PRESS RELEASE

No. 31/02

 

 

IACHR VISIT TO THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC

 

At the invitation of the Argentine Republic, a delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will pay a working visit to Argentina from July 29 to August 6, 2002.  The IACHR delegation will consist of Professor Robert K. Goldman, member of the Commission and Rapporteur for Argentina; Dr. Santiago A. Canton, Executive Secretary of the Commission; and Dr. Elizabeth Abi-Mershed, attorney for the Commission.

 

 

 

 

The purpose of the visit is to consider various petitions and cases being processed by the IACHR.  The delegation will also gather information on the human rights situation in general, and in particular on such topics as the role of the public security forces, the administration of justice, and the status of economic, social, and cultural rights. 

 

During its stay, the IACHR delegation will meet with government officials, representatives of diverse sectors of civil society in Buenos Aires, and relevant officials and petitioners in cases being processed before the IACHR in Neuquén, Río Negro, and Salta.  The delegation will conclude its visit on August 6, 2002, with a press conference in the Hotel de las Américas (Libertad 1020, Buenos Aires) at 3:00 p.m.

 

During the 116th regular session of the Commission, which will take place in Washington from October 7 to 25 of this year, Professor Goldman will report to the Commission on the outcome of the visit. 

 

The Commission is a principal organ of the OAS, charged with promoting, protecting, and defending human rights in the Americas. The Commission derives its authority principally from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights, both of which were ratified by the Argentine Republic. The Commission is made up of seven commissioners, who are elected in their personal capacity by the OAS General Assembly, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

 

The Commission wishes to express its appreciation for the cooperation and the facilities extended by the Government of Argentina, nongovernmental organizations, and other institutions of civil society in the planning and execution of this visit.

 

 

Washington, D.C., July 26, 2002