Inter-American Court of Human Rights
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Inter-American Court of Human Rights
     
Specific Instruments
Inter-american Convention on the Nationality of Women
Date of adoption: 26/12/1933 Entry into force: 29/8/1934
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-American Convention on the Granting of Civil Rights to Women
Date of adoption: 2/5/1948 Entry into force: 17/3/1949
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-American Convention on the Granting of Political Rights to Women
Date of adoption: 2/5/1948 Entry into force: 29/12/1954
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons
Date of adoption: 9/6/1994 Entry into force: 28/3/1996
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-american Convention on International Traffic in Minors
Date of adoption: 18/3/1994 Entry into force: 15/8/1997
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-american Convention on Support Obligations
Date of adoption: 15/7/1989 Entry into force: 6/3/1996
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-american Convention on Conflict of Laws Concerning the Adoption of Minors
Date of adoption: 24/5/1984 Entry into force: 26/5/1988
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-American Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression
Date of adoption: 10/2000 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-american Convention on the International Return of Children
Date of adoption: 15/7/1989 Entry into force: 4/11/1994
System of protection: Organization of American States
Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Date of adoption: 26/2/1997 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Organization of American States
Interamerican Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (Draft)
Date of adoption: 18/9/1995 Entry into force: 2000
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities
Date of adoption: 7/6/1999 Entry into force: 14/9/2001
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture
Date of adoption: 9/12/1985 Entry into force: 28/2/1987
System of protection: Organization of American States
Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights to Abolish the Death Penalty
Date of adoption: 8/6/1990 Entry into force: 28/8/1991
System of protection: Organization of American States
Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: "Protocol of San Salvador"
Date of adoption: 17/11/1988 Entry into force: 16/11/1999
System of protection: Organization of American States
Inter-american Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of Belem do Para)
Date of adoption: 9/6/1994 Entry into force: 5/3/1995
System of protection: Organization of American States
     
General Instruments
Statute of the Inter-American Court on Human Rights
Date of adoption: 10/1979 Entry into force: 1/1/1980
System of protection: Organization of American States
American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San Jose, Costa Rica)
Date of adoption: 22/11/1969 Entry into force: 18/7/1978
System of protection: Organization of American States
Charter of the Organization of American States
Date of adoption: 30/4/1948 Entry into force: 13/12/1951
System of protection: Organization of American States
American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man
Date of adoption: 2/5/1948 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Organization of American States
     
Articles
The Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights
Veronica GOMEZ
Latest update: 29/01/2003 First published: 1997
Reference: Human Rights Law Centre Journal, Nottingham University
This manuscript is an attempt to comment briefly on the evolution of the Inter-American System and its present functioning.
Le système interaméricain de protection des droits de l'homme
Alain-Robert NADEAU
Latest update: 28/01/2003 First published: 1/11/2001
Reference: Le Journal du Barreau, Vol. 33, N°18, 1er nov. 2001
Short introduction to the Inter-American System of Human Rights
La pertinence du système interaméricain de protection des droits de la personne
Carol HILLING
Latest update: 28/01/2003 First published: 1/12/2001
Reference: Le Journal du Barreau, Volume 33 - numéro 20 - 1er décembre 2001
Pertinence of the Inter-American System of Human Rights - Canada
Application du droit international humanitaire par la Cour interaméricaine des droits de l'homme
Fanny MARTIN
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 31/12/2001
Reference: Revue internationale de la Croix-Rouge No. 844, p. 1037-1066
The author examines a recent decision where the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concludes that it has no power to apply rules other than the American Convention on Human Rights and general international law (Las Palmeras case).
The Future of the Inter-American Human Rights System
David PADILLA
Latest update: 28/10/2002 First published: 1995
Reference: Human Rights Brief, Washington College of Law, American University, Volume 3, Number 1, Fall 1995
"The principal problem facing the Inter-American Human Rights System is that we have been too successful. Since 1990, the Commission's published product has increased five-fold".
