The President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos or Corte IDH), Judge Nancy Hernández López, highlighted Paraguay’s commitment to the promotion and defence of human rights. This statement came ahead of the 180th Ordinary Session of the Court, held in Asunción from 22 to 26 September, 2025.
Hernández López stated that the repeated holding of sessions in Paraguay demonstrates a shared commitment to the promotion and defence of human rights in the region. This will be the third time Paraguay hosts the Court, following previous sessions in 2005 and 2014.
“Show of commitment”
The judge emphasised Paraguay’s sustained commitment to dialogue, cooperation and institutional openness, positioning the country as a leader within the Inter-American system. She added that these sessions serve as a tangible demonstration of this commitment and provide an opportunity to strengthen ties with member states of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the peoples of the continent.
The Inter-American Court Of Human Rights sessions take place in the Asunción Palace of Justice, with the participation of Court judges, international delegations, national authorities and representatives of civil society.
High Court’s endorsement
César M. Diesel Junghanns, President of the Supreme Court of Justice, praised the event’s significance. He noted that the Palace of Justice was honoured to host the Corte IDH judges. Junghanns highlighted the event’s importance in demonstrating Paraguay’s commitment and the judicial branch’s role in guaranteeing and coordinating this meeting.
He also emphasised that the event was organised in collaboration with national and international organisations, placing Paraguay at the heart of the regional justice and human rights agenda.
Planned activities
The agenda includes academic sessions, hearings and deliberations.
- Monday, 22 September: International seminar “The impact of the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.”
- Tuesday, 23 September: Private hearings to monitor compliance with rulings in five cases involving Paraguay, in addition to three virtual deliberations.
- Wednesday, 24 September to Friday, 26 September: Public hearings in three contentious cases (Peru, Argentina, and Brazil), in which testimony from alleged victims, statements from experts and witnesses, and closing arguments from the parties will be heard.
“Bringing justice closer”
Hernández López stressed that holding sessions in different countries helps bring inter-American justice closer to citizens and allows the Court to hear directly from communities. She concluded by reaffirming the Court’s determination to continue working independently, responsibly and with conviction to defend the dignity of all people in the region, leaving no one behind. Earlier this year, Paraguay’s public buildings lit up blue to combat human trafficking.
