Update on the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights: Crisis Eased?

The severe fiscal crisis facing the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights continues, but it appears that the predicted month-end layoffs may be averted.  In his June 15  speech to the General Assembly, President and Commissioner James Cavallaro stated that: “If the announced funding and other contributions arrive on time, we may be able to avert the severe crisis that was announced.  This is essential so as to not leave unprotected those people for whom the Commission is their last recourse and their last hope.”   Cavallaro reported that financial contributions have been received from Antigua and Barbuda and from Chile, and that offers of additional funding have come from Argentina, Canada, Colombia, the United States, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay, as well as a number of observer nations. 

Nevertheless, the Commission cancelled its planned July session as well as sessions scheduled for October and November.  Further, the Commission called on member states to expand their support of the Commission and initiated a consultation process with members designed to plan a viable path toward the continued operations of the Commission.  As Commissioner Cavallaro noted, “the serious structural problem that produced this crisis continues to exist.”  The consultation process is intended to address these structural problems and avoid future crises of this type.