The facts of the case refer to the death of Blanca Jeanette Kawas Fernández, human rights defender with significant experience in environmental issues. She was killed by gun shots on February 6, 1995, while she was at home. Kawas was president of the foundation PROLANSATE and her leadership was crucial to the identification of the area Punta Sal in the department of Atlántida as a National Park, and for publicly denouncing illegal logging. The assassination of Kawas remained in impunity for more than 14 years.

The IA Court developed standards on due diligence in the investigation of violent deaths, and on the right of association in relation to individuals who work in the defense and promotion of human rights.