IACHR Takes Case Regarding Venezuela to the Inter-American Court (OAS)

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) filed an application with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on December 14, 2009, in Case 12.668, Leopoldo Lopez Mendoza, Venezuela.

The case involves the barring of Leopoldo López Mendoza from occupying any public office, contrary to the standards established by the American Convention on Human Rights, and the prohibition of his candidacy in the 2008 regional elections. The case also involves the lack of judicial guarantees and judicial protection, as well as the lack of an adequate compensation.

The case was taken to the Inter-American Court because the Commission determined that the State had not adopted measures to comply with the recommendations contained in the report on the merits approved by the IACHR in accordance with article 50 of the American Convention on Human Rights. In that report, the Commission concluded the State of Venezuela was responsible for violating rights protected by the Convention.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote respect for human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this matter. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who act in a personal capacity, without representing a particular country, and who are elected by the OAS General Assembly.

Press Release Reference: IACHR85/09

Originally publised December 23, 2009
See original press release at oas.org/en