The Inter-American Human Rights System: An Effective Institution for Regional Rights Protection?

Abstract:     
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights are charged with protecting human rights in the Western hemisphere. This article explains the workings of this regional human rights system, examining its history, composition, functions, jurisdiction, jurisprudence, and enforcement. The article also evaluates the system's historical effectiveness and considers various suggested institutional reforms to improve future outcomes. Particular attention is given to the problems of improving human rights compliance in Cuba, and addressing growing dissatisfaction with the regional system among the Caribbean countries.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 38

Keywords: human rights, Inter-American, IACHR, regional courts, international public law, Cuba

Accepted Paper Series