     
Languages: English Spanish
Official Website of the Court -Information - Jurisprudence - Press releases - Publications - Human Rights Library - Digital library - Links to other international courts, etc. - News. The Spanish version is more complete than the English.
Languages: English French Portuguese Spanish
Official website of the Commission - Reports - Case-Law - Documents - etc.
Languages: English
Basic Documents - Case law - Annual Reports - Press Releases - Articles - Links.
     
Selected Case Law
OC18/03 Legal status and rights of the illegal migrant workers
Date: 17/9/2003
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: OC18/03
Migrant workers - Jus cogens and human rights - Obligations Erga Omnes.
Barrios Altos Case (No. 75)
Date: 14/3/2001
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Barrios Altos, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 75. March 14, 2001. (See also No. 83, ...).
Armed aggression of some 15 civilians - Recognition of responsibility by the Peruvian State - Violation of articles 4 (Life), 5 (Torture), 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection).
Ivcher Brostein Case (No. 74)
Date: 6/2/2001
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Ivcher Brostein, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 74. February 6, 2001. (See also Nos. 54, 84).
Television transmission denouncing atrocities committed by the Peruvian army - Loss of nationality - Violation of articles 20 (Right to a nationality), 8 & 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection), 21 (Private property) and 13 (Freedom of expression).
The Last Temptation of Christ Case (No. 73)
Date: 5/2/2001
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: The Last Temptation of Christ, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 73. February 5, 2001.
Censorship of the Martin Scorsese film, "The Last Temptation of Christ" - Violation of freedom of thought and expression (article 13).
Ricardo Baena Case (No. 72)
Date: 3/2/2001
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Ricardo Baena, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 72. February 3, 2001. (See also No. 61)
Dismissal of 270 public officials - Right to strike and freedom of association - Retroactive legislation - Violation of articles 9 (Freedom from ex post facto laws), 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection).
Constitutional Court Case (No. 71)
Date: 31/1/2001
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Constitutional Court, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 71. January 31, 2001. (See also No. 55)
Dissolution of Congress and the Constitutional Court by President Fujimori - Anti-Constitutional presidential decree - Infringement on the independence of Constitutional Court judges - Violation of articles 8 & 25 (Judicial guarantees & protection).
Trujillo Oroza Case (No. 64)
Date: 26/1/2000
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Trujillo Oroza, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 64. January 26, 2000.
Arbitrary arrest and detention - Forced disappearance - Recognition of responsibility by the Bolivian State - Attempt to reach a friendly settlement - Violation of arts. 3 (Juridical personality), 4 (Life), 5 (Torture), 8 & 25 (Judicial guarantees).
Villagran Morales et al. Case (No. 63)
Date: 19/11/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Villagrán Morales et al., Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 63. November 19, 1999. (See also Nos. 32, 77).
Execution of five minors ("street children") - Acts presumably committed by the police - Denial of justice - Violation of article 7 (Arbitrary detention), 4 (Life), 5 (Torture), 19 (Rights of the child), 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection).
Cesti Hurtado Case (No. 62)
Date: 19/11/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Cesti Hurtado, Request for Interpretation of the Judgement of September 29, 1999. IACHR Series C. N° 62. November 19, 1999. (See also Nos. 49, 56, 65, 78).
Habeas Corpus - Criminal suit by a military jurisdiction - Incompetence ratione personae of jurisdiction - Supreme Court refuses to execute the decision and orders release and annulment of the military judgment.
Loayza Tamayo Case (No. 60)
Date: 17/11/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Loayza Tamayo, Addendum. IACHR Series C. N°60. November 17, 1999. (See also Nos. 25, 33, 42, 47, 53).
Arbitrary detention - Torture (rape) - Due process - Non bis in idem - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 25 and 1.1, 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Rejection of compensation to cover damages to the victim's "life plan".
Castillo Petruzzi et al. Case (No. 59)
Date: 17/11/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Castillo Petruzzi, Addendum. IACHR Series C. N° 59. November 17, 1999. (See also Nos. 41, 52).
