IACHR adopts precautionary measures in favour of Noris Alberto Perozo in Venezuela

May 5, 2021

Washington, D.C.- On April 30, 2021, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Resolution 38/21, in which it granted precautionary measures in favour of Noris Alberto Perozo, after considering that he finds himself in a situation of serious and urgent risk of irreparable damage to his rights in Venezuela.

According to the request, the beneficiary finds himself in a situation of risk given that he is preventively deprived of his liberty, suffers from several serious diseases, and is not receiving the medical care that he allegedly requires. Despite the request for information made to the State, the Commission did not receive any information that controverts the facts alleged throughout the proceeding.

After analyzing the submissions of fact and law presented by the applicants, the Commission considers that the information submitted demonstrates prima facie that Noris Alberto Perozo finds himself in a serious and urgent situation, given that his rights to life, personal integrity and health are at risk of irreparable harm. Based on the information submitted, the IACHR took into account the content of the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture in the resolution. Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of the IACHR's Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Venezuela: a) adopt the necessary measures to protect Mr. Noris Alberto Perozo Villanueva's rights to life, personal integrity and health. In particular, through the adoption of immediate measures that allow access to adequate medical treatment, including the necessary medications as prescribed by the corresponding health professionals, and the diagnoses and examinations to evaluate his health status on a regular basis, in accordance with the applicable international standards; b) consult and agree upon the measures to be adopted with the beneficiary and his representation; and c) implement the actions aimed at investigating the facts that motivated the granting of this precautionary measure, so as to prevent them from reoccurring.

The granting of this precautionary measure and its adoption by the State does not constitute the prejudgment of any petition that may eventually be presented before the inter-American system alleging violations of the rights protected in the American Convention and other applicable instruments.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 116/21