The IACHR mission was chaired by the Country Rapporteur for Venezuela, Commissioner Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño, and by the Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants, Commissioner Julissa Mantilla Falcón. The delegation also had the participation of the Executive Secretary, Paulo Abrão, and specialists from the Executive Secretariat.

• Press Release 021/20: IACHR Arrives at the Venezuelan –Colombian Border to Meet with Victims of Human Rights Violations in Venezuela

Chile, January 25 - 31

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) carried out its on-site visit to Chile from January 25 to 31, which aimed to observe the human rights situation on the ground-based on the facts of the social protests, evaluating their causes and consequences.

The IACHR delegation was made up of, the President of the Commission, Commissioner Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño, the Vice President and Rapporteur for Chile, Commissioner Joel Hernández, Commissioners Margarette May Macaulay, Flávia Piovesan, Julissa Mantilla and Commissioner Stuardo Ralón; also, the Executive Secretary Paulo Abrão.

• Preliminary observations of the visit

El Salvador, December 2 - 4

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) concluded its on-site visit to El Salvador from December 2 to 4, which aimed to observe on the ground the human rights situation in the country, in particular, issues related to citizen security and the situation of persons deprived of liberty; memory, truth, justice, and access to justice; the situation of the rights of women and LGBTI persons; and the situation of migrants, displaced persons and economic, social, cultural and environmental rights. Additionally, as transversal axes, it paid attention to freedom of expression, the situation of human rights defenders and justice operators, and other groups at particular risk.

The visiting delegation was made up of the President of the IACHR, Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño, the First Vice President, Joel Hernández, the Second Vice President, Antonia Urrejola; Commissioners Flavia Piovesan and Margaret May Macaulay - Country Rapporteur for El Salvador - and Commissioner Luis Ernesto Vargas. The delegation was also made up of the Executive Secretary, Paulo Abrão, and technical staff of the Executive Secretariat.

• Press Release 314/19: IACHR Launches On-Site Visit to El Salvador
• Preliminary observations of the visit

Haití, June 3 - 4

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) visited Haiti on June 3 and 4 to promote dialogue with state authorities and civil society on the human rights situation in the country, while identifying opportunities for collaboration with the IACHR. The IACHR delegation was headed by the Executive Secretary, Paulo Abrão, and technical staff from the Executive Secretariat.

• Press Release 168/19: IACHR Concludes Visit to Haiti

Brazil, November 5-12

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) made an in loco visit to Brazil from November 5 to 12, 2018. The objective was to observe the human rights situation in Brazil on the ground. The IACHR’s previous in loco visit to Brazil took place in 1995.

The delegation was headed by the president of the IACHR, commissioner Margarette May Macaulay, and comprised the first vice-president, commissioner Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño; commissioner Francisco Eguiguren Praeli; commissioner Joel Hernández García; and commissioner Antonia Urrejola Noguera, rapporteur for Brazil. The delegation also included the assistant executive secretary, María Claudia Pulido; the chief of staff of the executive secretary, Marisol Blanchard Vera; the special rapporteur for freedom of expression, Edison Lanza; the special rapporteur for economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights (DESCA), Soledad García Muñoz; and experts from the IACHR’s executive secretariat.

• Press Release 238/19: IACHR Concludes Visit to Brazil
• Preliminary observations of the visit (Spanish)
• Preliminary observations of the visit (Portuguese)
• Preliminary observations of the visit (English)

Honduras, July 30 – August 3

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted an on-site visit to Honduras between July 30 and August 3, 2018. The aim of the visit was to observe the human rights situation in the country on the ground.

The delegation was led by the first vice-president of the IACHR, Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño; and also included the second vice-president, Luis Ernesto Vargas Silva; commissioners Flávia Piovesan and Antonia Urrejola, and commissioner Joel Hernández García, the IACHR rapporteur for Honduras. Among the other members of the delegation were the executive secretary of the IACHR, Paulo Abrão; the assistant executive secretary, María Claudia Pulido; the chief of staff of the executive secretariat, Marisol Blanchard Vera, the special rapporteur for freedom of expression, Edison Lanza; the special rapporteur on economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights (ESCER), Soledad García Muñoz, and experts from the executive secretariat.

• Press Release 171/18: IACHR Concluded its Visit to Honduras and Presents its Preliminary Observations
• Preliminary Observations (in Spanish)

Nicaragua, May 17-21

On May 3, 2018, given the serious violence in Nicaragua, the IACHR unveiled plans to set up a Rapid and Integrated Response Coordination Unit (SACROI, by its Spanish acronym) to focus its attention on the human rights situation in that country.

Later, on May 17-21, 2018, the IACHR carried out a working visit to Nicaragua, to conduct a preliminary on-site observation of the human rights situation in the country, in the context of the violence that took place there from April 18, 2018, to document those events and issue the Commission’s first concrete recommendations for the Nicaraguan State. The IACHR deployed three teams and visited four cities (Leon, Managua, Matagalpa and Masaya), as well as State facilities, healthcare centers, hospitals, detention centers and the Institute of Forensic Medicine. On May 21, the IACHR published its Preliminary Observations on the visit.

The delegation was led by Commissioner Antonia Urrejola, IACHR Rapporteur for Nicaragua, who was supported by Commissioner Joel Hernandez, Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty; and Commissioner Francisco Eguiguren, Rapporteur on the Rights of Human Rights Defenders. The delegation was also assisted by Paulo Abrão, Executive Secretary; Maria Claudia Pulido, Assistant Executive Secretary for Monitoring, Promotion and Technical Cooperation on Human Rights; the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Edison Lanza, and the Special Rapporteur for Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights, Soledad Garcia Muñoz, and by the specialists of the Executive Secretary.

Through the SACROI unit, the IACHR continues to monitor the serious, ongoing human rights crisis in Nicaragua.

• Press release 113/18: Preliminary observations on the IACHR working visit to Nicaragua
• Webpage on the visit

Guatemala, July 31 to August 4

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) made an on-site visit to Guatemala from July 31 and August 4. The IACHR observed on the ground a serious situation of inequality and discrimination that particularly affects indigenous people; women; displaced persons; lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex persons (LGBTI), Afro-descendant persons, persons with disabilities; persons deprived of liberty; and children and adolescents.

The IACHR verified the persistence of multiple factors that contribute to a situation of structural impunity. In addition, the Commission received information regarding the State’s authorization of extractive industry activities and projects and development of natural resources in indigenous peoples’ territories, without prior consultation to obtain consent. The IACHR also received information on violence against journalists, as well as on the concentration of media ownership. The Commission drew attention to the particularly vulnerable situation that women in Guatemala continue to face, especially indigenous women. Likewise, the IACHR received with great concern the lack of recognition of Afro identity in the country. In relation to the rights of LGBTI persons, the Commission expressed its concern regarding the draft “Law for the Protection of Life and Family,” which seeks to ban teaching about sexual diversity and reaffirms the nature of marriage as a right exclusive to persons of the opposite sex. The IACHR received extensive information on how multiple causes have led to the forced displacement of tens of thousands of people, contributing to the crisis of displaced persons and refugees. As to the situation of persons deprived of liberty, the prison system is mainly characterized by overcrowding, excessive use of pretrial detention, deplorable detention conditions. Finally, the IACHR found that, despite the important progress in the fight against corruption and impunity led by the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the efforts of some judges—a series of challenges identified by the IACHR in its country report continue to exist today.

• Press release 114/17: IACHR Wraps Up On-Site Visit to Guatemala
• Preliminary Observations on the IACHR Visit to Guatemala
• Press Release 103/17: IACHR To Conduct On-site Visit to Guatemala

Guatemala, March 30 - 31

The Rapporteurship on the Rights of the Child of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) carried out a working visit to Guatemala on March 30-31, 2017. The purpose of the visit was to follow up on the implementation of the precautionary measure that had been granted on March 12 to protect the life and personal integrity of the children and adolescents being housed at the “Virgen de la Asunción” Residential Institution at the time of the fire that occurred on March 8, 2017—including those who suffered various injuries from the fire and those who have been transferred to other locations.

The Inter-American Commission decided to follow up on the actions taken by the State to comply with the precautionary measure. The IACHR took testimony from 36 girls who survived the tragic fire, and visited the “Alida España” School, which is temporarily housing 110 children with disabilities who were taken there from the residential institution after the fire. Consequently, at the end of its visit the IACHR called on the State to encourage and support the reintegration into their families of the children and adolescents who remain at the “Virgen de la Asunción” Residential Institution and other facilities; to continue its investigations into what happened and determine those who are responsible; to review all legislation to undertake a substantive reform of child protection and of the national system to fully guarantee the rights of children and adolescents; and to coordinate the efforts of all government institutions and provide avenues for civil society participation, to respond to the situation and promote a structural change that ensures better conditions for protecting the rights of Guatemalan children.

• Press Release 46/17: Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child Conducts Visit to Guatemala
• Photos on Flickr
• Precautionary Measure 958/16 (in Spanish)

Mexico, September 28 to October 2

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The IACHR carried out an on site visit to Mexico from September 28 to October 2. The Commission has been able to confirm on the ground the serious human rights crisis Mexico is experiencing, which is characterized by a situation of extreme insecurity and violence; serious human rights violations, especially forced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and torture; critical levels of impunity; and inadequate and insufficient attention to victims and their families. The effect of the violence and violations of fundamental rights is especially serious and disproportionate for people living in poverty, migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, women, children, adolescents, human rights defenders, journalists, indigenous peoples, and gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans persons (LGBT), among others. Violence against families of victims, human rights defenders and journalists is carried out with the aim of silencing complaints and calls for truth and justice, and perpetuating impunity for gross human rights violations. Violence and intimidation seeks to silence the voices that Mexico most needs.

The Inter-American Commission confirmed the profound gap between the legislative and judicial framework, and the daily reality that millions of people in the country experience. Again and again, throughout the country, the Commission heard from victims that the process of justice is a “simulation.” Consequently, at the conclusion of its visit, the Commission expressed it is necessary to address the structural causes of the lack of access to justice in Mexico, such as the infiltration by groups of organized crime in many police bodies, especially at the municipal level, as well as in agencies of the justice system. It is fundamental to strengthen and consolidate judicial independence in Mexico.

