Organization of American States

OEA/SCR.L/V.II., Access to Justice for Women Victims of Violence in the Americas (2007)

This report by the Organization of American States examines the impediments to access to justice faced by indigenous women and makes note of institutional and private racism in the Americas that contributes to these impediments. The report focuses on inadequacies in the judicial system in regards to violence against women, noting problems with the administration of justice and existing laws.

Legal Standards Related to Gender Equality and Women Rights in the Inter-American Human Rights System: Development and Application, 2011

This report examines the impact of orders from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Court) on jurisprudence in the Americas relating to womens human rights. The report supports the standards of the Court and advocates an expansion of its recommendations. The report examines issues of violence and discrimination against women, and outlines the position of courts in the Americas on the merits of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

Violence in the Americas - A Regional Analysis Including a Review of the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women

This comprehensive report scrutinizes the effectiveness of strategies currently being employed by Organization of American States (OAS) members in the domestic implementation of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women. The report focuses on national policies, social, economic and institutional barriers, and the relative impact of measures taken.

Communication Respecting the Violations of Human Rights of Haitian Women before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

This communication begins by documenting the systematic use of rape by Haitian state authorities as an instrument to terrorize female opposition activists and women related to male opposition activists. It presents an elaborate case for the recognition of rape as torture under the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights, by reviewing recent developments in international law and the applicability of the Torture Convention. The social and cultural dynamics that render rape so psychologically harmful to women are also detailed.

Report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on the Status of Women in the Americas

This report brings together the results of the study conducted by the Special Rapporteur on women's rights as to how member state legislation and practices that affect the rights of women comply with the obligations of equality and nondiscrimination in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man and the American Convention on Human Rights.

Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

This regional instrument of the Americas begins by recognizing the relationship between economic, social and cultural rights, and civil and political rights. The Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights provides for labour and solidarity rights, the rights to social security and health rights, the rights to food and education, the right to the benefits of culture, family rights, and rights of children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.