Rethinking Property Rights as Human Rights: Acquiring Equal Property Rights for Women Using International Human Rights Treaties

This article considers the potential for women to gain equal property rights through the mechanisms developed under international human rights treaties. The article particularly focuses upon the regional human rights system under the Organization of American States (OAS). The article begins by reviewing the scope of property rights of women, particularly in Latin America. The author then moves to discuss how the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court have treated violations of property rights of women. The article evaluates the extent to which human rights treaties are capable of assisting women in obtaining their full property rights. In conclusion, the author also considers other potential avenues for securing property rights.