• Press Release 112/15: IACHR Wraps up Onsite Visit to Mexico
• Preliminary Observations on the IACHR Visit to Mexico
• Press Release 108/15: IACHR Begins On-Site Visit to Mexico o
• Press Release 104/15: IACHR Conducts On-Site Visit to Mexico

Colombia-Venezuela Border, September 10-12

The IACHR conducted a visit to the border of Colombia with Venezuela from September 10 to 12, 2015. The purpose of the visit was to monitor the human rights situation of Colombian migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers who have been deported or have returned to Colombia following the closure of the main border crossing point between San Antonio in Táchira state, Venezuela, and Cúcuta, Department of Norte de Santander, Colombia, on August 19, 2015, and the declaration of a state of emergency by the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, on August 21, 2015. In accordance with the rules that govern its mandate, the IACHR sought the necessary consent from the States of Colombia and Venezuela, and received an affirmative response from Colombia, with the result that the visit could only include that country.

The IACHR saw for itself the humanitarian crisis that is affecting the deportees and people who returned out of fear and because of the grave situation in which they found themselves in Venezuela. The IACHR received troubling reports about the way in which the deportations from Venezuela were carried out, suggesting that those individuals suffered multiple human rights violations and were subjected to collective expulsion. In this context, the IACHR received serious complaints alleging violations of the rights to liberty and to personal security and integrity; to equality before law; to protection of honor, personal reputation, and private and family life; to protection for mothers; to protection for children; to residence and movement; to the preservation of health and to well-being; to education; to work; to inviolability of the home; to property; of protection from arbitrary arrest; to judicial protection and due process of law; to the prohibition of collective expulsions; and to seek and receive asylum; as well as of the principle of non-refoulement. 

• Press Release 109/15: IACHR Concludes Visit to Colombia's Border with Venezuela
• Preliminary Observations: from the IACHR´s Visit to Colombia's Border with Venezuela
• Press Release 101/15: IACHR Conducts Visit to Colombia-Venezuela Border
• Press Release 100/15: IACHR Expresses Concern over Arbitrary Deportation of Colombians from Venezuela

Paraguay, May 19 to 22

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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted an on-site visit to Paraguay on May 19-22, 20145. The main objective of the visit was to collect information for the elaboration of the first thematic report on human rights and poverty by the IACHR, as well as the observation of the general situation of human rights in the country. This was the first of a series of visits the Commission will make to countries in the region in order to relieve the thematic report information.

The delegation held meetings with State authorities and representatives of the civil society organizations, receiving detailed information of a number of initiatives that are being implemented by the State for the reduction of poverty and extreme poverty in Paraguay, as Tekoporã, Abrazo and others. The delegation also took note of the manifestations of civil society in the sense that deeper structural reforms are still necessary to that aim.

• Press Release issued after the visit

Honduras, December 1 to 5

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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted an on-site visit to Honduras on December 1-5, 2014, for the purpose of monitoring the general human rights situation in the country.

The Commission held meetings with State authorities, civil society organizations, and others who came forward to present information concerning the human rights situation in Honduras. The Commission also traveled to several different regions - including La Ceiba, Tocoa, El Progreso, San Pedro Sula, and Bajo Aguán - and visited care centers for migrant children; Garifuna communities and peasant communities; and several prisons in the country.

• Press Release issued after the visit
• Preliminary Observations

Chile, November 24-26, 2014

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The Rapporteur on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples and Rapporteur for Chile, Commissioner Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, undertook a visit to Chile between November 24 and 26, 2014. The main objective of the visit was to collect information on the general situation of human rights in the country, as well as closely examine the human rights situation of indigenous peoples in this country, in particular in the context of development and investment projects, and concessions for the extraction of natural resources.

During the visit, the Rapporteur was received by the President of the Republic, Michelle Bachelet, among other authorities. The visit also included meetings with civil society organizations, and working meetings related to individual cases to follow up on the compliance of the State in relation to recommendations of the IACHR.

• Press Release issued after the visit

México – October 6 to 14

The Rapporteur on the Rights of Children and Adolescents of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Commissioner Rosa María Ortiz, conducted a visit to Mexico between October 6 and 14, 2014. The main objective of the visit was to monitor the human rights of children and adolescents in Mexico, at the federal level and in four states and the Federal District, with particular emphasis on monitoring the systems for the promotion of the rights of girls and boys, as well as the impact of violence and migration on the exercise of their rights. The Rapporteur placed special emphasis on the systems for alternative care and the impact on the rights of homeless children. The Rapporteur also participated in a working meeting on the implementation of the precautionary measures requested by the IACHR of the State in favor of 43 disappeared youths in the city of Iguala.

During the visit, the delegation visited the Federal District, the city of Cuernavaca in Morelos, the city of Oaxaca, in Oaxaca, the city of Saltillo, in Coahuila, and the cities of Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa and “Ciudad Victoria”, in the state of Tamaulipas. The Rapporteur met with senior officials of the three branches of government, as well as over one hundred civil society organizations, human rights commissions and victims of human rights violations and their families.

• Press Release issued after the visit

USA - September 29 to October 2

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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted a visit to the southern border of the United States of America, from September 29 to October 2, 2014. The delegation was headed by Commissioner Felipe González Morales, Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants and the Country Rapporteur for the United States, and Commissioner Rosa María Ortiz, Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child.

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the human rights situation of unaccompanied children and families who have crossed the southern border of the United States, with respect of their apprehension, immigration detention over long periods of time, immigration procedures as well as deportations and removals. During the visit, the IACHR delegation visited Hidalgo, McAllen, Harlingen, Karnes City and San Antonio. The Commission held meetings with state authorities, civil society organizations, victims of human rights violations and consulates of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

• Press Release issued after the visit

Colombia - September 29 to October 3

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The Chair of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Tracy Robinson, visited Colombia, from September 29 to October 3, 2014. In her capacity as Rapporteur for the Rights of Women and Rapporteur for the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex people (LGBTI), Commissioner Tracy Robinson visited the cities of Cali, Bogota and Cartagena. The first objective of the visit was to collect information about the challenges that women face in accessing information on violence and discrimination that will be included in a regional report being prepared by the Rapporteur on the Rights of Women. The second objective consisted on meeting with LGBTI human rights defenders and organizations, in order to seek information on the situation of human rights of these persons in Colombia. This information will be included in the regional report being prepared by the LGBTI Rapporteurship on the situation of violence against LGBTI persons.

The IACHR delegation formally requested meetings with state authorities in Cali, Bogota and Cartagena. However, the delegation was informed that, due to the transition in state authorities dealing with human rights, these meetings would not be possible. The delegation met with more than 50 women and civil society organizations. The IACHR delegation organized two events in Cali, one academic and one public, to disseminate the legal standards of the inter-American system on the rights of women and the issue of access to information.

• Press Release issued after the visit

Uruguay – September 1 to 5

The Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Rosa María Ortiz, conducted a visit to Uruguay from September 1 to September 5, 2014. The purpose of the visit was to express the Office of the Rapporteur’s position in relation to the referendum to be conducted in the month of October of 2014, which proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 years old.

During her visit, the Rapporteur was received by the President of the Republic, José Mujica Cordano, among other authorities, families of juvenile offenders deprived of liberty and civil society organizations.

• Press Release issued after the visit

Paraguay – August 25 to 29

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The Rapporteurship on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) carried out a working visit to Paraguay from August 25 to 29, 2014. The delegation was headed up by Commissioner James Cavallaro, in his capacity as Rapporteur for the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty. The purpose of the visit was to verify the general situation of the Paraguayan prison system, to identify the shortcomings it faces, and to make recommendations to the State.

The IACHR delegation met with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, Minister of Public Defense, among other state officials and relatives of persons deprived of liberty. In addition, the delegation visited detention centers.

• Press Release issued after the visit

New York, United States - April, 7 to 10

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted a visit to New York, United States, from April 7 to 10, 2014. The delegation was led by the IACHR Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child, Commissioner Rosa Maria Ortiz, accompanied by staff attorneys of the Executive Secretary of the IACHR from the Office of the Rapporteurs on the Rights of the Child and Adolescents and on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty. The delegation talked to state authorities in Albany including Acting Commissioner of the New York Department of Corrections, Anthony Annucci, with the Chair of the Correction Committee of the State Assembly, Danny O´Donnell, and was welcomed by the New York State Assembly. The delegation also met city officials in New York City, including Member of the NYC Board of Corrections Bryanne Hamill and Executive Director Cathy Potler. In addition, they also received information from the Assistant Commissioner of the Correctional Health Services, Homer Venters. The delegation visited the Robert N. Davoren Complex (RNDC) in Rikers Island jail in New York City. The Rapporteur was welcomed by the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Corrections, Joseph Ponte, and the Warden of the Complex, James Perrino, as well as the Deputy Director for Strategic Planning and the complex’s school principal and other high ranking officials from the NYC Department of Corrections and the Mayor’s Office.

• Press Release: IACHR Conducted a Visit to New York, United States

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Dominican Republic - December 2-6, 2013

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted an on-site visit to the Dominican Republic on December 2-5, 2013, in response to an invitation by the State. The purpose of the visit was to observe the situation related to the rights to nationality, identity, and equal protection without discrimination, along with other related rights and issues. The Commission carried out this visit to oversee compliance with the international commitments made freely by the State of the Dominican Republic in exercise of its sovereignty.

• Press Release: IACHR Wraps Up Visit to the Dominican Republic
• Preliminary Observations from the IACHR’s Visit to the Dominican Republic

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Guatemala – August 21-30, 2013

The Office of the Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the IACHR carried out a working visit to Guatemala on August 21-30, 2013. The visit aimed to gather information on the situation of indigenous peoples in Guatemala, with special emphasis on the discrimination and exclusion experienced by indigenous peoples, as well as the situation involving their lands, territories, and natural resources and their right to prior, free, and informed consultation. The delegation was led by the IACHR Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Commissioner Dinah Shelton.

“We were able to substantiate that racism and discrimination against indigenous peoples persists in Guatemala, but also that the government has initiated several new programs intended to address this situation. Unfortunately, disproportionate rates of poverty, extreme poverty, and child malnutrition, persist among the rural indigenous population” Rapporteur Dinah Shelton said. “It is also of concern that the current licenses for mining and hydroelectric plants were granted without the State having implemented prior, free, and informed consultation with affected indigenous communities, as it is obligated to do under international treaties signed by Guatemala,” she added.

