– From October 26 to 29, DPLF and partner organizations will present information and recommendations on judicial independence and human rights protection, and contribute to regional discussions on public participation in efforts to address corruption.
– The Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) will participate as a requesting organization in three public hearings on Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Ecuador during the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ (IACHR) 197th Period of Sessions in Panama City. DPLF will also co-organize a side event on public participation, access to justice, and anti-corruption efforts in Latin America.
During the hearings, DPLF and fellow requesting organizations will present updated information on the challenges facing justice systems and human rights institutions in these countries. Through oral presentations and support for national organizations, DPLF will help put forward recommendations to address these challenges.
Costa Rica: Conditions for an Independent Judiciary
Monday, October 26 | 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The hearing on judicial independence in Costa Rica will examine the challenges the country continues to face in meeting international standards in this area. The requesting organizations will share information and recommendations to help ensure these challenges are recognized and addressed. The goal is to strengthen the conditions that allow judges to carry out their duties independently and protect everyone’s rights.
El Salvador: The Independence and Response of the Human Rights Ombudsperson’s Office
Monday, October 26 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
The hearing on El Salvador’s Human Rights Ombudsperson’s Office (PDDH, by its Spanish acronym) will address the importance of strengthening the institution’s work, independence, and autonomy. The requesting organizations will present updated information on the PDDH’s response to reports of human rights violations during the state of exception, as well as restrictions affecting human rights defenders, journalists, and people participating in public life. Recommendations will focus on strengthening the institution’s ability to fulfill its protection mandate.
Ecuador: Protection, Appointment Processes, and Judicial Reforms
Wednesday, October 28 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
The hearing on judicial independence in Ecuador will focus on three issues: violence against justice officials and shortcomings in their protection; the safeguards needed to strengthen the selection process for the Attorney General; and proposed reforms that could weaken judicial independence, the separation of powers, and due process guarantees. The requesting organizations will present recommendations to address these challenges and strengthen the security and independence needed for the justice system to function effectively.
A Regional Dialogue on Participation and Justice in Addressing Corruption
Thursday, October 29 | 5:00 p.m. | Hybrid event
DPLF will co-organize “Strengthening Participation and Justice in the Fight Against Corruption in Latin America,” bringing together civil society organizations and experts from across the region. The discussion will explore ways to strengthen public participation, access to justice, and coordination among regional and international human rights and anti-corruption mechanisms.
Speakers will include Naomi Roht-Arriaza, Chair of DPLF’s Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the UNCAC Coalition’s Working Group on Victims of Corruption; María José Veramendi Villa, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Officer at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); Tania Reneaum Panszi, Executive Secretary of the IACHR; José Ugaz, President of Proética; and Inés Selvood, Coordinator of the International Open Justice Network (RIJA).
The event will take place at the Holiday Inn hotel on Omar Torrijos Herrera Avenue in Clayton, Panama City, with online participation available via Zoom. Register to participate via Zoom.
All three hearings are Panamá local time and will be livestreamed on the IACHR’s YouTube channel. See the official hearing schedule for details.
