What role do human rights play in the development of regional organizations? What human rights obligations do states assume upon joining regional bodies? This work is the first text of its kind devoted to the European, Inter-American and African systems for the protection of human rights. It illustrates how international human rights law is interpreted and implemented across international organizations and offers examples of political, economic, social problems and legal issues to emphasize the significant impact of international human rights law institutions on the constitutions, law, policies, and societies of different regions. Regional Protection of Human Rights provides readers with access to the basic documents of each legal system and their inter-relationships, enabling readers to apply those documents to ever-changing global situations, and alerting them to the dynamic nature of regional human rights law and institutions. The jurisprudence of the European and Inter-American Courts and decisions of the Inter-American and African Commissions are emphasized, including decisions on the interpretation and application of various human rights, procedural requirements and remedies. Prospects for regional systems in the Middle East and Asia are also discussed. The relevant basic texts are reproduced in a documentary supplement. In addition to serving as a text for courses on human rights law, the book will be useful for courses in international law, international relations, and political science. It is also be a helpful resource for lawyers and policy-makers concerned with the protection of human rights.

"The topical coverage is thorough, the organization logical, the selection of cases expert and up to date, and the knowledge of all 3 systems abundant and sophisticated."--Doug Cassel, Director, Center for Civil and Human Rights, University of Notre Dame Law School "This book is a welcome addition to the International Human Rights canon and a crowning achievement for these esteemed scholars. The book promises to make a valuable and timely contribution to the field. It will be an invaluable desk reference for any student, scholar or practitioner of international human rights and provides an excellent vehicle for teaching an introductory or advanced course on the subject."--Beth Van Schaack, Assistant Professor, Santa Clara University School of Law

Dinah Shelton is the Manatt/Ahn Professor of International Law at George Washington University Law School. Paolo G. Carozza is Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame and an expert is in the areas of comparative law, human rights, and international law.