Which case established the due diligence standard in human rights law?

The Velásquez-Rodríguez v. Honduras case is significant in the context of human rights law because it established the due diligence standard, which holds states accountable for human rights violations. In this landmark decision, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights articulated that governments must take all necessary measures to prevent human rights abuses, investigate violations, and ensure that victims have access to justice and reparations.

This standard emphasizes that states are not only responsible for direct human rights abuses committed by their agents but also have an obligation to protect individuals from violence or harm by third parties. Consequently, the court found that Honduras had failed to fulfill its due diligence obligations when it did not effectively investigate the disappearance of a political dissident or protect individuals from potential harm. This case set a precedent for future human rights cases by reinforcing the notion that states have a proactive responsibility to uphold and protect the rights of their citizens, thereby shaping international human rights law.