Since 2005, DPLF has regularly participated –either alone or in alliance with our partner organizations from the region– in thematic hearings convened twice a year before the IACHR. Most of our hearings are regional in nature (they address the situation in a number of countries, not just in one) and share our rigorous research on the specific issue addressed in the hearing with the IACHR.
Issues addressed in our hearings have included: the rights of indigenous Peoples, and in particular their right to prior consultation; the criminalization of human rights defenders; the situation of judicial independence in Central America; and restrictions on the right to association inLatin America.
DPLF has found these hearings of great use not only for sharing information with the IACHR, but also for victims and their representatives who are given a safe and formal space to dialogue and exchange information with the Commissioners, as well as with representatives of the relevant governments. Furthermore, the hearings are an important space in which to discuss new human rights issuesin the region and address best practices that could contribute to overcoming these challenges.
149 th Session (November 2013)
The role of Latin American courts in the investigation and punishment of grave human rights violations
Human Rights of People Affected by Mining in the Americas and Mining Companies’ Host and Home States’ Responsibility
147 th Session (March 2013)
The human rights situation of the indigenous Peoples that live in the Territorio Indígena del Parque Nacional Isiboro Sécure (TIPNIS) in Bolivia
Judicial Independence and pretrial detentionl in the Americas
146 th Session (October 2012)
Judicial independence and the Rule of Law in Central America
The use of pretrial detention in the Americas
144th Session (March 2012)
Legal restrictions to the right of association in the Americas
Judicial Independence in El Salvador
143 th Session (October 2011)
The right to freedom of expression in Ecuador
The administation of justice and violations of human rights in Panama