Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Description

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is an international court based in San Jose, Costa Rica. The Organization of American States established it in 1979 to enforce and interpret the American Convention on Human Rights. It works alongside the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to uphold basic rights and freedoms across the Americas.

The Court has two main functions, adjudicatory and advisory. Under its adjudicatory function it hears and rules on specific cases of human rights violations by governments that have accepted its jurisdiction. Under its advisory function it issues opinions on the interpretation of the Convention and on whether domestic laws comply with it.

Individuals cannot bring a case directly to the Court. A complaint must first go to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which rules on its admissibility. Only if a state fails to follow the Commission’s recommendations, or the Commission considers the case especially important, is it referred to the Court.

The Court can order both monetary and non-monetary reparations, such as compensation, public acknowledgement of responsibility and measures to prevent future violations. It is composed of seven judges, elected to six-year terms by the OAS General Assembly, who serve as individuals rather than as representatives of their home states.