Watchdog or Paper Tiger: The Enforcement of Human Rights in International Forums

Abstract

The admission of international human rights is illusory unless they can be enforced. The enforcement of international human rights law has always been seen as the weak link in the international legal system. This article considers the enforceability of international law in such international forums. It will be seen that, inter alia, jurisdictional limitations reflect the traditional view that international law is concerned with Nation-States, not individuals. Ultimately the ineffectiveness of international forums to act as a watchdog for the enforcement of international human rights heightens the importance of domestic forums for the protection of human rights.