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

Lea Shaver, Hofstra Law School

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.