International Human Rights Day

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

The Dominican Delegation wishes to take this opportunity to thank the Chair of the Permanent Council for including in the order of business of this regular meeting the observance of Human Rights Day, which is commemorated by virtue of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, through its resolution 217 A (III).

Given the importance of this instrument for the signatory States in the protection of the human and fundamental rights of all peoples, this date allows us to reflect and, above all, to renew our commitment to keep advancing along the lines that have been set in this direction by the human rights agenda at the regional and universal levels, always within the framework of democracy, peace and the self-determination and autonomy of peoples.

Likewise, it is a source of great satisfaction for the Dominican Republic to highlight the important advances that this Organization has achieved in recent years in establishing instruments and mechanisms for the defense, protection and promotion of human rights on behalf of the citizens of the countries of the Hemisphere. We cite in particular the American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San José), in force since 1978, as the root from which a series of branches later grew, in the form of the various cross-cutting conventions and treaties subsequently created, which strengthened the body of rules of the inter-American system in this field and which are, in turn, a source of obligations for the States Parties, whose duty it is to implement the corresponding actions and public policies in order to comply with their provisions.

In the same vein, we cannot overlook the principal organs created in the contentious and jurisdictional sphere, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Both bodies have played a leading role in safeguarding the human rights of individuals and have also become the means of holding thematic hearings on the situations of specific countries, whose aim has been to engage governments, international organizations, civil society and other stakeholders in the search for feasible solutions and proposals for mediating existing conflicts.

Equally, Mr. Chair, one of the most notable developments in the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights deserves mention: the weight given to the interpretations that emanate from the judgments, decisions and advisory opinions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which have been embraced in particular as domestic legal grounding by the courts of the Latin American countries in what is known as conventionality control.

The Dominican Republic, as part of the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights, has every intention of continuing to foster a solid culture of respect for the dignity and integrity of human beings. In recent years the Dominican Republic has focused on strengthening actions for the benefit of our population. However, because of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to redouble our efforts to mitigate its effects. Even so, almost two years into a situation that affects every country in the world, we continue working to implement projects, plans and programs that guarantee the full enjoyment and exercise of the rights of the populations considered vulnerable, such as women, children, adolescents, persons with disabilities and older persons.

We are aware, too, that this is no easy task; but as a State we must make sure that we implement initiatives and take whatever measures are necessary so that people's human rights in general are respected at all times, in all places and in all circumstances, for we are convinced that we can go on building a society in which we are capable of respecting our differences.

We do not wish to end our statement without first greeting and congratulating Judge Elizabeth Odio Benito, outgoing President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, whom we also hope may be able to join this Permanent Council, and Commissioner Antonia Urrejola Noguera, President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, on the commendable work both Presidents have done at the head of these organs of the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights; we wish them every success on the personal and professional paths they take from this day forward. We urge the countries of the Hemisphere constantly to defend the purposes of the Organization within the framework of freedom, humanity, justice, equality and equity.

Finally, the Dominican Republic reiterates before this Permanent Council of the Organization of American States its high commitment to continue taking firm steps in defense of democracy and the rule of law, which are themselves set out in our Constitution as essential elements for establishing effective protection of the human rights of our people.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.