Joel Hernández García Is Elected to the IACHR

• Joel Hernández García was elected in recognition of his strong credentials as a jurist and expert in the inter-American system.

Mexican citizen Joel Hernández García was elected to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for the 2018-2021 term at the 47th General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Cancun, Quintana Roo on June 21.

By nominating a prominent jurist and diplomat, the Mexican government reaffirmed its commitment to the inter-American human rights system and highlighted its belief in the IACHR's important role in strengthening the national systems of the OAS member States.

Joel Hernández holds a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a master's degree in International Law from the New York University School of Law and has extensive knowledge of the Inter-American human rights system and international human rights law. At the OAS, he is known for his outstanding work as Chair of the Special Working Group to Reflect on the Workings of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights with a View to Strengthening the Inter-American Human Rights System, which resulted in the most recent reform of the IACHR's Rules of Procedure.

The Foreign Ministry welcomes the election of Ambassador Joel Hernández García in full recognition of his legal and diplomatic experience that will undoubtedly be a big contribution to the work of the Commission.