The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is an international tribunal established in 1979 to enforce and interpret the American Convention on Human Rights. It is based in San José, Costa Rica, and aims to protect human rights across the Americas by hearing cases brought by individuals, organizations, or states against member countries that have ratified the convention. The court's decisions are binding on the countries involved, and it plays a crucial role in promoting accountability for human rights violations. It also provides advisory opinions on human rights issues, contributing to the development of international human rights law within the Inter-American System.