Criminal suit for treason held against non-nationals - Military jurisdiction - Due process - Exhaustion of domestic remedies - Partial acceptance of the preliminary objection (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations).
Caracazo Case (No. 58)
Date: 11/11/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Caracazo, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 58. November 11, 1999.
267 persons massacred during the popular revolt of 27 February 1989 - Acts presumably committed by the Venezuelan security forces - Violation of articles 4.1 (Life), 5 (Torture), 7 (Personal liberty), 8.1 & 25.1 (Judicial guarantees & protection).
Blake Case (No. 57)
Date: 1/10/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Blake, Interpretation of Judgement of Reparations. IACHR Series C. N°57. October 1, 1999. (See also Nos. 27, 36, 48).
Disappearance - Acts presumably committed by paramilitaries - Judicial guarantees - Denial of justice - Continued infraction - Incompetence of the court - Violation of articles 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection) and 5 (personal integrity).
Cesti Hurtado Case (No. 56)
Date: 29/9/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Cesti Hurtado, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 56. September 29, 1999. (See also Nos. 49, 62, 65, 78).
Habeas Corpus - Criminal suit by a military jurisdiction - Incompetence ratione personae of jurisdiction - Supreme Court refuses to execute the decision and orders release and annulment of the military judgment.
Ivcher Brostein Case (No. 54)
Date: 24/9/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Ivcher Brostein, Competence. IACHR Series C. N° 54. September 24, 1999. (See also Nos. 74, 84).
Television transmission denouncing atrocities committed by the Peruvian army - Loss of nationality - Violation of articles 20 (Right to a nationality), 8 & 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection), 21 (Private property) and 13 (Freedom of expression).
Constitutional Court Case (No. 55)
Date: 24/9/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Constitutional Court, Competence. IACHR Series C. N° 55. September 24, 1999. (See also No. 71)
Dissolution of Congress and the Constitutional Court by President Fujimori - Anti-Constitutional presidential decree - Infringement on the independence of Constitutional Court judges - Violation of articles 8 & 25 (Judicial guarantees & protection).
Loayza Tamayo Case (No. 53)
Date: 3/6/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Loayza Tamayo, Interpretation of the judgement of November 27, 1998. IACHR Series C. N°53. June 3, 1999. (See also Nos. 25, 33, 42, 47, 60).
Arbitrary detention - Torture (rape) - Due process - Non bis in idem - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 25 and 1.1, 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Rejection of compensation to cover damages to the victim's "life plan".
Castillo Petruzzi et al. Case (No. 52)
Date: 30/5/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Castillo Petruzzi, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 52. May 30, 1999. (See also Nos. 41, 59).
Criminal suit for treason held against non-nationals - Military jurisdiction - Due process - Exhaustion of domestic remedies - Partial acceptance of the preliminary objection (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations).
Suárez Rosero Case (No. 51)
Date: 29/5/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Suárez Rosero, Interpretation of the judgement of January 20, 1999 (reparations). IACHR Series C. N° 51. May 29,1999. (See also Nos. 35, 44).
Arbitrary detention - Kept in secret - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 8 (judicial guarantees), 5 (Physical integrity) and 25 (judicial protection) - Reparation.
Durand and Ugarte Case (No. 50)
Date: 28/5/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Durand and Ugarte, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N° 50. May 28, 1999. (See also No. 68).
Disappearance of imprisoned persons - Violation of articles 4 (Right to life), 5.2 (Torture), 7.1, 7.5, 7.6 (Right to personal liberty), 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection).
Cesti Hurtado Case (No. 49)
Date: 26/1/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Cesti Hurtado, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N° 49. January 26, 1999. (See also Nos. 56, 62, 65, 78).
Habeas Corpus - Criminal suit by a military jurisdiction - Incompetence ratione personae of jurisdiction - Supreme Court refuses to execute the decision and orders release and annulment of the military judgment.
Blake Case (No. 48)
Date: 22/1/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Blake, Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°48. January 22, 1999. (See also Nos. 27, 36, 57).