• Press Release issued after the visit

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Canada – August 6-9, 2013

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights carried out a working visit to Canada on August 6-9, 2013, to look into the disappearances and murders of indigenous women in British Columbia. The delegation was made up of Commissioner Dinah Shelton, Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Commissioner Tracy Robinson, First Vice Chair of the IACHR and Rapporteur on the Rights of Women; and staff of the Executive Secretariat. The visit began in Ottawa and continued in British Columbia, specifically in Vancouver and Prince George. The delegation received information and testimony from relatives of indigenous girls and women who have disappeared or have been killed. In Ottawa, the delegation met with federal government authorities and civil society organizations and representatives, including tribal organizations and leaders. In British Columbia, the delegation met with provincial government authorities, representatives of the legislative branch, and civil society organizations and representatives, including tribal organizations, authorities, and leaders.

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Honduras - May 14-18, 2013

From May 14 to 18, 2013, the Rapporteur for Honduras, Commissioner Tracy Robinson, and the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Emilio Álvarez Icaza Longoria, visited Honduras in the framework of their participation as speakers at the Third Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy (LAC Network). The delegation met with state authorities, representatives of civil society organizations, and representatives of international and regional organizations. In addition, they met with indigenous women leaders from various parts of the country. They also organized two meetings on friendly settlement cases and three meetings on precautionary measure monitoring.

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Argentina - Lhaka Honhat - May 9-13, 2013

A delegation of the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR made a visit to Argentina from May 9 to13, 2013. The goal was to prepare a diagnostic on the compliance with the recommendations that the IACHR included in Merits Report 2/12 on the case of the Indigenous Communities members of the Association Lhaka Honhat of Argentina, approved on January 26, 2012. The delegation held meetings in the city of Salta with representatives of the Government of the Salta Province. It also visited the municipality of Santa Victoria del Este, to meet with indigenous leaders of the Lhaka Honhat Association, and to visit the indigenous territory. It also held meetings in Buenos Aires with authorities of the National Government. The parties expressed that the visit enabled an opportunity to open a dialogue and incentivate the compliance of the recommendation by the Argentine State.

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Suriname - January 23-25, 2013

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights undertook a working visit to the Republic of Suriname between January 23-25, 2013 in order to examine the situation of the rights of women and indigenous peoples.   The delegation was composed of Commissioner Dinah Shelton, Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Commissioner Tracy Robinson, First Vice-President and Rapporteur on the Rights of Women; and staff from the Executive Secretariat. 

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During the visit, the delegation held meetings with the highest authorities of the Suriname state, and representatives from civil society organizations dedicated to the defense of the rights of indigenous peoples, women and LGBTI persons in the country.   Several members of the delegation also traveled to the district of Brokopondo and the village of Brownsweg to visit a Maroon village composed of 8,000 persons. The delegation offered in a workshop attended by approximately fifty government officials on the Inter-American System of Human Rights and an academic event at the Anton de Kom University, with the participation of law professors and students.

• Press Release at the Conclusion of the Visit and Preliminary Observations of the IACHR on the Situation of Human Rights in Suriname

Colombia - December 3 to 7

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) carried out an onsite visit to Colombia December 3 -7, 2012, in response to an invitation from the State, in order to observe the human rights situation in the country. The delegation was composed of the Chair, José de Jesús Orozco Henríquez; the First Vice-Chair, Tracy Robinson; the Second Vice-Chair, Felipe González; and Commissioners Rosa María Ortiz and Rose-Marie Antoine, as well as Executive Secretary Emilio Álvarez Icaza L., Assistant Executive Secretary Elizabeth Abi-Mershed, and staff of the Executive Secretariat. During the visit, various IAHCR delegations visited Bogotá (D.C.), Quibdó (Chocó), Medellín (Antioquia), and Popayán (Cauca), where they met with authorities of the State, civil society organizations, victims of human rights violations, and representatives of international agencies.

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• Press Release at the Conclusion of the Visit
• IACHR Preliminary Observations on the Situation of Human Rights in Colombia at the Conclusionof the On Site Visit

Haiti - February 27 - March 2

Commissioner Ortiz, in her capacity as Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child, was invited by UNICEF to participate, along with the Chairman of the Committee on the Rights of the Child of the United Nations, on an observation visit on the issue of international adoptions in Haiti. The visit took place February 27 and 28. Also, from February 29 to March 2, Commissioner Ortiz, in her capacity as Rapporteur for Haiti, together with a staff member of the Executive Secretariat, held meetings with authorities, international agencies, and civil society, in which she introduced herself as the new Rapporteur and collected information on various issues.

Mexico - July 25 to August 2, 2011

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted a visit to Mexico from July 25 to August 2, 2011, in order to observe the situation of human rights of migrants and others in the context of human mobility in Mexico. The delegation was headed by Commissioner Felipe González Morales, Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants, and made up by the then Executive Secretary of the Commission, Santiago A. Canton; the specialist lawyer of the Rapporteurship, Alvaro Botero Navarro, and the Director of Press and Communications of the IACHR, María Isabel Rivero. The delegation visited Mexico City; Oaxaca and Ixtepec, in the state of Oaxaca; Tapachula and Ciudad Hidalgo, in the state of Chiapas; Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, in the state of Veracruz; and Reynosa and San Fernando in the state of Tamaulipas. The Rapporteur met with authorities, civil society and international agencies.

During the visit, the delegation observed the serious perils that migrants, both foreign and Mexican nationals, face in their travels through Mexico. During their travels, migrants fall victim to murder, disappearance, abduction and rape. Foreign immigrants are also victims of discrimination. Testimonies of migrants who were kidnapped and escaped, witnesses of killings of dozens of people during his captivity, migrants who were kidnapped along with several hundred people, were received, among others. The Rapporteurship heard testimony from mothers who are searching for their missing children and from wives, brothers and sisters who are looking for their loved ones. It also heard corroborating testimony about the existence of kidnappings for extortion, for sexual exploitation and for human trafficking. In general, the persons who provided this testimony to the Commission said that they had not reported these cases to the authorities for fear of reprisals on the part of organized crime or agents of the state.

After the visit, the Commission published the report "Human rights of migrants and others in the context of human mobility in Mexico"

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• Report of the IACHR "Human rights of migrants and others in the context of human mobility in Mexico"
• Press release at the end of the visit
• Photo album of the visit on Flickr

Mexico - September 26-30

The Rapporteur for Mexico, Commissioner Escobar Gil, conducted a working visit to Mexico from September 26 to 30, 2011. During the visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with senior State officials, including the President of the Republic, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, and with civil society organizations. Various working meetings on cases and precautionary measures were held.

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Paraguay - August 1-5

From August 1 to 5, 2011, the President and First Vice-President, in their roles as Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples and Country Rapporteur, respectively, conducted a visit to Paraguay. The visit was aimed at carrying out promotional activities, urging the fulfillment of decisions of the Inter-American Commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and promoting the use of the friendly settlement mechanism for the resolution of pending petitions and cases. The delegation also took advantage of its presence in the country to further its understanding of the human rights situation in Paraguay. To this end, the Commission met with senior officials of the State's public powers, as well as with representatives of civil society organizations. During the visit an important number of working meetings were held among the parties on petitions and cases pending before the IACHR, in which important steps were taken. In five of the cases agreements were reached during the meetings, and in another two cases, the parties signed documents stating their willingness to move forward towards reaching a friendly settlement.

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Argentina - April 25-27

Commissioner Luz Patricia Mejía, in her role as Country Rapporteur, conducted a working visit to Argentina from April 25 to 27. The visit was aimed at encouraging the fulfillment of friendly settlement agreements and of IACHR recommendations, for which purpose the Rapporteur met with senior officials of the National and Provincial Public Powers, as well as representatives of civil society.

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Argentina - December 2-3

On December 2-3, 2010, Commissioner Luz Patricia Mejía Guerrero carried out a visit to Argentina, in her capacity as Rapporteur for Argentina. She met with Government authorities and representatives of civil society organizations.

Brazil - June 28- July 2

Commissioner Felipe González, President of the IACHR and Rapporteur for Brazil, made a working visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil on June 28 to July 2, 2010. During his visit, the Commissioner received the support of two attorneys from the IACHR Executive Secretariat. The aim of the visit was to prepare for the future on-site observation visit that the IACHR plans to make to Brazil in 2011, as well as to receive up-to-date information on the general human rights situation in Brazil, particularly as regards citizen security, and to make progress with cases and precautionary measures involving that country.

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The visit began in Brasilia, where meetings were held with senior officials from the federal government and with civil society. The delegation later traveled to the city of Rio de Janeiro, to hold a series of working meetings on precautionary measures and friendly settlement proceedings in cases before the IACHR, attended by the petitioners and the corresponding federal and local authorities. It also held a meeting with broad participation by civil society organizations, and then several interviews with authorities responsible for public security and human rights. The visit concluded in the city of São Paulo, where further meetings on precautionary measures and friendly settlements were held, attended by the parties involved; in addition, the delegation met broadly with civil society, with the governor of the state and with state authorities responsible for public security and the prisons service.

Honduras – May 15-18

The purpose of the Commission’s visit to Honduras in May 2010 was to follow up on the onsite visit it had made in August 2009. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the IACHR, Felipe González; the First Vice-Chair, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro; Executive Secretary Santiago A. Canton; the IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Catalina Botero; the coordinator for Mesoamerica and the Spanish-Speaking Caribbean, Isabel Madariaga; the attorney of the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Ramiro Álvarez-Ugarte; and document technician Gloria Hansen.

During the visit, the IACHR met with authorities from the three braches of government. It also held meetings with human rights defenders, journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In addition, it met with representatives of the United Nations system in Honduras and with ambassadors from the Stockholm Declaration Follow-Up Group. After the visit, the IACHR published its Preliminary Observations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on its Visit to Honduras, May 15 to 18, 2010.

Argentina - February 15-17

Commissioner Luz Patricia Mejía carried out a working visit to Argentina February 15-17, 2010, in her capacity of Rapporteur ono Argentina. The object of the visit was to promote compliance with IACHR friendly settlement agreements and recommendations, and to this end Rapporteur Mejía Guerrero met with high-level national and provincial authorities, as well as with representatives of civil society organizations.

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Honduras – August 17-21

The IACHR carried out an onsite visit to Honduras August 17-21, 2009. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the Commission, Luz Patricia Mejía Guerrero; the First Vice-Chair, Víctor Abramovich; the Second Vice-Chair and Rapporteur for Honduras, Felipe González; Commissioner Paolo Carozza; and the Executive Secretary, Santiago A. Canton. Other members of the delegation were the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Catalina Botero; attorneys Isabel Madariaga, Víctor Madrigal, Débora Benchoam, Milagros Noli, and Tatiana Gos of the Executive Secretariat; press director María Isabel Rivero; journalist Pablo Sandino Martínez; and assistants Gloria Hansen and Gloria Amanda Molina.

