OAS - Organization of American States

Published purpose

This project aims to: (1) provide access to justice for women and girls who have petitioned the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to resolve violations of their rights; and (2) help member states of the IACHR meet their obligations to prevent, protect, investigate and act to correct the historical and structural discrimination, gender inequality and violence against women and girls in Latin America and the Caribbean. The project supports the IACHR in its work to address petitions, cases and requests of precautionary measures (rapid response in situations where there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm) related to discrimination and violence against women and girls. The project also supports IACHR member states in their efforts to meet regional standards (legal decisions and case law interpretations on state obligations to comply with commitments under the American Human Rights Convention and the Organization of American States Charter) and promote structural changes aimed at preventing violence against women and girls. Project activities include: (1) providing training for beneficiaries and stakeholders (public officials, women and girls); (2) holding public hearings with petitioners, victims and states; (3) organizing working meetings with stakeholders and members of the IACHR; and (4) providing states with guidance on applying IACHR recommendations and assisting states to incorporate them into domestic law.