Part II Means of Protection, Ch.IX Common Provisions, Article 72

Abstract

This chapter studies Article 72 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which deals with a fundamental tool for the effective functioning of any institution, that is, its financing. Article 72 provides that members of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and judges of the Inter-American Court shall receive “emoluments … with due regard for the importance and independence of their office.” In addition, it establishes the general framework for the preparation of the Court's budget. Under Article 72, the Inter-American Court plays an important role in the drafting of its budget. This element is obviously crucial to ensuring the independence of the inter-American judiciary with respect to the States Parties to the ACHR, but also with respect to the other organs of the Organization of American States (OAS).