Inter-american Commission on Human Rights Candidates

Election of U.S. Candidate to the Inter-american Commission on Human Rights in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Election of U.S. Candidate to the Inter-american Commission on Human Rights: On February 21, 2013, the State Department announced the candidacy of Professor James L. Cavallaro of Stanford Law School to serve as a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (“IACHR”) for elections to be held during the June 2013 General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Antigua, Guatemala. The media note making the announcement is available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/02/205055.htm and explains the importance of the IACHR:

The independent and autonomous IACHR promotes and defends human rights in all member states of the OAS. It impacts thousands of lives in the hemisphere through the issuance of reports on petitions and cases, as well as recommendations, to OAS member states to improve the human rights' conditions in their countries.

Over the last half century, the IACHR has played a critical role in monitoring and supporting OAS member state adherence to human rights commitments. Its seven Commission members are recognized experts in human rights elected in their own right as individuals, not as representatives of governments. Their members' political autonomy and objectivity distinguish the IACHR as a leading human rights body.

The promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as embodied in the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man and the InterAmerican Democratic Charter, is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. The United States is pleased to be a strong supporter of the IACHR, and is committed to continuing support for the Commission's work and its independence. Preserving the IACHR's autonomy is a pillar of our human rights policy in the region.

Some Aspects of Election of U.S. Candidate to the Inter-american Commission on Human Rights

Professor Cavallaro was elected to the Commission at the regular session of the General Assembly of the OAS in June. See State Department press statement, available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/06/210403.htm.

Resources

Notes

1. Election of U.S. Candidate to the Inter-american Commission on Human Rights in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law