IACHR concludes technical cooperation and promotional visit to Barbados

October 18, 2024

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IACHR) concluded its technical cooperation and promotional visit to Barbados, which took place from October 8 to 11, 2024. The visit focused on enhancing the collaboration of the IACHR with State and non-state actors and regional organizations, promoting institutional strengthening through technical cooperation and capacity building on the Inter-American human rights system and its mechanisms, as well as the universalization of the Inter-American human rights instruments.

The visit was led by Commissioner Gloria Monique de Mees, Country Rapporteur for Barbados, Rapporteur for Older Persons and Persons of African Descent. The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the State for its interest in the work of the IACHR, its willingness to collaborate with the Inter-American system and for facilitating the visit. She emphasized that the participation by public officials and civil society organizations was open and constructive. Noting that the visit aligns with IACHR's Strategic Plan for the Caribbean 2023-2027, the Commissioner reiterated IACHR's commitment to intensify its work in the Caribbean, to increase technical cooperation and capacity building, and to promote the ratification of the Inter-American human rights instruments.

Meetings were held with the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as with non-state actors from civil society. The delegation met with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Deputy President of the Senate, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, THE ACTING MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, the Attorney-General, SENIOR FUNCTIONARIES FROM THE Ministries of Foreign Affairs, People Empowerment, Labor, Home Affairs, as well as with officials of other Ministries, and with the Office of the Ombudsman.

The delegation also held meetings with the UN Resident Coordinator and several UN agencies and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. Likewise, they had meetings with various representatives of civil society organizations. Additionally, training workshops on the Inter-American human rights system were conducted for public officials and CSOs.  

The Commission expresses also appreciation to the State of Barbados for its logistical support during the visit. The IACHR also acknowledges the support of the office of the Organization of American States and the Pan American Health Organization, which contributed to the success of the technical cooperation and promotional visit. The IACHR thanks all non-state actors for their keen participation in the meetings and training sessions and for sharing valuable information.

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 respective countries of origin or residence.

No. 256/24

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