Welcoming the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to UCLA
Our schedule of events for the Reimagining Rights in the Americas Conference in conjunction with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ 186th Period of Sessions at UCLA.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Reimagining Rights in the Americas Conference, ten days of activities arranged around a historic first for UCLA: hosting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Period of Sessions.
The United States plays an oversized and sometimes contradictory role with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights in the region.
Los Angeles itself is a microcosm of contradictions: a dynamic city whose economy and population reflects the diversity of the Americas, but one where inequalities are visible and social justice movements are vital and generative. It seemed only natural that a world-class institution like UCLA should host the Commission and bring the human rights frame to bear honestly on our reality, with the hope of illuminating and reimagining the human rights horizon of the Americas.We are proud to offer this opportunity to engage students, local activists and scholars with the IACHR’s important work.
Kate Mackintosh & Joseph Berra
Promise Institute Executive Director & Human Rights in the Americas Director
The Commission’s schedule of hearings for its 186th Period of Sessions has yet to be released. We’ll link to it as it is announced.
In the meantime, we invite you to mark your calendars for the below constellation of events related to the Commission’s historic UCLA visit.
Key Event Dates
*Check back for updates to key information, including programs and event details.*
March 2-3, 2023
Site Visit on Rights of Unhoused People in Los Angeles
The Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights, Soledad García Muñoz, has been invited to see first-hand the situation of unhoused people in Los Angeles.
March 4, 2023
Bringing Human Rights Home Symposium:
Bridging the Gap between the International and Domestic Frames for Human Rights in the United States
The symposium will feature Inter-American Commission President Julissa Mantilla Falcón, and Commissioners Margarette May Macauley and Roberta Clarke as keynote speakers.
March 6-10, 2023
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ 186th Period of Sessions:
The Commission will conduct a total of seventeen hearings open to the public on human rights cases and issues throughout the Americas. They will also invite community-based organizations and other members of civil society to a forum to discuss important human rights issues facing Los Angeles and the United States.
Our Keynote Events March 7, 8, and 10 will feature a different keynote speaker each day at 4:00 p.m. on Native American and Black/Afrodescendent rights and reparations. March 9 will feature a film screening of Ferguson Rises at 6:00 p.m., followed by a discussion with the director, Mobolaji Olambiwonnu, and Michael Brown, Sr.
March 11, 2023
Closed Expert Convening: Setting Institutional Priorities on Climate Reparations and Racial Justice
This convening will bring together experts from the United Nations, the Inter-American system, and regional social movements to discuss the disproportionate impacts of the global climate crisis on racially marginalized peoples in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean–particularly Afro-descendant and Indigenous peoples.
The goals of this convening are to explore how the international human rights frame and the institutional mechanisms of the UN and IACHR will grapple with claims for climate reparations.
Alumni Reception – Stay tuned for details!
Los Angeles Visitors Information
Airport Information:
Ground Transportation:
- Lyft
- Uber
- Curb – an app to request and pay for taxis
- Los Angeles Metro.
UCLA Luskin Conference Center
Accommodations, dining, and the site for most events during the Reimagining Rights Conference
Discover Los Angeles
The Official Guide to Los Angeles
Curious about our ongoing Reimagining Rights in the Americas Project?