Ch 7 The Inter-American system for the protection of human rights

Question 1

What are the three important features of the American Declaration on Human Rights, 1948?

Answer 1

1. It is the basic normative document for the OAS.
2. Establishes the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
3. Legally obliges all States who are members of the OAS

Question 2

Does the American Convention protect economic and social rights?

Answer 2

Economic and social rights are not protected in the Convention but in an additional Protocol.

Question 3

Is the OAS system applicable to all states?

Answer 3

Yes. The Convention does not apply to Canada and the USA, but the OAS system applies to all states.

Question 4

Does the Inter-American Court of Human Rights interpret both the American Declaration and the American Convention on Human Rights?

Answer 4

Yes.