Opening of the XXXVIII Special Session Period of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

On Monday morning, President Leonel Fernández oversaw the opening of the XXXVIII Special Session Period of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), held in the Foreign Ministry Office. The Dominican President underscored the country’s commitment to the maintenance of international standards with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights.

“I believe that Dominican authorities who promote investment abroad should keep in mind the package of advantages this country offers, a climate of security, independence and a solid Judicial system,”

Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso said this commitment confirms the DR’s adherence to the various agreements and conventions on the subject. He added that the country’s laws do not limit the exercise or implementation of these rights nor does it subject their sanctity to any thesis or theory of national security, according to the President’s Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

He assured the meeting that the task of the Dominican authorities is to draft its legislation in keeping with its international commitment to human rights. He announced that presently the authorities are doing their best to prepare the universal periodical that they must present in August to the upcoming United Nations Council for Human Rights.

Morales Troncoso added that the DR is honored to have been chosen by the IACHR as the venue for this meeting of the special session which will last until April 3. Throughout the opening session, IACHR President and Magistrate Cecilia Medina Quiroga, pointed out the historical value of the Dominican Republic and thanked the Government for inviting the Court to hold its meeting the country.

She said the Court recognizes the links that unite the DR with the rest of the member states of the convention and that it appreciates the efforts being made to consolidate human rights on this continent.

Speaking about the event itself, Magistrate Medina Quiroga said “we concur that this event will bring about the confidence necessary for the betterment of the people of our continent.” As such, she made reference to the period of reform carried out in this tribunal which, she said, is already in its second stage of development. At the opening session, Magistrate Medina Quiroga gave plaque of recognition to President Fernández in commemoration of the event.

Jorge Subero Isa, President of the Supreme Court, also spoke at the activity. He stressed that the Dominican judicial power has a competitive advantage which should be kept in mind by national and international investors.

“I believe that Dominican authorities who promote investment abroad should keep in mind the package of advantages this country offers, a climate of security, independence and a solid Judicial system,” said Subero Isa.

The DR is the tenth country in which the IACHR has held meetings outside its headquarters in Costa Rica. The Court is comprised of seven judges, one of whom is Dominican Radhys Abreu Blondet.

Prior to the opening, an official photo was taken of the event. Once the court was in session, it oversaw the signing of various cooperation agreements with national organizations.