Module IV — ICCAL, Institutions, Courts, and Civil Society

Carlos Vera discusses how institutional empowerment strengthens constitutionalism. The lesson examines reforms and mechanisms that allow public institutions to more effectively protect rights and uphold democratic resilience.

This class analyzes the impact of the Inter-American System of Human Rights on state institutions. In this way, it addresses cases in which states turn to the inter-American system to promote national or regional human rights agendas.

Prof. Oscar Parra

Institutional Strengthening

Comparative Institutional Empowerment

Jorge Roa Roa explores how ICCAL interacts with national constitutional courts. The lesson highlights jurisprudential dialogues, mutual references, and how domestic courts serve as engines of transformative constitutionalism.

This class will analyze the different expressions of Latin American constitutionalism, the scope of transformative constitutionalism, the role played by constitutional justice in the context of transformative constitutionalism, and the risks faced by transformative constitutionalism.

Prof. Jorge Roa Roa

José Antonio Perróne reflects on the role of transformative judges in Brazil, analyzing case studies where judicial interpretation advanced rights protection, equality, and democratic accountability.

This class examines the role that judges in Brazil have played in promoting constitutional changes in the country, ensuring better protection and enforcement of Human Rights.

Prof. Patricia Perrone

Transformative Judiciary in Brazil

Democratic Justice in Brazil

Flavia Piovesan explains how ICCAL engages with international institutions to promote a multilevel protection of human rights. The lecture analyzes synergies between the Inter-American System, the UN, and domestic courts.

This class examines the main institutions responsible for the protection of human rights in both the universal and regional systems.

Prof. Flavia Piovesan

Danielle Pamplona addresses the influence of private actors on constitutional practice. The session focuses on corporate accountability, transnational economic power, and how ICCAL can provide a normative framework for regulating private influence.

This class deals with the relationship between private actors, specifically corporations, and their obligation to respect human rights. The challenges and solutions in this relationship are also analyzed.

Prof. Danielle Pamplona

Viviana Krsticevic highlights the contributions of civil society organizations to ICCAL. The lecture explores advocacy networks, litigation strategies, and the vital role of grassroots activism in constitutional transformation.

This class examines the impact that civil society has had on the advancement of the progressive agenda for the protection of Human Rights in Latin America.

Prof. Viviana Krsticevic

Christina Binder reflects on the role of universities in advancing human rights through research, teaching, and clinical practice. The lesson underlines how academic institutions are crucial partners in the ICCAL community of practice.

Universities are important players in the training of future professionals. This class addresses the duty of universities to respect Human Rights and also to be relevant actors, through their professors and students, in ensuring the protection of the Human Rights of the general population and especially of groups that require special protection.

Prof. Christina Binder

Research Seminar “Strategic Litigation in Human Rights”

Roberta De Vivo explains the role of legal clinics in ICCAL. She describes how clinics combine teaching, practice, and advocacy, enabling students and young lawyers to actively contribute to transformative constitutionalism.

This class discusses the role Legal Clinics should play in advancing a progressive and innovative Human Rights agenda at national and regional levels.

Prof. Silvia Gloria de Vivo

ICCAL and Legal Clinics