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Considering the purpose and circumstances of the visit, the IACHR prepared the agenda to collect information from all sectors of Honduran society, with a pluralistic perspective that would make it possible to analyze the impact of the coup d’état on the observance of human rights.

During the visit, the IACHR received 460 testimonies and complaints, 29 requests for precautionary measures, and 88 documents on the situation in the country. Of the total number of testimonies and complaints, more than 300 individuals denounced acts of aggression and illegal detentions in the context of demonstrations calling for the return of President Zelaya. During the whole week of the visit, the IACHR had an office in place to receive complaints.

On August 21, 2009, the last day of the visit, the IACHR issued Press Release 60/09 with preliminary observations on the visit, and gave a press conference in Tegucigalpa. On December 30, 2009, the IACHR approved the report Honduras: Human Rights and the Coup d’État, which was published on January 20, 2010.

Haiti – May 24-29

The IACHR conducted a working visit to Haiti May 24-29, 2010. The delegation was led by Commissioner Clare K. Roberts, in his capacity as IACHR Rapporteur for Haiti, and also included human rights specialists Angelita Baeyens and Marie Claude Fornier, as well as Begoña Arellano of UNICEF. The main purpose of the visit was to collect information about citizen security, the human rights situation, and juvenile justice. The visit was organized as part of a joint effort with UNICEF, the regional office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the IACHR, in order to prepare special reports on the aforementioned subjects.

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In Port-au-Prince, the delegation met with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR), the Minors Protection Division of the Haitian National Police, the Central Direction of the Judiciary Police, the Penitentiary Administration, prison staff, and the Office of Citizen Protection. The delegation also met with two members of the Tribunal for Children. The delegation visited the main office of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). It also met with local and international nongovernmental organizations involved in citizen security and juvenile criminal justice issues in Haiti. In addition, the delegation participated in a conference on the IACHR and the inter-American system for the protection of human rights at the State University in Port-au-Prince.

On June 29, 2009, the IACHR published a press release on its visit to Haiti.

Jamaica – December 1-5

The IACHR delegation that conducted an onsite visit to Jamaica in December 2008 was made up of the Chair of the Commission, Paolo Carozza; its First Vice-Chair, Luz Patricia Mejía; its Second Vice-Chair, Felipe González; Commissioner Sir Clare K. Roberts; the Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission, Santiago A. Canton; the Assistant Executive Secretary, Elizabeth Abi-Mershed; attorneys Mario López-Garelli, Angelita Baeyens, and Ismene Zarifis; press director María Isabel Rivero; and assistants Gloria Hansen and Melanie Blackwell.

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During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of the government of Jamaica and members of civil society. The IACHR also organized a promotional activity in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and Jamaicans for Justice, and signed an agreement with the Norman Manley Law School that seeks to deepen and strengthen institutional cooperation to promote awareness of the inter-American human rights system in the Caribbean. At the end of the visit, the Commission issued its preliminary observations. The IACHR is currently preparing a report on the human rights situation in Jamaica.

Haiti – April 16-20

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights carried out a visit to the Republic of Haiti in April 2007, at the invitation of the government. The delegation was led by Sir Clare K. Roberts, Commissioner and Rapporteur for Haiti, and included staff members of the Executive Secretariat.

During the visit, the IACHR met with representatives of the Haitian government and with members of civil society, as well as with representatives of international organizations. The Commission met with the President of the Republic of Haiti, René Préval, and Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis. It also met with the President of the Supreme Court.

At the end of its visit the IACHR issued Press Release 24/07.

Bolivia – November 12-17

Following an invitation by the government, the Commission carried out a visit to the Republic of Bolivia November 12-17, 2006, in order to observe the general human rights situation in that country. The Commission delegation was made up of its Chair, Evelio Fernández Arévalos; its Second Vice-Chair and Rapporteur for Bolivia, Florentín Meléndez; Commissioner Víctor Abramovich; the Executive Secretary, Santiago A. Canton; human rights specialists Débora Benchoam, Silvia Serrano, and Leonardo Hidaka; and document technician Gloria Hansen.

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During its stay in Bolivia, the Commission met with government authorities and held meetings with various segments of civil society. These included representatives of organizations promoting the rights of indigenous peoples, the rights of women, the rights of children, and the rights of persons deprived of liberty; representatives of campesino organizations and organizations devoted to strengthening the administration of justice; journalists; and trade union members.

At the end of its visit, the IACHR issued Press Release 46/06. On June 28, 2007, the IACHR approved the report Access to Justice and Social Inclusion: The Road towards Strengthening Democracy in Bolivia, which was published on August 7, 2007. In its 2009 Annual Report, the IACHR published a Follow-Up Report in which it analyzes the State’s compliance with the report’s recommendations.

Haiti

In 2004 and 2005, the IACHR made three visits to Haiti, at the invitation of the government and with the financial support of the government of France: the first on September 1-3, 2004; the second, April 18-22, 2005; and the third, July 11-15, 2005. During these visits, the Commission’s delegations sought to obtain information about the situation involving human rights protection mechanisms in Haiti following the events of February 2004, as well as the special situation involving the administration of justice in the country. The Commission had also carried out a visit to Haiti August 18-22, 2003, at the invitation of the State.

The IACHR delegations met with representatives of the transitional government; the Conseil des Sages; judges from the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court; members of civil society; associations of judges, attorneys, and magistrates; and representatives of other international bodies, including MINUSTAH and the United Nations Development Programme. They also visited the National Penitentiary and other relevant establishments and collected the appropriate documentation. During the course of these visits, the Commission also held three training seminars on the inter-American human rights system with authorities and personnel from various ministries and governmental organizations, as well as representatives of various nongovernmental organizations.

The observations made during these visits were included in the report Haiti: Failed Justice or the Rule of Law? Challenges for Haiti and the International Community.

Haïti – August 18 -22

On August 22, 2003 ended a visit to Haiti by the Commission, held at the invitation of the Government to observe the situation of human rights. The delegation was composed by the President of the Commission, Commissioner Marta Altolaguirre; Second Vice President of the IACHR and Rapporteur for Haiti Commissioner Clare Kamau Roberts. They were accompanied by Mario López Garelli and Bernard Duhaime, human rights attorneys from the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR. During the visit, the Commission met with senior members of the Haitian government, including Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, as well as members of civil society and representatives of local authorities. The visit took place in the cities of Port-au Prince, Cap Haitian and Gonaïves and focused particularly on the administration of justice, the rule of law and impunity.

On August 22, the Commission published a press release 24/03 on the visit to Haiti.

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Guatemala – March 24-29

Following an invitation by the Guatemalan government, the Commission carried out an onsite visit to the Republic of Guatemala March 24-29, 2003. The IACHR delegation for this visit was composed of its First Vice-Chair, José Zalaquett; its Second Vice-Chair, Clare K. Roberts; Commissioner and Rapporteur for Guatemala Susana Villarán; Commissioners Juan E. Méndez and Julio Prado Vallejo; the IACHR Executive Secretary, Santiago A. Canton; and staff of the Executive Secretariat.

During its visit, the IACHR met with authorities from the different branches of government and with representatives of civil society. It also received testimony from victims of human rights violations, and a delegation traveled to Nebaj, in the department of Quiché. In addition, the Commission received those who wished to denounce alleged human rights violations or receive information about the workings of the inter-American system for the protection of human rights.

At the end of the visit, the IACHR published its preliminary observations in Press Release 8/03. On December 29, 2003, the IACHR approved the report Justice and Social Inclusion: The Challenges for Democracy in Guatemala (available only in Spanish), which was presented to President Oscar Berger on March 22, 2004, at the National Palace. In its 2004 Annual Report, the IACHR published a Follow-Up Report on the State’s compliance with the recommendations included in the aforementioned report.

Venezuela – May 6-10

The Commission carried out an onsite visit to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in May 2002, which included the participation of the Chair of the Commission and Rapporteur for matters related to Venezuela, Juan E. Méndez ; the First Vice-Chair, Marta Altolaguirre; and Commissioners Robert K. Goldman, Julio Prado Vallejo, and Susana Villarán. Also participating in the visit were Executive Secretary Santiago A. Canton; the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Eduardo Bertoni; and staff of the Executive Secretariat.

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During the visit, the IACHR met with authorities of the different branches of government, including the President of the Republic, Hugo Chávez Frías. The IACHR also met with the highest-level authorities of the National Assembly, the Commission on Justice and Human Rights, and the Supreme Court of Justice. It also met with nongovernmental human rights organizations, representatives of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, political leaders, journalists and representatives of media outlets, representatives of trade union associations, victims and relatives of victims, and other representatives of civil society at the national and local level. The IACHR maintained contact with international bodies and received information and testimony on the situations in all regions of the country, especially the state of Portuguesa, to which a delegation traveled.

On October 24, 2003, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Venezuela. The report’s publication was announced in Press Release 9/04.

Colombia – December 7-13

The IACHR carried out an onsite visit to Colombia December 7-13, 2001, at the invitation of the government of President Andrés Pastrana. The delegation was made up of the Chair of the IACHR, Claudio Grossman; the First Vice-Chair, Juan E. Méndez ; the Second Vice-Chair, Marta Altolaguirre; and Commissioners Robert K. Goldman, Hélio Bicudo, Peter Laurie, and Julio Prado Vallejo.  It also included the Executive Secretary and Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Santiago A. Canton; human rights specialists Verónica Gómez, Mario López-Garelli, and Ignacio Álvarez; and documentation specialist Gloria Hansen and administrative assistants Gabriela Hageman and Gloria Molina. The IACHR delegation was also accompanied by attorney Débora Benchoam and journalist Victoria Amato, of the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. 

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During the visit, the IACHR met with authorities of the three branches of government, including President Andrés Pastrana Arango. It also held meetings with nongovernmental human rights organizations; religious representatives; political leaders; journalists and representatives of media outlets; representatives of associations representing campesinos, ethnic groups, and women; trade union members; and other civil society representatives at the national and local level. The IACHR maintained contact with international bodies such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It also received information and testimony on the situation in all regions of the country, especially in Cundinamarca, Antioquia, Magdalena Medio, Arauca, Valle, Cauca, Putumayo, Nariño, Tolima, and Catatumbo. The full Commission met with presidential candidates Luis Eduardo Garzón, Horacio Serpa Uribe, and Álvaro Uribe Vélez.

