The history of Latin America is marked by complex political narratives and filled with instances of coups, authoritarian regimes, and periods of economic turmoil. During the Cold War era, the region was plagued by military dictatorships and right-wing regimes. Despite these challenges, the people of Latin America displayed an unwavering resilience, especially in their dedication to human rights. This resilience transformed Latin America into a hub for innovative human rights initiatives designed to address persistent challenges. The development of human rights in the region is a testament to its struggle for identity, justice, equality, and autonomy. In an effort to transcend a history marred by political violence, Latin American nations have pioneered new human rights standards and perspectives. This effort has been broad, incorporating diverse social movements, institutions, practices, and legal reforms.
Nevertheless, the significant contributions of these efforts have frequently been underappreciated, overshadowing the vital role and legacy of Latin America in the human rights sphere. This presentation delves into a senior thesis that highlights Argentina and Colombia as pivotal to the development of the Global Human Rights Regime and unveils the Latin American origins of the renowned Inter-American system. It seeks to counteract Eurocentric perspectives on human rights and celebrate the persistent advocacy for human rights in Latin America.