The judiciary remained in transition, with a process of reform under way. Appointments to the highest levels of the judiciary have been irregular and ninety per cent of the judges in Venezuela lack security of tenure.
The judiciary acts confidently and independently. However, judicial independence is threatened through public attacks and non-provision of resources by the executive.
The collapse of the Government of Alberto Fujimori prompted the country to take steps towards the re-establishment of the rule of law, including the dismantling of the system that had allowed for the proliferation of untenured judges.
The judiciary has been hampered by inefficient practices, a severe backlog of cases due to limited resources and a lack of political resolve to institute reform.
The former military ruler, General Pinochet, returned to Chile and faced proceedings before the judiciary, which took significant steps to advance his trial. However, in July 2001, the Santiago Appeals Court suspended proceedings against the former dictator on health grounds.
El Salvador: Crimes against humanity within the framework of public security policy
HRC61: Joint oral statement of The ICJ in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Counter-terrorism and Human Rights
A Human Rights-Based Approach to Decriminalizing Conduct Associated with Poverty and Status
HRC61: Oral statement of The ICJ in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities