Concerned by Financial Crisis Affecting Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Secretary-General Calls on Regional States to Provide Additional Resources

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is concerned by the severe financial crisis affecting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which risks bringing key areas of its invaluable work to a halt.  The Commission needs to receive additional resources immediately to avoid laying off essential personnel and significantly reducing its operational capacity.

The Commission has become a key actor in the protection and promotion of human rights in the Americas and worldwide.  It often represents the last resort of justice for victims of human rights violations in the region.

The Secretary-General takes note of the recent pledges made by some member States of the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide additional resources to the Commission.  He urges all OAS member States to reaffirm their commitment to human rights by strengthening the Commission and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability so it can continue discharging its crucial mandate in the protection and promotion of human rights.