The Convention affirms the intention of State parties to consolidate “within the framework of democratic institutions, a system of personal liberty and social justice based on respect for the essential rights of man” and focuses mainly on civil and political human rights. The Convention builds on principles that have been recognized in the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS), the OAS’ American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The American Convention on Human Rights “Pact of San José, Costa Rica” was adopted in 1969 by the OAS. It entered into force in 1978 upon the ratification of the eleventh state. The Convention also established the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
There are two optional protocols to the Convention:
- Protocol of San Salvador: Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and
- Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights to Abolish the Death Penalty.
The Convention also offers signatories a chance to sign on to an additional protocol to accept the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.