CECILIA MEDINA QUIROGA

This third English edition of this book presents some significant differences from the former ones. First and foremost, it is the product of a joint authorship. A former student of mine and a distinguished scholar on her own right at the University of Chile and the University of Navarra, Spain, has become a co-author in this new edition. Valeska David Contreras has been involved in this work since the previous edition appeared. As a rule, I used to send the manuscripts to four former students of mine to obtain their comments, always a valuable contribution to the book. She was one of them. Now she has taken a new role, that of coauthor, and this makes me extremely proud. I hope this joint venture will continue to bear fruit in common projects in the future. I take this opportunity to thank Valeska for her dedication, friendship and knowledge.

Secondly, the scope of the book has been significantly extended, as will be explained below. The rights examined in previous editions have been revisited to illuminate and assess the evolution of the Court’s jurisprudence regarding them.

I hope, again, that this contribution to the never-ending discussion of human rights will not only remain as an academical exercise but will be a useful tool for all those looking for redress before the Court.

VALESKA DAVID CONTRERAS

For years I have read and used the previous editions of this book. I have even had the chance to review and comment on some of its chapters. Now I have the honour and the pleasure to be part of this project, a unique experience with the perfect combination of intellectual challenge and personal engagement. I met Cecilia when I was a student, then worked with her and ever since we have stayed close despite the physical distance, for collaborating and sharing. It would not be exaggeration to say that she is one of the most influential persons in my life, and not just professionally. I have learned a lot from her and keep doing it, for which I am deeply grateful. In my view, this third edition reflects our path together very well.