Part II Means of Protection, Ch.IX Common Provisions, Article 70

This chapter describes Article 70 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 70 of the ACHR focuses on the immunities and privileges to be granted to the members of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court. The aim pursued by Article 70 is therefore the protection of individuals in the exercise of their functions against all forms of pressure, including financial pressure. Article 70 refers to “international law” for the details of the regime applicable. As a result, the “immunities extended to diplomatic agents” apply to members of the Commission and judges of the Court. Therefore, the provision must be read in light of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which codifies customary rules on aspects relating to privileges and immunities. However, the referral to the situation of diplomatic agents does not mean that members of the Commission and judges of the Court are assimilated to diplomatic agents.