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American Convention on Human Rights
The American Convention on Human Rights was adopted by member states of the Organization of American
States in San José, Costa Rica, on 22 November 1969. It entered into force on 18 July 1978.
Article 1
1. The states parties to this Convention undertake to respect the rights and freedoms
recognised herein and to ensure to all persons subject to their jurisdiction the free and full
exercise of those rights and freedoms, without any discrimination for reasons of race, colour,
sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic status,
birth, or any other social condition.
Article 8
2. Every person accused of a serious crime has the right to be presumed innocent so long as his
guilt has not been proven according to law. During the proceedings, every person is entitled, with
full equality, to the following minimum guarantees:
(a) the right of the accused to be assisted without charge by a translator or interpreter, if
he does not understand or does not speak the language of the tribunal or court;
Source: 1144 U.N.T.S. 123, Basic Documents Pertaining to Human
Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at
25 (1992). The full
text version of the American Convention can be found in English at
the Organization of American States Internet site.
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