At the end of its visit, on December 13, 2001, the IACHR issued a press release.

Haiti – August

On August 25, 2000, the IACHR concluded on onsite visit it had made to Haiti, at the invitation of the government, in order to observe the human rights situation in that country. Participating in the visit were the Chair of the Commission, Hélio  Bicudo; Commissioners Peter Laurie and Julio Prado Vallejo; and Executive Secretary Jorge E. Taiana, Assistant Executive Secretary David J. Padilla, and attorneys Bertha Santoscoy and Raquel Poitevien Cabral.

In Press Release 11/00, issued at the end of the visit, the IACHR underscored the dramatic day-to-day circumstances experienced by the Haitian people, the chronic weakness of government institutions, and the challenges Haiti faced to achieve the effective observance of human rights.

Paraguay – July 28-30

The July 1999 visit to Paraguay included the participation of the IACHR Chair, Robert K. Goldman; the First Vice-Chair, Hélio Bicudo; the Second Vice-Chair, Claudio Grossman; Commissioners Carlos Ayala Corao and Álvaro Tirado Mejía; Executive Secretary Jorge E. Taiana and Assistant Executive Secretary David J. Padilla; the IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Santiago A. Canton; and attorneys Ignacio J. Álvarez and Christina M. Cerna.

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During the visit, the IACHR met with authorities of the executive branch, including the President of the Republic, Luis Ángel González Macchi; authorities of the judicial and legislative branches; and with different sectors of civil society, such as human rights organizations, representatives of the Church, groups of campesinos and indigenous communities, union leaders, alleged victims of human rights violations, and others. The Commission also visited several prisons and traveled to different regions of the country.

At the end of the visit, the Commission issued Press Release 23/99. On March 9, 2001, the IACHR approved the Third Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Paraguay. The report’s publication, on March 21, 2001, was announced in Press Release 5/01. In its 2001 Annual Report, the IACHR published a Follow-Up Report on the State’s compliance with the recommendations in the report.

Guatemala – August 6-11

Based on an invitation from the State, the Commission carried out an onsite visit to Guatemala August 6-11, 1998, to collect firsthand information about the human rights situation. The delegation for this visit was made up of the Chair of the IACHR, Carlos Ayala Corao, and Commissioners Claudio Grossman and Hélio  Bicudo. The Commission had technical support from its Executive Secretary, Jorge E. Taiana; its Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and attorneys Elizabeth Abi-Mershed, Osvaldo Kreimer, and Verónica Gómez.

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During its stay in Guatemala, the Commission met with the President of the Republic, Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen; the President of Congress, Rafael Barrio Flores; and other authorities of the Guatemalan legislative branch. The Commission also met with a wide range of representatives of Guatemalan civil society and with individuals who wished to denounce alleged human rights violations or who were seeking information about the regional human rights system.

Following the visit, the IACHR published the Fifth Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Guatemala, which was approved on April 6, 2001. In its 2002 Annual Report, the IACHR published a Follow-Up Report on the State’s compliance with the recommendations in that report.

Peru – November 9-13

The IACHR delegation that visited Peru November 9-13, 1998, was made up of the Chair of the Commission, Carlos Ayala Corao; the First Vice-Chair, Robert K. Goldman; the Second Vice-Chair, Jean Joseph Exumé; Commissioner and Rapporteur for Peru Hélio  Bicudo; and Commissioners Claudio Grossman and Álvaro Tirado Mejía. Other members of the delegation included the Executive Secretary, Jorge E. Taiana; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; the Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Santiago Canton; and attorneys Christina M. Cerna and Ignacio Álvarez. The Commission also received administrative support from Nora Anderson, Olga de Franco, and Ana Cecilia Adriazola.

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During the visit, the IACHR met with the President of the Republic, Alberto Fujimori Fujimori, and with other officials from his government. During the course of its visit, the IACHR carried out a work program in Lima, Ayacucho, Puno, Tacna, and Arequipa, where it traveled to meet with state authorities as well as with representatives of civil society. The IACHR met with authorities and inmates at several prisons: Ayacucho, Yanamayo and Challapalca, Castro Castro, Socabaya, and the Cuartel General “Simon Bolivar.” The Commission likewise had the opportunity to meet in Lima with many nongovernmental human rights organizations, and it received invaluable support from the National Human Rights Coordinator in organizing several meetings with sectors of Peruvian civil society. The IACHR also received complaints from those who alleged, either directly or through their representatives, that they had been victims of human rights violations.

On June 2, 2000, the IACHR approved the Second Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Peru. In the report’s final considerations, the Commission found that the weakening of the fundamental principles of a democratic state under the rule of law in the Republic of Peru was incompatible with the State’s obligations under the American Convention on Human Rights. The Commission indicated that the May 2000 election of Alberto Fujimori had not been held in keeping with due guarantees of free and fair elections required for the people of Peru to exercise their sovereign will, in violation of Article 23 of the American Convention. The Inter-American Commission indicated that the aforementioned electoral process clearly constituted an irregular interruption of the democratic process as contemplated in Resolution 1080, adopted in 1991 by the OAS General Assembly. The IACHR called for a return to the rule of law in Peru and the convocation, within a reasonable time, of free, sovereign, fair, and genuine elections that meet the respective international standards. In its 2001 Annual Report, the IACHR published a Follow-up Report on the State of Peru’s compliance with the recommendations in that report.

Dominican Republic – June 16-20

The IACHR carried out an onsite visit to the Dominican Republic in June 1997 in order to observe the human rights situation in that country. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the IACHR, John S. Donaldson; the Rapporteur for the Dominican Republic, Commissioner Claudio Grossman; Commissioner Álvaro Tirado Mejía; the Executive Secretary, Jorge E. Taiana; and staff of the Executive Secretariat.

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During its visit, the Special Commission met with the President of the Republic, Leonel Fernández Reyna, as well as with other State authorities, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, and visited detention centers. Working meetings were also held in reference to petitions and cases.

Following this visit, the IACHR published the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Dominican Republic, which was approved on October 7, 1999. In its 2001 Annual Report, the IACHR published a Follow-up Report on the State’s compliance with the recommendation in that report.

Colombia – December 1-8

The IACHR delegation that carried out an onsite visit to Colombia in December 1997 was composed of the Chair, John Donaldson; the First Vice-Chair, Carlos Ayala Corao; the Second Vice-Chair, Robert K. Goldman; and Commissioners Claudio Grossman, Oscar L. Fappiano, and Jean Joseph Exumé. Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure, Commissioner Álvaro Tirado Mejía did not participate in the visit due to his Colombian nationality. Commissioner-elect Hélio Bicudo accompanied the Commission as a special adviser. Also participating in the visit were the Executive Secretary, Jorge E. Taiana; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David J. Padilla; and the attorneys and human rights specialists Osvaldo Kreimer, Denise Gilman, and Mario López-Garelli. The Commission had administrative support from Gabriela Hageman, Gloria Hansen, and Martha Keller.

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During the course of its visit, the Commission met with the President of Colombia, Ernesto Samper Pizano, and with other high-level political, administrative, legislative, and judicial authorities, as well as with numerous nongovernmental human rights organizations and with leaders of the clergy, political leaders, businesspeople, representatives of the news media, trade union members, and other representatives of civil society. The Commission also met with representatives of international organizations. Delegations of the IACHR visited other regions of Colombia, including Puerto Asis, in the department of Putumayo; Medellín and Uraba, in the department of Antioquia; Villavicencio, in the department of Meta; and the territory of the U’wa indigenous community.

Following the visit, the IACHR published the Third Report on the Human Rights Situation in Colombia, which was approved on February 26, 1999.

Bolivia – April 26 - May 2

From April 26 to May 2, 1997, the IACHR carried out a visit to Bolivia for the purpose of investigating the events that had taken place in December 1996 in the localities of Amayapampa, Llallagua, and Capasirca, located in the north of the department of Potosí. The Bolivian government had invited the IACHR to investigate these events. Participating in the visit were the Chair of the Commission, John S. Donaldson; Commissioners Claudio Grossman and Jean Joseph Exumé; the Executive Secretary, Jorge E. Taiana; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David J. Padilla; and human rights specialists Milton Castillo and María Noel Rodríguez.

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In the city of La Paz, the President of the Republic, Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, received the Commission, which also met with various ministers and former ministers, authorities from other branches of government, and officials of the Army and National Police. An IACHR group traveled to the place where the events had taken place, where it carried out an inspection visit and gathered testimony from many of the miners and campesinos in the area. The Commission also met with relatives of those who had died and with a group of the wounded at the Twentieth Century University in the city of Llallagua, and traveled to Amayapampa and Capasirca, where it heard testimony from trade union leaders and campesinos in the area. In addition, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights received testimony and abundant information from various members of civil society, ranging from campesinos to leaders of human rights organizations to union representatives. The Commission also received the widow of Colonel Eduardo Rivas and the police officers who were wounded during the events.

On July 29, 1997, the Commission approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Amayapampa, Llallagua and Capasirca, Northern Potosí, Bolivia, December 1996.

Mexico – July 15-24

The IACHR carried out a visit to Mexico July 15-24, 1996. Members of the delegation were the Chair of the IACHR, Claudio Grossman; the First Vice-Chair, John S. Donaldson; the Second Vice-Chair and Rapporteur for Mexico, Carlos Ayala Corao; and Commissioners Oscar Luján Fappiano, Álvaro Tirado Mejía, Jean Joseph Exumé, and Robert K. Goldman. Also participating were the Executive Secretary, Jorge E. Taiana; the Assistant Executive Secretaries, David Padilla and Domingo Acevedo; and attorneys and human rights specialists Osvaldo Kreimer and Ibrahim García.

In the course of its visit, the IACHR carried out a work program in Mexico City and in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, and Baja California, places to which it traveled to meet with state authorities and representatives of civil society. The IACHR met with the President of Mexico, Ernesto Zedillo, and with other high-level federal, state, and district officials, as well as with representatives of the Church, businesspeople, the news media, nongovernmental human rights organizations, and other civil society representatives.

On September 24, 1998, the IACHR published the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Mexico.

