Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VIII Inter-American Court of Human Rights, s.1 Organization, Articles 58 and 59

Abstract

This chapter explains Articles 58 and 59 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 58 of the ACHR deals with essential and fundamental aspects of the proper functioning of the Inter-American Court. It addresses the question of the choice of the seat of the Court and that of its Secretary. Article 59 concerns more generally the Secretariat of the Court under the direction of the Secretary, and the relationship with the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Although they seem to address mainly logistical and administrative issues, Articles 58 and 59 are crucial for the Inter-American Court. Unlike the International Court of Justice or the European Court of Human Rights, the judges do not sit on a permanent basis in San José. The terms of the judges are limited by Article 54 of the ACHR. Therefore, they could effectively and efficiently perform their mandate in the absence of a stable and competent body, to ensure the continuity and stability of the Inter-American Tribunal's operations.