Democracia y transparencia en el SIDH: una experiencia en marcha / Democracy and transparency in the IAHRS: an experience in progress

Abstract

The national mechanisms for the selection of candidates and the subsequent election process in the Organization of American States of the members of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights have been characterized by its opacity and lack of participation of the civil society. This article analyzes the current process of election of new members for both bodies and the procedure that is carried out at the national level of selection of candidates and candidates, evidencing the lack of clear rules and profiles that guide decisions. Likewise, the article present the improvements made, mainly due to actions of civil society in the promotion of greater transparency and citizen participation in these processes. Based on the experience of other international courts, the article raises a series of recommendations aimed at improving both processes.