Disappearance - Acts presumably committed by paramilitaries - Judicial guarantees - Denial of justice - Continued infraction - Incompetence of the court - Violation of articles 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection) and 5 (personal integrity).
Suárez Rosero Case (No. 44)
Date: 20/1/1999
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Suárez Rosero, Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N° 44. January 20, 1999. (See also Nos. 35, 51).
Arbitrary detention - Kept in secret - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 8 (judicial guarantees), 5 (Physical integrity) and 25 (judicial protection) - Reparation.
Castillo Páez Case (No. 43)
Date: 27/11/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Castillo Páez, Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N ° 43. November 27, 1998. (See also Nos. 24, 34).
Disappearance - Acts presumably committed by police agents - Arbitrary detention - Torture and inhuman and degrading treatment - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Physical integrity), and 4 (Right to life).
Loayza Tamayo Case (No. 42)
Date: 27/11/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Loayza Tamayo, Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°42. November 27, 1998. (See also Nos. 25, 33, 47, 53, 60).
Arbitrary detention - Torture (rape) - Due process - Non bis in idem - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 25 and 1.1, 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Rejection of compensation to cover damages to the victim's "life plan".
Cantoral Benavides Case (No. 40)
Date: 30/9/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Cantoral Benavides, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N° 40. September 3, 1998. (See also Nos. 69, 90).
Terrorism - Legal action against two twin brothers - Interchanged identity allowed the escape of a convict - Non bis in idem - Torture - Judicial guarantees - Reparation.
Castillo Petruzzi Case (No. 41)
Date: 4/9/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Castillo Petruzzi, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N° 41. September 4, 1998. (See also Nos. 52, 59).
Criminal suit for treason held against non-nationals - Military jurisdiction - Due process - Exhaustion of domestic remedies - Partial acceptance of the preliminary objection (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations).
Benavides Ceballos Case (No. 38)
Date: 19/6/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Benavides Ceballos, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 38. June 19, 1998.
Arbitrary arrest and detention - Torture - Homicide - Denial of justice - Violation of article 3 (Juridical personality), 4 (Life), 5 (Humane treatment), 7 (Personal liberty), 8 and 25 (Judicial protection and guarantees) - Friendly settlement.
Paniagua Morales et al. Case (No. 37)
Date: 8/3/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Paniagua Morales et al., Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°37. March 8, 1998. (See also Nos. 23, 76)
Arbitrary arrest and detention and homicide - Torture and inhuman treatment - Presumed acts committed by police agents - Violation of articles 4 (Right to life), 5 (humane treatment), 8 (judicial guarantees) and 25 (right to judicial protection).
Loayza Tamayo Case (No. 47)
Date: 8/3/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Loayza Tamayo, Application for Interpretation of the Judgement of September 17, 1997. IACHR Series C. N°47. Order of the Court of March 8, 1998. (See also Nos. 25, 33, 42, 53, 60).
Arbitrary detention - Torture (rape) - Due process - Non bis in idem - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 25 and 1.1, 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Rejection of compensation to cover damages to the victim's "life plan".
Blake Case (No. 36)
Date: 24/1/1998
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Blake, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°36. January 24, 1998. (See also Nos. 27, 48, 57).
Disappearance - Acts presumably committed by paramilitaries - Judicial guarantees - Denial of justice - Continued infraction - Incompetence of the court - Violation of articles 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection) and 5 (personal integrity).
Suárez Rosero Case (No. 35)
Date: 12/11/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Suárez Rosero, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 35. November 12, 1997. (See also Nos. 44, 51).
Arbitrary detention - Kept in secret - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 8 (judicial guarantees), 5 (Physical integrity) and 25 (judicial protection) - Reparation.
Castillo Páez Case (No. 34)
Date: 3/11/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Castillo Páez, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N ° 34. November 3, 1997. (See also Nos. 24, 43).
Disappearance - Acts presumably committed by police agents - Arbitrary detention - Torture and inhuman and degrading treatment - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Physical integrity), and 4 (Right to life).
