IACHR

Press Release

IACHR Announces Schedule of Public Hearings for its 164th Sessions and Calls for Participation in Hearings Convened at its own Initiative

August 7, 2017

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Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) today publishes the schedule of public hearings that will take place during its 164th Extraordinary Period of Sessions, to be held in Mexico City, Mexico. Also, the IACHR calls for expressions of interest from civil society organizations that may wish to participate in the hearing convened at the IACHR’s own initiative.

The hearings in Mexico will take place on September 5, 6 and 7, during the morning hours. Attached to this press release is the complete schedule of hearings.

The IACHR’s convened on its own initiative (ex officio) a hearing on “Legal and judicial process for the recognition of refugees and stateless persons in the Americas”, and invites interested organizations and persons to participate.

Beginning today, the Commission is accepting expressions of interest to participate in these hearings. Pursuant to Article 66 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, those interested must submit information indicating the identity of the participants and the purpose of their appearance. Expressions of interest should be sent through this system, which will be available until August 17 at midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST), in the United States.

At a later date, the IACHR will announce the list of organizations convened to participate in the hearings. These organizations will have a combined total of 15 minutes to present any information they consider relevant. The expense of participating in the hearings must be covered by the organization or persons interested in participating. In terms of organizations and persons that are not called on to participate, the IACHR invites them to present in writing any documentation and information they believe is relevant to the subject matter of the hearing.

Pursuant to Article 68 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, the hearings will be public. Anyone interested may attend, subject only to space restrictions in the hearing room, and no prior registration is required.

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. 116/17