BHRC joins SIHRG in submitting an Amicus Curiae Brief in Valentina Rosendo CantÏ et. al. against the United States of Mexico at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

IN THE INTER AMERICAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CASE OF CASE NUMBER 12.579 VALENTINA ROSENDO CANTÚ et al AND THE UNITED STATES OF MEXICO
AMICUS BRIEF ON BEHALF OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE OF THE BAR OF ENGLAND AND WALES AND THE SOLICITORS’ INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP

1. This short brief is respectfully addressed to the Court as a joint submission by the Human Rights Committee of the Bar of England and Wales and the Solicitors’ International Human Rights Committee.
2. The first named amicus, the Bar Human Rights Committee (“BHRC”) is the international human rights arm of the Bar of England and Wales. It is an independent body primarily concerned with the protection of the rights of advocates and judges around the world. It is also concerned with defending the rule of law and internationally recognised legal standards relating to the right to a fair trial.
3. The second named amicus, the Solicitors International Human Rights Group (“SIHRG”) promotes awareness of international human rights within the legal profession and mobilises solicitors into effective action in support of those rights. The Group encourages human rights lawyers overseas and conducts related missions, research, campaigns and training. The SIHRG’s organisation is designed to promote the application of solicitors’ skills in realising the observance of international human rights standards.
4. In submitting this short brief, the authors respectfully adopt the legal framework as set out in the Commission’s report to the Court, in the Commission’s application dated 2nd
5. August 2009 at paragraphs 60-174.
6. In the light of the comprehensive and very careful analysis of the relevant international and regional law and standards contained in the Commission’s report, with which the authors of this brief are in substantial and respectful agreement, the authors of this brief seek to focus their submissions to the Court on a number of specific issues relating to the investigative obligations of the state with direct bearing on Ms Rosendo’s case.
7. In particular, and in the light of the factual summary of Ms Rosendo’s case, as set out in the Commission’s application to the Court, the authors of this brief wish to highlight:

• (a) The ethical standards and obligations owed by medical professionals;
• (b) The significance of the investigative standards contained in the Istanbul Protocol.

Read the full English Amicus Curiae Brief here

Read the full Spanish Amicus Curiae Brief here