Loayza Tamayo Case (No. 33)
Date: 17/9/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Loayza Tamayo, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°33. September 17, 1997. (See also Nos. 25, 42, 47, 53, 60).
Arbitrary detention - Torture (rape) - Due process - Non bis in idem - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 25 and 1.1, 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Rejection of compensation to cover damages to the victim's "life plan".
Genie Lacayo Case (No. 45)
Date: 13/9/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Genie Lacayo, Application for Judicial Review of the Judgment of January 29, 1997. IACHR Series C. N°45. September 13, 1997. (See also Nos. 21, 30)
Murder of Jean-Paul Genie by the bodyguards of General Ortega (members of the army) - Absence of criminal conviction - Denial of justice - Petition based on article 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Violation - Interpretation of article 8.
Villagrán Morales et al. Case (No. 32)
Date: 11/9/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Villagrán Morales et al., Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N° 32. September 11, 1997. (See also Nos. 63, 77).
Execution of five minors ("street children") - Acts presumably committed by the police - Denial of justice - Violation of article 7 (Arbitrary detention), 4 (Life), 5 (Torture), 19 (Rights of the child), 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection).
El Amparo Case (No. 46)
Date: 16/4/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: El Amparo, Application for Interpretation of the Judgement of September 14, 1996. IACHR Series C. N°46. Order of the Court of April 16, 1997. (See also Nos. 19, 28)
Execution of 14 fishermen by members of the military and police services - Recognition of responsibility by the Columbian State - Request for an interpretation of the decision granting damages.
Caballero Delgado and Santana Case (No. 31)
Date: 29/1/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Caballero Delgado and Santana, Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N° 31. January 29,1997. (See also Nos. 17, 22)
Disappearance of two political activists - Presumed dead - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty) and 4 (Right to life) - Reparation.
Genie Lacayo Case (No. 30)
Date: 29/1/1997
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Genie Lacayo, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°30. January 29,1997. (See also Nos. 21, 45)
Murder of Jean-Paul Genie by the bodyguards of General Ortega (members of the army) - Absence of criminal conviction - Denial of justice - Petition based on article 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Violation - Interpretation of article 8.
Neira Alegría et al. Case (No. 29)
Date: 19/12/1996
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Neira Alegría et al. Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°29. September 19, 1996. (See also Nos. 13, 20).
Arrest and detention - Accusation related to terrorist acts - Disappearance after detention center placed under army control - Violation of articles 4.1 (Right to life), 7.6 (Habeas Corpus) and 27.2 (judicial guarantees) - Reparation.
El Amparo Case (No. 28)
Date: 14/9/1996
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: El Amparo, Reparation (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°28. September 14, 1996. (See also Nos. 19, 46)
Execution of 14 fishermen by members of the military and police services - Recognition of responsibility by the Columbian State - Request for an interpretation of the decision granting damages.
Blake Case (No. 27)
Date: 2/7/1996
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Blake, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N°27. July 2, 1996. (See also Nos. 36, 48, 57).
Disappearance - Acts presumably committed by paramilitaries - Judicial guarantees - Denial of justice - Continued infraction - Incompetence of the court - Violation of articles 8 and 25 (Judicial guarantees and protection) and 5 (personal integrity).
Garrido and Baigorria Case (No. 26)
Date: 2/2/1996
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Garrido and Baigorria. IACHR Series C. N°26. February 2, 1996.
Disappearance - Responsibility recognized by the Argentine State - Friendly settlement.
Loayza Tamayo Case (No. 25)
Date: 31/1/1996
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Loayza Tamayo, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N°25. January 31, 1996. (See also Nos. 33, 42, 47, 53, 60).
Arbitrary detention - Torture (rape) - Due process - Non bis in idem - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 25 and 1.1, 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Rejection of compensation to cover damages to the victim's "life plan".
Paniagua Morales et al. Case (No. 23)
Date: 25/1/1996
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Paniagua Morales et al., Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N°23. January 25, 1996. (See also Nos. 37, 76)
Arbitrary arrest and detention and homicide - Torture and inhuman treatment - Presumed acts committed by police agents - Violation of articles 4 (Right to life), 5 (humane treatment), 8 (judicial guarantees) and 25 (right to judicial protection).
