The Organization of American States (OAS) created the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 1959 by resolution of the Fifth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The commission's function originally was to promote respect for the human rights set forth in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, approved by the OAS in 1948. Over time, the mandate of the commission expanded and its legal status was enhanced when it became a formal organ of the OAS in 1970.

Today, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is the principal OAS organ to promote the observance and protection of human rights and serve as a consultant to the OAS on human rights matters. The commission also has specific competence over matters relating to the fulfillment of obligations undertaken by states parties to all human rights...