Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VII Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, s.1 Organization, Article 34

Abstract

This chapter investigates Article 34 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 34 of the ACHR determines the composition of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights in fixing the number of members at seven and the qualitative requirements that the members should meet. They must be of high moral character and must have a recognized competence in the field of human rights. Article 34 must be read in conjunction with Articles 35, 36, 37, and 38 of the Convention that regulate questions related to representation, election, and vacancies, echoing Articles 2 to 15 of the Statute of Commission. Unlike the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which was created by the American Convention, it should be kept in mind that the Inter-American Commission preexisted the Convention and was created in 1959. The American Convention does not alter or modify in any way the aspects relating to its organization or composition.