The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has published Resolution No. 2/25 on the rights of relatives and individuals with close personal ties to people deprived of their liberty, which was adopted during its 193rd Period of Sessions. The document recognizes the impacts experienced by people whose relatives are incarcerated and calls on States to adopt measures to safeguard their rights in this capacity.

This resolution is the Inter-American Human Rights System’s first statement on this issue and sets out an initial position on the topic. It underscores that the relatives of people in State custody—who are primarily children and adolescents—face social, economic, and emotional consequences, including the breakdown of protective bonds, obstacles to maintaining adequate contact with their incarcerated relatives, and loss of care. The resolution also highlights the impact of the discrimination and stigmatization faced by these families.