About the Event:

On On November 12, the Academy organized the "Challenges of the Inter-American Human Rights System in the Current Regional Context," where critical organizations involved in litigation before the Inter-American System discussed ways to improve its response to current challenges. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), Conectas Direitos Humanos, Artigo 19, Dejusticia, DPLF, and WOLA, whose collaboration enriched this critical dialogue.

The event reflects the Academy of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law's commitment to making the Inter-American Human Rights System more responsive to today's challenges, emphasizing the need to address various issues. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening the institutional capacity of the IAHRS by increasing resources and reducing the backlog of pending cases. Additionally, improving accessibility is essential, ensuring marginalized groups can access the system through simplified procedures and multilingual resources. Preventive measures, such as early warning systems and monitoring mechanisms, are also a priority.

The event also emphasized the importance of state cooperation in fostering compliance with decisions and integrating human rights standards into national legal frameworks. The system must adapt to emerging issues, such as digital rights, environmental justice, the rights of Indigenous peoples, and gender-based violence, while effectively responding to migration crises and systemic inequalities. Addressing the rise of authoritarianism and political instability is also crucial.

Furthermore, discussions underscored the value of collaboration with civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and academic institutions, which can help build trust and provide diverse perspectives. Improving transparency, accountability, and public awareness, along with strengthening regional partnerships for shared learning, is essential to ensure a more inclusive, dynamic, and effective system capable of tackling today's complex human rights challenges.

The event featured the participation of:

• Claudia Martin, Co-Director of the Academy on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
• Antonia Urrejola, Former Commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
• Carlos Ayala, President of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
• Juan Mendez, Commissioner, International Commission of Jurists, and Professor, American University Washington College of Law
• Catalina Botero, Director of the UNESCO Chair on Freedom of Expression, Universidad de los Andes, and Co-Chair of the Oversight Board of Facebook and Instagram
• Victor Abramovich, Deputy Attorney General of the Nation, Public Prosecutor's Office, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Key Challenges Discussed:

Democratic Crisis and Rule of Law: The weakening of democratic institutions and the erosion of the rule of law in several countries, including the rise of authoritarian governments, persecution of human rights defenders and journalists, and lack of judicial independence.

Social Conflicts and Criminalization of Protests: State repression in response to social protests over inequality, corruption, basic services, and environmental rights, leading to human rights violations such as arbitrary detentions and excessive use of force.

Migration and Forced Displacement: A significant migration crisis due to violence, poverty, and climate disasters, raising challenges related to the protection of migrant and refugee rights and state responsibility in addressing these crises.

Impact of the Climate Crisis: Exacerbated problems with access to natural resources, land conflicts, and the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities due to climate change.

Economic and Social Challenges: Growing inequality and limited access to economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly affecting women, children, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, and Afro-descendants.

Human Rights Rollbacks: Setbacks in public policies, restricted access to international justice, and criticisms from member states undermining the IAHRS's authority and legitimacy.

Resource Constraints and Sustainability: The budgetary and logistical limitations of the IACHR and Inter-American Court of Human Rights affect their ability to address growing demands effectively.

Proposed Strategies for a More Effective IAHRS:

• Institutional Strengthening: Increase financial and human resources to reduce case backlogs and improve efficiency. IACHR Library
• Improved Accessibility: Simplify procedures to ensure vulnerable groups can access the system effectively. IACHR Library
• Adaptation to Emerging Challenges: Update mechanisms to address digital rights, climate change, mass migration, and systemic discrimination. IACHR Library
• Enhanced State Cooperation: Encourage states to comply with recommendations and rulings and integrate human rights standards into national legislation. IACHR Library
• Civil Society Engagement: Actively involve NGOs, human rights defenders, and affected communities in decision-making processes. IACHR Library
• Transparency and Accountability: Implement effective mechanisms for monitoring compliance with decisions, promoting accountability and trust. IACHR Library
• Education and Awareness: Develop educational programs and awareness campaigns to inform the public about their rights and the available mechanisms for protection under the IAHRS. IACHR Library

The event "Challenges of the Inter-American Human Rights System in the Current Regional Context" underscores the critical role of collaboration, dialogue, and innovation in addressing the region's pressing challenges. By bringing together experts, academics, and practitioners, the discussions highlighted the need for strengthening the institutional capacity of the Inter-American Human Rights System, enhancing accessibility for marginalized groups, and addressing emerging issues such as digital rights, environmental justice, and systemic inequalities.

Moreover, the event emphasized the importance of state cooperation in implementing human rights norms and decisions while fostering trust through partnerships with civil society and grassroots movements. The insights and recommendations shared during the event reaffirm the Academy's commitment to advancing a more responsive, inclusive, and dynamic Inter-American Human Rights System capable of tackling the complexities of the current regional landscape.

This collective effort is vital to reinforcing human rights protections, ensuring accountability, and building a more just and equitable future in the Americas.