IACHR Issues Follow-Up Resolution on Precautionary Measures in Favor of Patients and Newborns at Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital in Venezuela

March 1, 2022

Washington, D.C. — On February 28, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Follow-Up Resolution 11/2022, which addresses the implementation of precautionary measures granted in favor of women patients in the delivery and emergency rooms and newborns in the neonatal department at the Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital.

The IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of these beneficiaries on March 18, 2019, through Resolution 13/2019, as it deemed them to be at serious, urgent risk of suffering irreparable harm to their human rights.

The IACHR analyzed the information provided by the beneficiaries' representatives regarding the implementation of these precautionary measures and expressed its regret over the lack of response from the State.

After analyzing the available information, the IACHR identified a series of challenges relating to the lack of an official response from the State of Venezuela since the precautionary measures came into force, the risk factors to which the beneficiaries are exposed, and the differentiated impact they face because they are pregnant, in labor, or postpartum. It also noted the importance of conducting a visit to Venezuela, including to the Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital.

Under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR resolved to:

1. Maintain the precautionary measures granted in favor of women patients in the delivery and emergency rooms and newborns in the neonatal department of the Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital in Venezuela;
2. Repeat all the requests made by the IACHR through Resolution No. 13/2019 of March 18, 2019;
3. Urge the State to implement these precautionary measures immediately, as doing so is vital for it to comply fully with its obligations to protect the fundamental rights of all people living in its territory. Likewise, under the terms of Article 12 of the Convention of Belém do Pará, the IACHR deems it essential to ensure adequate compliance with the corresponding provisions of this Convention, to which Venezuela is a State Party;
4. Request that the State submit specific, detailed, up-to-date information on the implementation of these precautionary measures and the situation of the beneficiaries at the Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital;
5. Express the IACHR's willingness conduct an on-site visit to Venezuela with a particular focus on the situation of the beneficiaries at the Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital, as soon as circumstances permit and with the State's prior consent;
6. Continue implementing appropriate follow-up measures as per Article 25.10 and other provisions of the IACHR Rules of Procedure.

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. 042/22

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