The IACHR and the Promotion of Human Rights

Abstract

Resolutions and declarations on human rights often do not make a clear distinction between the promotion and protection of human rights. In practice, however, a rather sharp distinction between the two is understood. Briefly stated, the promotion of human rights implies the inculcation of a greater respect for the value and meaning of human rights among peoples and governments. The protection of human rights implies taking specific measures to secure respect for them. This distinction closely corresponds to the one drawn by the United States in debate in the OAS Council on the competence of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The United States maintained that if the Commission were authorized to engage in essentially academic activity it would be able only to promote respect for human rights; if, on the other hand, it were authorized to examine and take action on petitions it might receive from individuals, groups, and associations, it would be able to protect human rights.