Conference: Reparations in the Inter-American System: A Comparative Approach Conference

This publication will enhance the understanding of what we call the law of reparations, developed in the Inter-American Court and Commission of Human Rights. Reparations have a special meaning for the victims of human rights violations and, in particular, the victims of mass and gross violations that took place in this hemisphere during the twentieth century. For those victims and their family members, reestablishing the rights as if no violation had occurred is not possible. Accordingly, to them, avoiding the repetition of those violations in the future is of paramount importance. In achieving that goal, what the victims want is the investigation and punishment of those who appear guilty as an essential component of the law of compensation. Material and moral damages, symbolic measures of redress, as well as legislative changes when needed are also crucially important. The inter-American system’s supervisory organs, within the limits of their jurisdiction, and in particular through the interpretation of Article 63 of the American Convention, have creatively developed the law of reparations within the Americas. As a result of the decisions from the supervisory organs, what has emerged is perhaps the most comprehensive legal regime on reparations developed in the human rights field in international law. This contains edited versions of speeches delivered at the conference

The UN Human Rights Council: Reviewing Its First Year

The aim of the article is to examine the first year of practice of the Human Rights Council in order to provide a critical assessment of the Council’s early activity. After a discussion of the process of establishment, mandate and working methods of the Council, consideration is given to the decisions adopted by the HRC in its first year of operation. The review of the early practice of the Human Rights Council shows the achievements of the new organ and the challenges ahead. In particular, the membership and methods of work of the Council pose very contentious issues. By way of conclusion it is noted that institution building is by far the more important achievement in the first year of practice of the Council, particularly concerning the Universal Periodic Review. It presents, however, disconcerting aspects concerning consideration of Country situations and shows a very frail and politicized approach to these issues that will inexorably be refl ected in the practice of the Council and compromise its credibility. Nonetheless, there is a widespread view that, if the UPR turns out to be successful, there is still a chance for the Council to develop as an authoritative and leading human rights body.Published online: 11 December 2017</p

Conference: Reparations in the Inter-American System: A Comparative Approach Conference

This publication will enhance the understanding of what we call the law of reparations, developed in the Inter-American Court and Commission of Human Rights. Reparations have a special meaning for the victims of human rights violations and, in particular, the victims of mass and gross violations that took place in this hemisphere during the twentieth century. For those victims and their family members, reestablishing the rights as if no violation had occurred is not possible. Accordingly, to them, avoiding the repetition of those violations in the future is of paramount importance. In achieving that goal, what the victims want is the investigation and punishment of those who appear guilty as an essential component of the law of compensation. Material and moral damages, symbolic measures of redress, as well as legislative changes when needed are also crucially important. The inter-American system’s supervisory organs, within the limits of their jurisdiction, and in particular through the interpretation of Article 63 of the American Convention, have creatively developed the law of reparations within the Americas. As a result of the decisions from the supervisory organs, what has emerged is perhaps the most comprehensive legal regime on reparations developed in the human rights field in international law. This contains edited versions of speeches delivered at the conference