IACHR Asks Inter-American Court to Grant Temporary Measures in Favor of Members of ECCREDH in Haiti

March 8, 2023

Related links

Contact info

IACHR Press Office

[email protected]

Distribution List

Subscribe to our distribution list

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) asked the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on March 8, 2023, to grant temporary measures in favor of members of the Haitian Group of Citizens Engaged in Research on the Equal Rights of Man (ECCREDH). The IACHR considers all members of this group currently face an extremely serious and urgent risk of suffering irreparable harm to their rights to life and personal integrity.

The IACHR notes that ECCREDH is a non-governmental organization that promotes investigation, advocacy, and protection concerning human rights in Haiti. In 2015, the Commission granted precautionary measures in favor of members of this association, in keeping with Article 25 of the IACHR's Rules of Procedure. While these precautionary measures were in force, the IACHR was informed of acts of intimidation and harassment—including armed violence—against beneficiaries. Although the Commission requested information from the State, it did not receive a response concerning measures adopted to address this situation.

The IACHR finds that the rights of members of ECCREDH are in extreme danger due to the work they do as human rights defenders. Consequently, in keeping with Article 63.2 of the American Convention and Article 27 of the Rules of Procedure of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the Commission has asked the Court to grant temporary measures and to demand that the State of Haiti protect the proposed beneficiaries.

In particular, the Commission has asked the Inter-American Court to require that the State of Haiti take the following measures:

  1. Adopt personal protection measures in favor of members of ECCREDH, in order to safeguard their lives and personal integrity as well as their continued work as human rights defenders
  2. Report on any measures taken to ensure respect for the lives and personal integrity of members of ECCREDH
  3. Report on any progress made to investigate the risks that members of ECCREDH are reportedly facing

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights grants temporary measures in extremely serious and urgent cases, to prevent irreparable harm to individuals. Temporary measures are compulsory for States, and the decisions they hold demand that States adopt specific actions to protect the rights and/or lives of the individuals who are at risk.

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.

No. 039/23

5:11 PM