Guatemala – July 5-10

In order to carry out investigations related to a case pending before the Commission, a special visit was made to Guatemala on July 5-10, 1995. The Assistant Executive Secretary of the IACHR, David Padilla, traveled to the country to arrange for the protection of a public prosecutor whose life had been threatened by paramilitary groups.

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Brazil – November 27-December 8

The Commission conducted a visit to Brazil from November 27 to December 8, 1995. The IACHR delegation was composed of the Chair, Álvaro Tirado Mejía; the First Vice-Chair, Claudio Grossman; the Second Vice-Chair, John S. Donaldson; Commissioners Oscar L. Fappiano and Patrick Robinson; the Executive Secretary, Edith Márquez Rodríguez; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; adviser Domingo Acevedo; and human rights specialists Martha Braga, Osvaldo Kreimer, Milton Castillo, and Felipe Sánchez.

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The delegation broke into smaller groups to travel to different areas of the country, so as to be able to visit Brasilia, Río de Janeiro, São Paulo, and several cities in the states of Bahía, Pernambuco, Pará, and Roraima.

On September 29, 1997, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Brazil.

Ecuador – November 7-11

The IACHR visited Ecuador November 7-11, 1994. The delegation that visited Ecuador was composed of the Chair of the Commission, Michael Reisman; the First Vice-Chair, Álvaro Tirado Mejía; the Second Vice-Chair, Leo Valladares; Commissioner John Donaldson; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; legal adviser Domingo Acevedo; and human rights specialist Elizabeth Abi-Mershed.

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The Commission met with the Vice President of the Republic, Alberto Dahik Garzozi; the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Francisco Acosta Yepes; several ministers and other government authorities; and representatives of a number of nongovernmental organizations that work in the field of human rights. Hearings were also held with individuals and institutions representing a range of social sectors, who offered information about the human rights situation in Ecuador; these included environmental organizations. The Commission received a considerable number of individual complaints, heard testimony from relatives of the detained and disappeared, and met with petitioners interested in offering information related to individual cases.

The Commission traveled around Quito, Guayaquil, and several places in the interior of the country. It inspected several oil production facilities and waste deposits, along with their impact on the local environment and on the local population. The delegation met with representatives of the Cofan, Siona-Secoya, Shuar, Achuar, Quichua, and Huaorani peoples, as well as with representatives of the Amazonian Defense Front, the Federation of Communities, the Parliament of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorean Amazon (FCUNIAE), the Francisco de Orellana Human Rights Commission, campesinosfrom the organization La Delicia and the locality of La Primavera, and with representatives of the Carmelite and Capuchin Missions.

On April 24, 1997, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Ecuador.

Haiti – May 16-20

The visit to Haiti took place May 16-20, 1994. The Commission’s delegation was composed of Commissioners Patrick Robinson, John Donaldson, and Claudio Grossman, as well as Executive Secretary Edith Márquez Rodríguez and attorneys Bertha Santoscoy-Noro, Relinda Eddie, and Isabel Ricupero.

During its visit, the Commission met with the Prime Minister, Robert Malval, and other government authorities. The IACHR also met with the Coordinator of the former Presidential Commission, Father Antoine Adrien, and with representatives of nongovernmental organizations, including popular grassroots bodies; human rights groups; leaders of various political parties; and representatives of the media, the industrial sector, and different churches. The lack of authorization prevented the delegation from visiting the National Penitentiary of Port-au-Prince and gaining firsthand information on the legal situation of prisoners and on the general conditions in which the detention center is maintained. The Commission heard testimony from a large number of victims of human rights violations, breaking up into five groups to be able to see everyone and working in clandestine locations due to the fear that people expressed in being identified.

In addition, on May 22-27, 1994, a delegation of the IACHR visited The Bahamas to learn about the situation of Haitian refugees in that country. The delegation was composed of the Chair, Michael Reisman; Commissioners Leo Valladares Lanza and John Donaldson; the Executive Secretary, Edith Márquez Rodríguez; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and human rights specialist Relinda Eddie. The delegation visited Haitian settlements in Grand Abaco (Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay), Grand Bahama (Freeport), Eleuthera, and New Providence, as well as the Carmichael Road Detention camp.

On February 9, 1995, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti.

Guatemala – March 4-11

The IACHR carried out a visit to Guatemala March 4-11, 1994. The delegation was composed of the Second Vice-Chair, Leo Valladares Lanza, Assistant Executive Secretary David Padilla, and human rights specialists Osvaldo Kreimer and Elizabeth Houppert.

The delegation met with national authorities; contacted representatives of the Communities of Peoples in Resistance (CPRs), human rights organizations, and specialized government agencies, including the National Commission for Repatriates, Refugees and Displaced Persons (CEAR) and the National Peace Fund (FONAPAZ); and met with the Human Rights Attorney and the Director of the National Police, among others. The IACHR visited Quiché, where it talked to leaders and other residents of the resettled CPRs in Santiaguito, San Luis, San Francisco, Los Altos, and La Esperanza (Ixcán), and to others in the CPRs in Cabá and Santa Clara (highlands). The Commission also visited nearby settlements in Centro Veracruz (Ixcán) and Asunción del Copán (highlands), as well as farms (“trabajaderos”) attached to some of the CPRs, and met with military patrols operating in those areas.

On June 16, 1994, the IACHR approved the Special Report on the Human Rights Situation in the So-Called “Communities of Peoples in Resistance” in Guatemala.

Peru – May 17-21

The IACHR carried out a visit to Peru May 17-21, 1993. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the Commission, Oscar Luján Fappiano; the First Vice-Chair, Michael Reisman; Commissioner Leo Valladares Lanza; the Executive Secretary, Edith Márquez Rodríguez; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David J. Padilla; special advisor Domingo Acevedo; and human rights specialist Sergio Apter.

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The Commission met with President Alberto Fujimori, several members of his ministerial Cabinet, the Attorney General, the Director of the National Police, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Military Justice, and the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, among other authorities. The delegation also held meetings with members of the Human Rights Commission of the Democratic Constitutional Congress; with the Chairman and General Secretary of the Episcopal Conference; and with the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, among other organizations. Meetings were held with representatives of the National Human Rights Coordinator, the Andean Commission of Jurists, the Peruvian Council on International Law, the Democratic Forum, and the Council for Peace. Others who spoke with the Commission included individuals and institutions representative of Peruvian civil society, such as the College and National Federation of Journalists, the Peruvian Medical Federation, bar associations, and media executives. A delegation of the Commission visited five detention centers in Lima and two penitentiaries in Puno to examine conditions there and receive information. The Commission also received visits from relatives of detainees or detained-disappeared persons, as well as from representatives of individuals who have lodged petitions.

At the end of the visit, the IACHR issued Press Release 12/93.

Haiti – August 23-27

The IACHR visited Haiti August 23-27, 1993. The delegation was composed of the Vice-Chair of the IACHR, Michael Reisman; Commissioners Oliver Jackman, Marco Tulio Bruni Celli, Leo Valladares Lanza, and Patrick Robinson; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and human rights specialists Bertha Santoscoy, Relinda Eddie, and Meredith Caplan.

The IACHR delegation met with the Prime Minister, Robert Malval, and with representatives of some of the main political parties. It also held meetings with members of the OAS/UN Civilian Mission, representatives of nongovernmental human rights organizations, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Raoul Cédras, and Army headquarters staff . It also met with several members of Parliament, representatives of the news media, union leaders, and religious authorities. The IACHR took testimony from victims of human rights violation on the part of members of the military. Divided into subgroups, the IACHR delegation visited the interior of the country, including the Central Plateau region and the regions of Artibonite and Gonaives, among others. It visited the Port-au-Prince Penitentiary and also received complaints about human rights violations.

On February 11, 1994, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti.

Guatemala – November 2-6

The IACHR conducted a visit to Guatemala November 2-6, 1992. The delegation was made up of the Chair, Marco Tulio Bruni Cellis; Commissioners Leo Valladares Lanza, Patrick L. Robinson, and Álvaro Tirado Mejía; the Executive Secretary, Edith Márquez-Rodríguez; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and human rights specialist Jorge Seall Sasiain.

The Inter-American Commission met with President Jorge Serrano Elías and with members of the ministerial Cabinet, as well as with authorities of the Attorney General’s Office, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Congress, and the National Commission for Reconciliation. The IACHR also held hearings with representatives of nongovernmental organizations working for the promotion and defense of human rights, including the Human Rights Office of the Archbishop, Casa Alianza, and others. Meetings were held with representatives of indigenous organizations and union, student, and press organizations. The IACHR also visited the San José Pinula, El Pavón, and El Pavoncito prisons and the Zone 18 Preventive Center, in which it met with those in charge, toured the cellblocks, and heard the testimony of some of those in custody.

On June 1, 1993, the IACHR approved the Fourth Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Guatemala.

Nicaragua – April 27-30

The IACHR carried out an observation visit to Nicaragua April 27-30, 1992. The delegation was composed of the Chair, Marco Tulio Bruni Celli; Commissioners Oliver Jackman and Álvaro Tirado Mejía; the Executive Secretary, Edith Márquez Rodríguez; and human rights specialists Luis F. Jiménez and Marcela Briceño-Donn.

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The delegation met with President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro and other authorities from the different branches of government. The IACHR also met with Cardinal Obando y Bravo and with human rights institutions such as the Nicaraguan Association for Human Rights (ANPDH) and the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CPDH), as well as the Movimiento Civilista, the Asociación Cívica Resistencia Nicaragüense and the Asociación Nacional de Confiscados, among others. Two subgroups of the Commission traveled to the interior of the country, one to Puerto Cabezas, on the Atlantic Coast, and the other to the Tipitapa Prison, where the group met with the director of the prison, toured the facility, and had the opportunity to talk with the inmates who had been convicted of the murder of Pedro Joaquín Chamorro, in which the IACHR had a case pending.
At the end of the visit, the IACHR issued Press Release 5/92 (Spanish only).

Colombia – May 4-8

The IACHR visited Colombia May 4-8, 1992. The delegation was composed of IACHR First Vice-Chair Oscar Luján Fappiano, Second Vice-Chair Michael Reisman, and Commissioner Leo Valladares Lanza, as well as the Assistant Executive Secretary of the IACHR, David Padilla, and human rights specialists Manuel Velasco Clark and Osvaldo Kreimer. The Commission met with the President of the Republic, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, and the President of Congress, among other authorities. The IACHR traveled around the interior of the country and visited the departments of Santander and Antioquia. In Barrancabermeja and in Medellín, the IACHR set up offices to receive complaints and hold meetings with nongovernmental human rights organizations. The Commission also met with representatives of various national nongovernmental human rights institutions and with representatives of the Church, the media, humanitarian groups, and organizations representing labor, unions, indigenous peoples, campesinos, professional associations, and other community leaders.

