Valentina del Sol Salazar Rivera ’24 LL.M. represents Inter-American Court of Human Rights at two major conferences – University of Notre Dame

Report on Valentina del Sol Salazar Rivera’s Contributions to International Human Rights Law and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Valentina del Sol Salazar Rivera ’24 LL.M., an incoming J.S.D. candidate from Colombia, has recently made significant contributions to international human rights law by representing the Inter-American Court of Human Rights at two major conferences hosted by the Institute for Legal Research of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Her work aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Conference Participation and Contributions

Conference on Precedents of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

• Salazar Rivera participated in a panel focused on the rights of Indigenous communities, emphasizing SDG 10 by advocating for reduced inequalities and protection of marginalized groups.
• She served as a reviewer for the Center for Constitutional Studies of Mexico’s Supreme Court and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Series of Publications on Precedents, contributing to the strengthening of legal frameworks under SDG 16.

Conference on Inter-American Court of Human Rights Case Law Analysis

• Presented a co-authored paper on democracy and political rights with Pablo González, legal director of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
• This work supports SDG 16 by promoting inclusive societies and accountable institutions through the protection of political rights and democratic governance.

Academic and Professional Background

1. Graduated from Notre Dame Law School’s LL.M. in International Human Rights Law program in 2024, specializing in international human rights law and criminal justice system reform, directly contributing to SDG 16.
2. Completed a prestigious 12-month clerkship at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in San José, Costa Rica, through Notre Dame’s international fellowship program, enhancing judicial capacity and institutional strength.
3. Graduated first in her class at Universidad Externado de Colombia in 2019, receiving the Lauro Maximum award for academic excellence.
4. Part of the winning team at the 5th International Criminal Court Moot Competition in the Netherlands, demonstrating early commitment to international justice.
5. Since 2019, served as legal advisor to Justice Humberto Sierra Porto at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and as an instructor and researcher at the Criminal Law Department of Universidad Externado de Colombia.
6. Worked with Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace, supporting transitional justice mechanisms aligned with SDG 16.

Future Endeavors and Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

• Salazar Rivera will begin her J.S.D. candidacy at Notre Dame Law School in Fall 2025, focusing on advanced research in international human rights law.
• Her ongoing work is expected to further influence human rights jurisprudence across the Americas, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).
• Her advocacy for Indigenous rights and political participation supports the reduction of inequalities (SDG 10) and fosters inclusive societies.

Conclusion

Valentina del Sol Salazar Rivera’s academic achievements, professional experience, and active participation in international human rights discourse demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to justice, equality, and institutional integrity. Her contributions continue to strengthen legal protections and promote human rights across the Americas.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article centers on human rights law, justice system reform, and the work of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, all of which align with SDG 16’s focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The emphasis on Indigenous communities’ rights and transitional justice in Colombia relates to reducing inequalities and ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article highlights advanced legal education and research, including LL.M. and J.S.D. programs, contributing to inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
2. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.
3. SDG 4 Targets
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 16 Targets
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (e.g., justice sector).
   • Indicator 16.b.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on grounds of various statuses including ethnicity and political opinion.
2. For SDG 10 Targets
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on various grounds.
3. For SDG 4 Targets
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: law.nd.edu