Caballero Delgado and Santana Case (No. 22)
Date: 8/12/1995
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Caballero Delgado and Santana, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N° 22. December 8, 1995. (See also Nos. 17, 31)
Disappearance of two political activists - Presumed dead - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty) and 4 (Right to life) - Reparation.
Genie Lacayo Case (No. 21)
Date: 27/1/1995
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Genie Lacayo, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N°21. January 27, 1995. (See also Nos. 30, 45)
Murder of Jean-Paul Genie by the bodyguards of General Ortega (members of the army) - Absence of criminal conviction - Denial of justice - Petition based on article 8 (Judicial guarantees) - Violation - Interpretation of article 8.
Neira Alegría et al. Case (No. 20)
Date: 19/1/1995
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Neira Alegría et al. Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°20. January 19, 1995. (See also Nos. 13, 29).
Arrest and detention - Accusation related to terrorist acts - Disappearance after detention center placed under army control - Violation of articles 4.1 (Right to life), 7.6 (Habeas Corpus) and 27.2 (judicial guarantees) - Reparation.
El Amparo Case (No. 19)
Date: 18/1/1995
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: El Amparo, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°19. January 18, 1995. (See also Nos. 28, 46)
Execution of 14 fishermen by members of the military and police services - Recognition of responsibility by the Columbian State - Request for an interpretation of the decision granting damages.
Maqueda Case (No. 18)
Date: 17/1/1995
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Maqueda. IACHR Series C. N°18. January 17, 1995.
Attack perpetrated by members of a political party against military personnel allegedly in order to prevent a coup d'état - Unlawful assembly - Crime of forceful resistance - Due process - Withdrawal.
Caballero Delgado and Santana Case (No. 17)
Date: 21/1/1994
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Caballero Delgado and Santana, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N° 17. January 21, 1994. (See also Nos. 22, 31)
Disappearance of two political activists - Presumed dead - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty) and 4 (Right to life) - Reparation.
Gangaram Panday Case (No. 16)
Date: 21/1/1994
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Gangaram Panday, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°16. January 21, 1994. (See also No. 12)
Detention - Infringement on the right to life - Acts committed by police - Complaint submitted by the brother of the presumed victim - Violation of article 7.2 (Right to personal liberty) - Rejection based on articles 5, 25 and 4 - Compensation.
Aloabotoe et al. Case (No. 15)
Date: 10/9/1993
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Aloaboetoe et al. Reparations (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°15. September 10, 1993. (See also No. 11)
Arbitrary detention - Cruel and degrading treatment - Infringement on the right to life - Acts committed by soldiers - Friendly settlement (article 48 f) - Compensation.
Cayara Case (No. 14)
Date: 3/2/1993
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Cayara, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C: N°14. February 3, 1993.
Altercation between the Peruvian army and an armed "Shining Path" group - Reprisals - Execution of civilians - Petition rejected - Expiration of procedural period set down in article 51.
Neira Alegría et al. Case (No. 13)
Date: 11/12/1991
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Neira Alegría et al. Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N°13. December 11, 1991. (See also Nos. 20, 29).
Arrest and detention - Accusation related to terrorist acts - Disappearance after detention center placed under army control - Violation of articles 4.1 (Right to life), 7.6 (Habeas Corpus) and 27.2 (judicial guarantees) - Reparation.
Aloeboetoe et al.Case (No. 11)
Date: 4/12/1991
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Aloeboetoe et al. Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°11. December 4, 1991. (See also No. 15)
Arbitrary detention - Cruel and degrading treatment - Infringement on the right to life - Acts committed by soldiers - Friendly settlement (article 48 f) - Compensation.
Gangaram Panday Case (No. 12)
Date: 4/12/1991
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Gangaram Panday, Preliminary Objections. IACHR Series C. N°12. December 4, 1991. (See also No. 16)
Detention - Infringement on the right to life - Acts committed by police - Complaint submitted by the brother of the presumed victim - Violation of article 7.2 (Right to personal liberty) - Rejection based on articles 5, 25 and 4 - Compensation.
