IACHR Follows Up on Precautionary Measures Granted in Favor of José Pérez and Extends Precautionary Measures in Favor of Rafael Vela in Peru

November 9, 2023

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 64/2023 on November 8, 2023, to follow up on precautionary measures granted in 2021 in favor of public prosecutor José Domingo Pérez and his family (MC-576-21). In the same resolution with regard to Peru, the IACHR extended precautionary measures granted in favor of public prosecutor Rafael Vela Barba and his family.

The two public prosecutors are members of a special team to fight corruption in the Peruvian Public Prosecutor's Office. The Commission assessed the information that was provided by the parties. The IACHR noted the protection measures adopted by the State in favor of the beneficiaries and of the individuals to whom precautionary measures were extended, as well as the risks they all face.

The Commission therefore asked the State of Peru to take the following action:

1. Continue to implement precautionary measures granted in favor of public prosecutor José Domingo Pérez and his family, as established in Resolution 55/2021 and Resolution 64/2021
2. Adopt any measures necessary to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of public prosecutor Rafael Ernesto Vela Barba and extend that protection to duly identified members of his family
3. Take any measures necessary to enable Rafael Ernesto Vela Barba to do his work as a public prosecutor without being subjected to threats, harassment, or any other acts of violence for doing such work
4. Come to an agreement with the beneficiaries and their representatives concerning any measures that need to be taken
5. Report on any actions adopted to investigate the events that gave rise to the adoption of these precautionary measures, in order to prevent such events from happening again in the future

These precautionary measures were originally granted on July 25, 2021, considering the fight against corruption that was ongoing in Peru and the country's difficult situation in the context of the 2021 election. With regard to Pérez, the Commission noted his profile as a member of a special team within the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The fact that these precautionary measures have been granted and their adoption by the State do not entail a prejudgment on a potential petition that may be filed before the inter-American system to allege violations of rights protected by the American Convention on Human Rights and other applicable instruments.

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. 263/23

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