Is Venezuela part of the Inter-American Human Rights System? The experts discuss – With Prof. Carlos Ayala
On November 7, 2024, the Academy of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at Washington College of Law (WCL) and the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) opened a space for dialogue where experts addressed vital topics such as the denunciation of the American Convention on Human Rights by Hugo Chávez's government in 2012, as well as the subsequent denunciation of the OAS Charter by Nicolás Maduro in 2017. Additionally, the actions taken by the Interim Government of Juan Guaidó were explored, including the ratification of the American Convention. This measure has sparked an intense debate about Venezuela's future within the regional human rights system.
The event, which took place from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (Washington D.C. time) in room Y115 of the American University Washington College of Law, also included online participation.
Key figures in the field of human rights participated in the discussion, including:
- Claudia Martin, Co-Director of the Academy of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law;
- Jorge Meza Flores, Deputy Executive Secretary for the Petitions, Cases, and Friendly Solutions System at the IACHR;
- Carlos Ayala, Professor at WCL and President of the International Commission of Jurists.
This event proved to be an invaluable opportunity to examine the impact of the legal decisions made by the Venezuelan government, as well as their influence on the oversight of the current political and human rights crisis facing the country.