Velásquez Rodríguez Case (No. 9)
Date: 17/8/1990
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Velásquez Rodríguez, Interpretation of the Compensatory Damages Judgement (Art. 67 American Convention on Human Rights), IACHR Series C. N°09, August 17, 1990. (See also Nos. 1, 4, 7)
Arbitrary arrest and detention - Disappearance - Exhaustion of local remedies - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Right to physical integrity) and 4 (Right to life) - Compensation.
Godínez Cruz Case (No. 10)
Date: 17/8/1990
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Godínez Cruz, Interpretation of the Compensatory Damages Judgement (Art. 67 American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°10, August 17, 1990. (See also Nos. 3, 5, 8)
Disappearance - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Right to physical integrity) and 4 (Right to life) - Compensation.
Velásquez Rodríguez Case (No. 7)
Date: 21/7/1989
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Velásquez Rodríguez, Compensatory Damage (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights), IACHR Series C. N°07, July 21, 1989. (See also Nos. 1, 4, 9)
Arbitrary arrest and detention - Disappearance - Exhaustion of local remedies - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Right to physical integrity) and 4 (Right to life) - Compensation.
Godínez Cruz Case (No. 8)
Date: 21/7/1989
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Godínez Cruz, Compensatory Damages (Art. 63(1) American Convention on Human Rights). IACHR Series C. N°08, July 21, 1989. (See also Nos. 3, 5, 10)
Disappearance - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Right to physical integrity) and 4 (Right to life) - Compensation.
Fairén Garbi and Solís Corrales Case (No. 6)
Date: 15/3/1989
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Fairén Garbi and Solís Corrales, Decision and Judgement. Series C. N°06, March 15, 1989. (See also No. 2)
Disappearance - Lack of proof establishing a link between the disappearance and government practice concerning disappearance - No particular involvement by the disappeared in an activity susceptible to government reprisals.
Godínez Cruz Case (No. 5)
Date: 20/1/1989
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Godínez Cruz, Decision and Judgement. IACHR Series C. N°05, January 20, 1989. (See also Nos. 3, 8, 10)
Disappearance - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Right to physical integrity) and 4 (Right to life) - Compensation.
Velásquez Rodríguez Case (No.1)
Date: 26/6/1987
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Velásquez Rodríguez, Preliminary Objections, IACHR Series C. N°01, June 26, 1987. (See also Nos. 4, 7, 9)
Arbitrary arrest and detention - Disappearance - Exhaustion of local remedies - Violation of articles 7 (Right to personal liberty), 5 (Right to physical integrity) and 4 (Right to life) - Compensation.
Fairén Garbi and Solís Corrales Case (No. 2)
Date: 26/6/1987
Decision-making body: Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Legal reference: Fairén Garbi and Solís Corrales, Preliminary Objections. Series C. N°02, June 26, 1987. (See also No. 6)
Disappearance - Lack of proof establishing a link between the disappearance and government practice concerning disappearance - No particular involvement by the disappeared in an activity susceptible to government reprisals.
     
Case Law Websites
Inter-american Commission of Human Rights
Languages: English French Portuguese Spanish
Official website of the Commission - Reports - Case-Law
INTERIGHTS, the International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights
Languages: English
International Human Rights Law Database (reports highlighting decisions of international human rights tribunals and bodies) - Commonwealth Human Rights Case Law Database (summaries of recent human rights decisions from national courts)
Repertorio de Jurisprudencia del Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos
Languages: Spanish
Directory of the case law of the Inter-American Court 1980 - 1997.
     
Reports
Enhancing Canada's Role in the OAS: Canadian Adherence to the American Convention on Human Rights
Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights / Comité sénatorial permanent des droits de la personne Date: 5/2003
Reference: -
Source: Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights
In November 2002, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights received a second mandate to study and report on Canada's possible adherence to the American Convention on Human Rights. The role of the Committee was to review Canadian participation in the Inter-American system for the protection of human rights and make recommendations on whether or not Canada should ratify the American Convention on Human Rights.
