Julio José Rojas Báez, first Dominican elected president of the Inter-American Juridical Committee of the OAS

Santo Domingo. – For the first time in history, a Dominican has been elected to chair the Inter-American Juridical Committee (CJI), an advisory body of the Organization of American States (OAS) on legal matters. This is Julio José Rojas Báez, who will assume the position starting January 1, 2026. The IJC’s main mission is the development and codification of international law in the American continent, being a key space for the strengthening of the Inter-American legal system and the promotion of justice in the region.

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Rojas Báez has over two decades of experience in the legal field, serving as the first titular secretary of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic, legal director of EDESUR, interpreter of the Judicial Branch, and until now, vice president of the Inter-American Juridical Committee. Upon announcing their choice through their social media, they expressed their gratitude and the commitment this new role represents:

“Today I have the honor of announcing that I was elected by acclamation as President of the Inter-American Juridical Committee, effective January 1, 2026. I express my deepest gratitude to my esteemed colleagues on the Committee for their unconditional support and for the trust they place in me to assume this important responsibility. It is a privilege to be able to serve alongside my dear friend, Professor Nienke Grossman, who was elected as vice president of the Committee, also by acclamation.”

The jurist highlighted the significance of this achievement for the Dominican Republic:

“As the first Dominican to be elected President of the Committee —having previously had the honor of serving as Vice President— I feel a deep responsibility and great enthusiasm for what we can achieve together. I would not have been able to travel this path of service and commitment alone, and for the support of so many good people, thank you from the bottom of my heart”.

He also reaffirmed that he will work on the effective execution of the OAS mandates, for the benefit of the member states and the citizens of the Americas. With this election, the Dominican Republic consolidates its presence in international decision-making spaces, setting a precedent in the legal leadership of the region.