IHRC submits letter to the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) in regards to the strengthening process of the Inter-American Human Rights System

SCUs International Human Rights Clinic recently submitted a letter to the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) in regards to the strengthening process of the Inter-American Human Rights System (IAHRS or System). On behalf of 27 individuals, law professors, institutions and human rights advocates in the U.S., the clinic proposed the following five recommendations to increase and reinforce U.S. support for the IAHRS:

1. The U.S. should lead by example by fully complying with recommendations made by the Commission and by ratifying the American Convention on Human Rights and other regional human rights treaties.
2. The U.S. should increase efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of the IAHRS and about the governments commitment to the System.
3. The U.S. should push for greater participation by civil society organizations before OAS political organs, including the Permanent Council and the General Assembly.
4. The U.S. should lead the way in providing sufficient resources to the IAHRS.
5. The U.S. should continue to support the autonomy and independence of the Commission by characterizing as non-binding any and all recommendations the Permanent Council makes in this process.

IHRC students Gloria Lee, Katherine Krassilnikoff, and Sophia Areias participated in the drafting of this letter.

The full letter can be downloaded here.