ICCPR

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 and in force since 1976. It is one of the core instruments of the International Bill of Human Rights, alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The ICCPR obligates its state parties to respect civil and political rights of individuals. Its protections include the right to life; freedom from torture and arbitrary detention; freedom from slavery and servitude; freedom of movement; the right to a fair trial and due process; freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association; participation in public affairs and elections; and equality before the law. It also safeguards privacy and requires non-discrimination in the enjoyment of rights.

The Covenant allows for certain lawful restrictions on rights and permits derogations in times of public emergency, but only to the extent strictly required by the emergency and in a non-discriminatory manner. Implementation is overseen by the Human Rights Committee, a body of eighteen independent experts. States parties must submit regular reports on measures to give effect to the Covenant, and the Committee issues concluding observations. Under Optional Protocol I, individuals may bring complaints to the Committee against states that have accepted the protocol; Optional Protocol II commits states to abolish the death penalty.

The ICCPR is a living instrument, interpreted through General Comments and evolving jurisprudence, and remains a central pillar of international human rights law.