On October 14, 1993, the IACHR approved the Second Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Colombia.

Haiti – December 5-7

The Commission conducted a working visit to Haiti December 5-7, 1991. The delegation was composed of Commission Chair Patrick L. Robinson, Vice-Chair Marco Tulio Bruni Celli, and human rights specialists Bertha Santoscoy-Noro and Luis Jiménez. The delegation met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Jean-Jacques Honorat, and other authorities, as well as with representatives of human rights organizations and political parties. It also visited the “La famille c’est la vie” Children's Assistance Center and met with representatives of the media and representatives of trade unions and the Church, among others.

Peru – October 28-31

The IACHR carried out a visit to Peru October 28-31, 1991. The delegation was composed of the Chair, Patrick Robinson; the First Vice-Chair, Marco Tulio Bruni Celli; the Second Vice-Chair, Oscar Luján Fappiano; Commissioners Gilda M.C.M. de Russomano, Leo Valladares Lanza, and Michael Reisman; the Executive Secretary, Edith Márquez Rodríguez; and human rights specialists Luis F. Jiménez, Bertha Santoscoy-Noro, and Jorge Seall Sassian.

During the visit, the Inter-American Commission met with President Alberto Fujimori, members of his Cabinet, and the Office of the Attorney General for Human Rights and Defense of the People, among others. Two subcommissions traveled to the interior of the country, to Tarapoto, Tocache, Ayacucho, and Huancayo. The IACHR also met with human rights institutions—the National Human Rights Coordinator, the Andean Commission of Jurists, and the Episcopal Social Action Commission—and received individuals and members of institutions representative of Peruvian society. It also met with the Commission of Relatives of the Disappeared (COFADER), journalists and directors of media outlets, and the Association of Democratic Attorneys of Peru, and visited the Castro Castro Prison.

The IACHR had also visited Peru May 8-18, 1989. With the information gathered during both visits, and through other mechanisms, the IACHR prepared a Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Peru, which was approved on March 12, 1993.

Guatemala – January 29–February 3

The IACHR carried out a visit to Guatemala from January 29 to February 3, 1990. The delegation was composed of the Vice-Chair of the IACHR, Leo Valladares Lanza, and Commissioner John Stevenson, as well as Assistant Executive Secretary David J. Padilla and human rights specialist Manuel Velasco Clark. The purpose of the visit was to carry out an investigation in situ in Case No. 10.400, having to do with the murders of 21 campesinos between November 22 and 29, 1988, in the mountainous region of Guatemala known as the Sierra Madre, near Las Minas Hill, El Soco Mountain, and the District of San Isidro. The visit also aimed to find out what investigations had been carried out by the appropriate bodies in the Republic of Guatemala.

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The IACHR held meetings with the President of the Republic, the President of the Supreme Court, the Human Rights Ombudsman, Cabinet Ministers, and the Director General of the National Police, as well as with other national and departmental civilian and military authorities, the Forensic Medical Doctor, and judicial authorities. The delegation also met with the survivors, widows, and relatives of the victims, and with witnesses. In addition, the delegation held meetings with representatives of various political, humanitarian, and professional institutions. Two visits were made to the Chimaltenango region, to San Andrés Itsapa, El Agacate, and the Zone 302 Garrison. The delegation also traveled along the mountain paths where the kidnappings and search expeditions took place and where the victims’ graves and bodies were found.

Colombia – December 3-7

The IACHR visited Colombia December 3-7, 1990. The delegation was made up of Commission Chair Leo Valladares Lanza, Assistant Executive Secretary David Padilla, and human rights specialist Manuel Velasco Clark.

During its visit to Colombia, the Commission’s special delegation carried out an intensive program of activities that included interviews, hearings, and working meetings with the leading public officials of Colombia as well as with representatives of nongovernmental human rights organizations, petitioners in individual cases and people who had lodged complaints with the IACHR, representatives of various sectors of Colombian society, journalists, those sectors of the Church involved with programs to protect and defend human rights, and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Special Commission also carried out an intensive agenda of interviews and working meetings with various nongovernmental human rights organizations in Colombia.

Haiti – April 17-20

The IACHR carried out a visit to Haiti April 17-20, 1990. The delegation was composed of Commission Chair Oliver H. Jackman, Vice-Chair Leo Valladares, and Commissioner Patrick L. Robinson, as well as Assistant Executive Secretary David J. Padilla and human rights specialists Luis F. Jiménez and Bertha Santoscoy.

The IACHR met with the President of Haiti, Ertha Pascal Trouillot, and other officials. It also met with representatives of human rights organizations and political parties, and talked to representatives of the press in order to learn about the state of freedom of expression. It also met with Haitian jurists and with representatives of trade unions, the industrial sector, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Church, as well as with other community leaders. The delegation traveled to Pont Sondé, St. Marc, and Piatre, where it obtained information about human rights violations and was able to observe the serious damage inflicted on the latter community. It also gave hearings to individuals from different social strata, from whom it received complaints, communications, and reports concerning respect for human rights.

On May 8, 1990, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti.

Panama – February 27–March 3

The IACHR visited Panama from February 27 to March 3, 1989. The delegation was composed of Commission Chair Marco Tulio Bruni Celli, Commissioners Oliver Jackman and Leo Valladares Lanza, Assistant Executive Secretary David Padilla, and specialists José Miguel Vivanco and Bertha Santoscoy.

The Commission held meetings with government officials and with representatives of different segments of Panamanian society, such as human rights groups, political parties, the news media, the Catholic Church, business organizations, organizations representing union and trade organizations, and humanitarian organizations and civic clubs. The Commission also visited several prison facilities.

On November 9, 1989, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Panama.

Haiti – August 29–September 2

The IACHR carried out a visit to Haiti August 29-September 2, 1988. The delegation was unable to meet with the President of the military government, Henri Namphy, but it met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Hérard Abraham; the Minister of Justice, Brigadier General Fritz Antoine; and the Minister of Interior and National Defense, General Williams Regala, among others. Moreover, meetings were held with human rights organizations, political leaders, members of the written and oral press, and authorities of religious organizations, and with the commercial and labor sector. The delegation also traveled to St. Marc, Pont Sondé, Petite Riviere, Thomonde, Papaye, and Hinche, in order to verify the human rights situation in the interior of Haiti.

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On September 7, 1988, the Commission approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti.

Guatemala – May 6-10

The IACHR carried out a visit to Guatemala May 6-10, 1985. The delegation was made up of the Chair of the IACHR, César Sepúlveda; Commissioners Andrés Aguilar, Marco Gerardo Monroy Cabra, and Bruce McColm; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and human rights specialist Manuel Velasco Clark. The delegation met with officials of the executive and legislative branches, as well as with representatives of political organizations, professional bodies, religious authorities, and representatives of the private sector, the press, and labor and union entities. The delegation visited a center for detention and criminal rehabilitation. It  also traveled to the department of El Quiché and visited the area known as the “Ixil Triangle,” where it stopped to inspect San Felipe de Chenlá, Tzalbal, Acuel, and the Acumbal Camp, near the Nebaj runway. The IACHR directly and personally interviewed different individuals who make up the Civil Self-Defense Patrols as well as residents of each of the villages it visited. Numerous complaints were also lodged.

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Following this visit, on October 3, 1985, the IACHR approved the Third Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Republic of Guatemala (Spanish only).

Suriname – January 12-18

The IACHR carried out a visit to Suriname January 12-18, 1985. The delegation met with Acting Prime Minister E.L. Tjon Kie Sin and the Acting President of the Republic, L.P. Ramdat Misier; the Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Oosterling; and a number of Cabinet members. The IACHR devoted at least half its time to private visits with religious, political, labor, press, university, and professional leaders. It also received a number of private citizens who wished to lodge complaints of human rights violations in the country. The delegation also traveled to the interior of the country and visited the Driettabeje community and the village of Tepoe, among other places.

On October 2, 1985, the IACHR approved the Second Report on the Human Rights Situation in Suriname.

Suriname – June 20-24

The IACHR carried out a visit to Suriname June 20-24, 1983, at the invitation of the government. The delegation was composed of Commissioners Andrés Aguilar, Francisco Bertrand Galindo, and Tom J. Farer; the Executive Secretary, Edmundo Vargas Carreño; specialists Ernst Brea, Christina Cerna, and Diana Decker; and Claudio Grossman, as special adviser.

On October 6, 1983, the IACHR approved the Report on the Human Rights Situation in Suriname.

Guatemala – September 21-26

The IACHR carried out a visit to Guatemala September 21-26, 1982. The delegation was made up of the Chair, Marco Gerardo Monroy Cabra; the Vice-Chair, César Sepúlveda; Commissioners Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches, Tom J. Farer, and Francisco Bertrand Galindo; the Executive Secretary, Edmundo Vargas Carreño; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and human rights specialists Manuel Velasco Clark and Santiago Chaves Escoto.

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The Commission met with the President of Guatemala, Efraín Ríos Montt, and with other officials from the executive and judicial branches. It also met with representatives of political organizations, professional entities, and university institutions, and representatives of religious entities, press groups, indigenous organizations, private companies, and women’s organizations, among others. In the interior of the country, the Commission visited the following places: the cities of Santa Cruz del Quiché and Chichicastenango and the villages of Parraxtut, Pichiquil, and El Pajarito, in the department of El Quiché; in the department of Huehuetenango, the city of that same name, as well as the localities of Nentón and the village of Colotenango; in the department of Alta Verapaz, Cobán, Pacayas, and Somuc; and in the department of Chimaltenango, Estancia de la Virgen, in the municipality of San Martín Jilotepeque, and Agua Caliente, in the municipality of San José de Poaquil.

On October 3, 1983, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Republic of Guatemala.

Nicaragua – May 1-9

The IACHR carried out a visit to Nicaragua May 1-9, 1982, at the invitation of the government. The delegation was composed of Commission Chair Tom J. Farer and Commissioners César Sepúlveda and Luis Demetrio Tinoco Castro, as well as human rights specialists Christina Cerna and Manuel Velasco Clark.

