IACHR Press Office
Washington, D.C.- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has called a public hearing on its own initiative (an ex officio hearing) to discuss "Internet Content Moderation and Freedom of Expression in the Americas." This hearing is set to take place on Thursday, March 25, between 2 and 3:30 pm (local time in Washington, D.C.), in the context of the Commission's 179th Period of Sessions which is set to be held remotely over the period March 15–26, 2021.
The Commission welcomes expressions of interest in taking part in this hearing. Any organizations who wish to be considered must register here and will need to fill out the form by February 11 at 11:59 pm (Washington, D.C. time). In keeping with Article 66 of the IACHR's Rules of Procedure, anyone interested must properly identify themselves and explain why they would like to take part in the hearing.
The Commission will announce at a later date the list of organizations summoned to take part in the hearing. The IACHR invites any organizations and persons who are not summoned to these hearings to submit, in writing, any documentation or information they deem relevant to the topic of the hearing.
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. 029/21