Video: IACHR—Potential Reforms and Their Impact on Human Rights and Freedom of Expression in the Americas

Fifty-three years after its creation, the future of the main observer and protector of human rights in the region might be at stake. In March 2013, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States will hold a special session in which it will consider a series of proposals for reforming the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which may include restricting the body’s discretion in granting precautionary measures, reducing the activities of and funding for the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, and imposing restrictions on the Commission’s decisions regarding individual complaints.

AS/COA convened a select group of journalists, human rights activists, and experts from throughout the Americas to discuss the reforms’ implications for the Inter-American system. The meeting began with presentations by a group of ambassadors to the OAS who will state their countries’ positions, followed by a discussion with human rights experts about the proposed reforms.