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The Commission met with members of the Government Junta of National Reconstruction and other authorities, as well as with representatives of diverse religious, humanitarian, and professional organizations in the country. During the visit, the Commission traveled around Nicaragua studying the complaints it had received before its visit, particularly those related to allegations of abuses of the Miskito peoples. Part of the IACHR delegation traveled to Honduras on May 7, to learn about the situation of Nicaraguan Miskito refugees in that country. This subcommission was led by Luis Demetrio Tinoco Castro.

On November 29, 1983, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights of a Segment of the Nicaraguan Population of Miskito Origin.

Colombia – April 21–28

The IACHR carried out a visit to Colombia April 21-28, 1980, at the invitation of the government. The delegation was composed of the Chair, Tom J. Farer; the Vice-Chair, Francisco Bertrand Galindo; Commissioners Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches, Andrés Aguilar, and César Sepúlveda; the Executive Secretary, Edmundo Vargas Carreño; the Assistant Executive Secretary, David Padilla; and specialists Edgardo Paz Barnica and Manuel Velasco Clark.

The delegation met with President Julio César Turbay Ayala and other authorities; former presidents; human rights agencies; professional entities, union and trade and union organizations; representatives of private companies; and any civil society members who wished to lodge a complaint with the Commission. The IACHR traveled to the interior of the country, visiting Cali, the capital of the department of Valle del Cauca; Medellín, capital of the department of Antioquia; and Bucaramanga, capital of Santander. It held meetings with department and local officials and visited detention centers and military facilities.

On June 30, 1981, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Republic of Colombia.

Nicaragua – October 6-11

The IACHR carried out a visit to Nicaragua October 6-11, 1980, at the invitation of the government. The delegation was composed of the Chair, Tom J. Farer; the First Vice-Chair, Marco Gerardo Monroy Cabra; the Second Vice-Chair, Francisco Bertrand Galindo; and Commissioners Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches, Luis Demetrio Tinoco Castro, and César Sepúlveda, as well as staff of the Executive Secretariat.

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The delegation met with members of the Government Junta of National Reconstruction, with the Vice President of the Supreme Court of Justice, and other high-level authorities. It also held meetings with representatives of political organizations, media executives, union organizations, the private sector, and members of the public who came to lodge complaints.

On June 30, 1981, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Republic of Nicaragua.

Argentina – September 6-20

The IACHR conducted a visit to Argentina September 6-20, after seeking authorization from the government. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the IACHR, Andrés Aguilar; the Vice-Chair, Luis Demetrio Tinoco Castro; Commissioners Marco Gerardo Monroy Cabra, Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches, Tom J. Farer, and Francisco Bertrand Galindo; the Executive Secretary, Edmundo Vargas Carreño; and human rights specialists Edgardo Paz Barnica, Guillermo Fernández de Soto, Manuel Velasco Clark, and Robert Norris.

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The Commission met with dictator Jorge Rafael Videla and the government military junta composed of Roberto E. Viola, Omar D. Graffigna, and Armando Lambruschini, among other authorities. The Commission also visited the cities of Córdoba, Tucumán, and Rosario. The Commission felt it was advisable to visit the former Presidents of the country, and it met with Arturo Frondizi; Roberto M. Levingston; Alejandro Agustín Lanusse; Héctor J. Cámpora, in asylum in the Embassy of Mexico; and Isabel Martínez de Perón, under house arrest in a country house in San Vicente, in Buenos Aires province. The IACHR also visited leaders of religious entities of different faiths; met with leaders of organizations for the protection of human rights; and talked to representatives of political organizations, professional associations, union and trade associations, women's associations, and commercial, industrial, and business entities, among others. During the entire visit, the Commission received complaints about human rights violations in Argentina.

On April 11, 1980, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Argentina.

Haiti – August 16-25

The IACHR visited Haiti August 16-25, 1978, at the invitation of the government of Haiti. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the Commission, Andrés Aguilar; Commissioners Carlos García Bauer and Marco Monroy Cabra; and staff of the IACHR Executive Secretariat.

The IACHR visited the city of Port-au-Prince and two cities in the interior of the country, Cap Haitien and Jacmel. The Commission met with the President of the Republic, Jean-Claude Duvalier, and other authorities of the three branches of government, as well as with Metropolitan Office of the Archbishop, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Haitian government, civil society representatives, and local authorities, both civilian and military. The delegation received complaints and heard testimony from inhabitants of Haiti, as well as from spokespersons from a number of religious groups and representatives of professional and student associations, unions, and public and civic organizations. It visited the National Penitentiary of Port-au-Prince and local prisons in Cap Haitien and Jacmel, and was able to talk to prisoners freely and in private, including those who had expressed their desire to lodge complaints. The Commission also visited a number of factories, including Ciment d’Haiti, where there had been recent labor disputes, and met separately and in private with management, workers, and union leaders.

On September 13, 1979, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti.

El Salvador – March 9-18

The IACHR visited El Salvador March 9-18, 1978. The Commission delegation was made up of Vice-Chair Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches; Commissioners Gabino Fraga and José Joaquín Gori; the Executive Secretary, Edmundo Vargas Carreño; and human rights specialists Roberto Álvarez  and Juan Roberto Eskenasy. The IACHR met with the President, General Carlos Humberto Romero, and other authorities of the executive branch and the judiciary, as well as with religious and university authorities. It visited detention centers to gather information about the situation of persons deprived of liberty. The Commission traveled to Aguilares, where it met with individuals from the area who lodged complaints and offered testimony regarding human rights violations, and held meetings with local judicial authorities. In addition, the Commission met with individuals representing many other segments of the population, such as representatives of the coalition of political parties that made up the primary opposition to the government, the Committee of Relatives of the Disappeared, and persons who alleged that they had been subject to arbitrary detentions and physical force.

On November 17, 1978, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in El Salvador.

Nicaragua – October 3

At the invitation of the government and in consideration of the resolution of the Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Inter-American Commission began a visit to Nicaragua on October 3, 1978. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the IACHR, Andrés Aguilar; Vice-Chair Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches; Commissioners Carlos García Bauer, Fernando Volio Jiménez, Tom J. Farer, and Marco Gerardo Monroy Cabra; the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Edmundo Vargas Carreño; Assistant Executive Secretary Charles Moyer; and human rights specialists Roberto Álvarez  and Jorge Suárez Marill.

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During its visit, the Commission received numerous complaints regarding human rights violations that were occurring under the government of General Anastasio Somoza.

On November 17, 1979, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Nicaragua.

Panama – November 29-December 7

From November 29 to December 7, 1978, the IACHR carried out an onsite visit to Panama at the invitation of the head of government, Omar Torrijos. The delegation was composed of IACHR Chair Andrés Aguilar, Commissioners Fernando Volio Jiménez and Tom Farer, and human rights specialists Charles Moyer, Roberto Álvarez , and Robert E. Norris. The delegation visited Panama City, Colón, and David, the capital of Chiriquí province, considered to be the center of the opposition. In Panama City, the Commission held meetings with the President, Demetrio Lakas; the Head of Government, Omar Torrijos; and other government officials, such as Head of Military Intelligence Manuel Noriega, the Minister of Government and Justice, the Attorney General, the Justices of the Supreme Court, and members of the National Legislative Council. It visited detention centers and talked freely and in private with prisoners and was able to observe their living conditions. It received visits from persons who requested hearings, representatives of professional associations (lawyers, businesspeople, and journalists), unions, and political, student, and civic organizations. It also interviewed spokespersons of various religious groups.

On June 22, 1978, the IACHR approved the Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Panama.

Chile – July 22-August 2, 1974

The Inter-American Commission carried out a visit to Chile in 1974. The delegation was made up of the Chair, Justino Jiménez de Aréchaga; Vice-Chair Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches; and Commissioners Manuel Bianchi, Robert F. Woodward, and Genaro R. Carrió.

On October 25, 1974, the IACHR approved the Report on the Status of Human Rights in Chile.

El Salvador and Honduras – July 4-10

El Salvador and Honduras asked the IACHR to pay a visit their territories to confirm various human rights violations being perpetrated against their nationals living in each other’s countries. The government of El Salvador requested that the IACHR carry out a visit to verify human rights violations being committed against Salvadorans living in Honduras. For its part, Honduras made a request to the Commission to conduct a visit to verify acts of aggression against its nationals in Salvadoran territory. The IACHR visited both countries July 4-10, 1969. The delegation was composed of Commissioners Justino Jiménez de Aréchaga and Manuel Bianchi, Executive Secretary Luis Reque, and human rights specialist Guillermo Cabrera.

On April 29, 1970, the Commission approved a report (Spanish only) on these visits.

Dominican Republic – November 1965-June 1966

The Commission carried out a visit to the Dominican Republic in 1966, at the invitation of the President of the provisional government, Héctor García Godoy. The purpose of the visit was to observe the human rights situation during the process of political normalization. The delegation was composed of Commission Chair Manuel Banchi and Commissioners Ángela Acuña de Chacón, Carlos A. Dunshee de Abranches, Daniel Hugo Martins, and Durward V. Sandifer. The Commission traveled throughout the interior of the country and visited prisons such as La Victoria and Bonao Prison, in addition to meeting with authorities and civil society representatives.

The IACHR approved the report on this visit on October 28, 1966.

Dominican Republic – June 1–September 5

On June 1, 1965, the IACHR began a visit to the Dominican Republic. The delegation was composed of the Chair of the Commission, Manuel Bianchi, and Commissioners Carlos Alberto Dunshee de Abranches, Ángela Acuña de Chacón, and Durward V. Sandifer, as well as IACHR Executive Secretary Luis Reque and human rights specialists Isidoro Zanotti, Renzo Minut, Álvaro Gómez, and Guillermo Cabrera. The IACHR carried out the visit to examine the human rights situation in the country, after being asked to do so by the so-called Constitutional Government and the so-called Government for National Reconstruction, both of which had been installed following the start, on April 24, 1965, of a movement that affected the country’s stability and led to the deaths of thousands of people and innumerable human rights violations. The IACHR met with the President of the Constitutional Government, Francisco Camaño, and with the President of the Government of National Reconstruction, Antonio Imbert Barrera. The Commission also visited San Francisco de Macorís, San Pedro de Macorís, La Vega, Barahona, Baní, Isla Beata, Santiago de los Caballeros, Puerto Plata, San Cristóbal, the Haina Naval Base and Las Calderas Naval Base, Azua, and Monte Plata, in order to observe the human rights situation in those cities and locales.

On October 15, 1965, the Commission approved the Report on the Actions of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights in the Dominican Republic (Spanish only).