     
Books
El futuro de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Antônio Augusto CANçADO TRINDADE - Manuel VENTURA ROBLES
Reference: San José, Costa Rica, Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, 2003
Languages: Spanish
The future of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
La nueva dimensión de las necesidades de protección del ser humano en el inicio del siglo XXI
Antônio Augusto CANçADO TRINDADE - Jaime RUIZ DE SANTIAGO
Reference: San José, Costa Rica, Corte Interamerican de Derechos Humanos, 2003
Languages: Spanish
The new dimension of the need of protection of the human being at the dawn of the 21st Century
Regional Human Rights
Alfred GLENN MOWER
Reference: New York - Westport, Connecticut - London, Studies in Human Rights, Number 12, Greenwood Press, 1991
Languages: English
A comparative study of the West European and Inter-American Systems
Code de droit international des droits de l'homme
Olivier DE SCHUTTER - Françoise TULKENS - Sébastien VAN DROOGHENBROECK
Reference: Bruxelles, Bruylant, 2003
Languages: French
2nd edition (updated to May 1st, 2003) of this collection of the main international instruments (as well universal as regional) regarding the protection of fundamental human rights.
La Cour interaméricaine des droits de l'homme: Analyse de la jurisprudence consultative et contentieuse
Ioannis PANOUSSIS - Hélène TIGROUDJA
Reference: Bruxelles, Collection Droit et Justice n°41, Bruylant, 2003
Languages: French
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights - Analysis of the "jurisprudence".
El Sistema Interamericano de Proteccion de los Derechos Humanos en el Umbral del Siglo XXI
Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos Ed.
Reference: San José, Costa Rica, ISBN 9977-36-092-8, Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, 2001
Languages: Spanish
The inter-American system of human rights at the dawn of the XXI Century.
La jurisprudencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Sergio Garcia Ramirez Ed.
Reference: Mexico, ISBN 968-36-9758-5, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 2001
Languages: Spanish
Case Law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights up to November 2001
Protecting Human Rights in the Americas: Cases and Materials
Thomas Buergenthal & Dinah Shelton Ed.
Reference: Strasbourg, ISBN 3-88357-122-9, N.P. Engel Publisher, 1995
Languages: English
This book focuses on the inter-American legal norms, institutions and procedures concerned with human rights. The developing jurisprudence of the inter-American Court is emphasized.
     
Periodicals
Actualité et Droit International
Reference:
Contact: despretz@ridi.org http://www.ridi.org/adi/
Languages: French
E-journal of international news legal analysis. Articles (archive from 1998, quick search), chronicles and cases, discussions, international news, announcements. Useful links.
Human Rights Brief - Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Reference: Washington, Washington College of Law
Contact: hrbrief@wcl.american.edu http://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/
Languages: English
The Human Rights Brief reports about developments in international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as provides concise legal analysis of current human rights issues. Search by Volume / Issue / Title / Author. Archive since Spring 1994.
     
Human Rights Actors
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
http://www.cidh.oas.org/ Type:International or Regional Organization
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is one of two bodies in the inter-American system for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR)
http://www.corteidh.or.cr/ Type:International or Regional Organization
Autonomous judicial institution of the Inter-American system of human rights. Its objective is to apply and interpret the American Convention on Human Rights. It was established with the intention of resolving cases of alleged violations.
Inter-American Institute of Human Rights (IIDH/IIHR)
http://www.iidh.ed.cr/en_index.htm Type:Research / Education
"The Inter-American Institute of Human Rights is an international institution devoted to education, promotion and research in the field of human rights in the Americas". Created under an agreement between the IACHR and the Republic of Costa Rica.
Organization of American States (OAS)
http://www.oas.org Type:International or Regional Organization
Priorities: Strengthening freedom of speech and thought as a basic human right; Promoting greater participation by civil society in decision-making; Addressing the problem of illegal drugs; and Supporting a Free Trade Area of the Americas.