Summary of ICCPR and ICESCR

The International Covenant International Covenant on Economic,

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on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

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(Unofficial summary) (Unofficial summary)

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§ This Covenant was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly

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Cultural Rights (1966), together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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on 16 December 1966 and entered into force on 23 March 1976. By (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966),

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the end of 2001, the Covenant had been ratified by 147 states. make up the International Bill of Human Rights. In accordance with the Universal

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§ The Covenant elaborates further the civil and political rights and Declaration, the Covenants Òrecognize that “... the ideal of free human beings

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freedoms listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. enjoying civil and political freedom and freedom from fear and want can be

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§ Under Article 1 of the Covenant, the states commit themselves to

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achieved only if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his civil and

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promote the right to self-determination and to respect that right. It political rights, as well as his economic, social and cultural rights.”

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also recognises the rights of peoples to freely own, trade and dispose of

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their natural wealth and resources. Article 1 Article 9

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All peoples have the right of self- Everyone has the right to social

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Among the rights of individuals guaranteed determination, including the right to security, including social insurance.

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by the Covenant are: determine their political status and

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freely pursue their economic, social Article 10

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Article 2 Article 17 and cultural development. Protection and assistance should be

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The right to legal recourse when The right privacy and its protection accorded to the family. Marriage

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their rights have been violated, by the law. Article 2 must be entered into with the free

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even if the violator was acting in an Each State Party undertakes to take consent of both spouses. Special

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official capacity. Article 18 steps to the maximum of its available protection should be provided to
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The freedom of thought, conscience resources to achieve progressively the mothers. Special measures should be
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Article 3 and religion.

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full realization of the rights in this treaty. taken on behalf of children, without
The right to equality between men Everyone is entitled to the same rights discrimination. Children and youth
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and women in the enjoyment of Article 19 without discrimination of any kind. should be protected from economic
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their civil and political rights. The freedom of opinion and expression. exploitation. Their employment in
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Article 3 dangerous or harmful work should

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Article 6 Article 20 The States undertake to ensure the be prohibited. There should be age
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The right to life and survival. Prohibition of propaganda advocating equal right of men and women to the limits below which child labor should
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war or national, racial or religious enjoyment of all rights in this treaty. be prohibited.
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Article 7 hatred.
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The freedom from inhuman or Article 4 Article 11

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Limitations may be placed on these Everyone has the right to an adequate

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degrading treatment or Article 21

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punishment. The right to peaceful assembly. rights only if compatible with the standard of living for himself and his
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nature of these rights and solely for family, including adequate food,
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Article 8 Article 22 the purpose of promoting the general clothing and housing. Everyone has
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The freedom from slavery and The right to freedom of association. welfare in a democratic society. the right to be free from hunger.
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servitude.
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Article 23 Article 5 Article 12

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Article 9 The right to marry and found a family No person, group or government has Everyone has the right to the enjoyment
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The right to liberty and security of the right to destroy any of these of the highest attainable standard of
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the person and freedom from Article 24 rights. physical and mental health.
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arbitrary arrest or detention. The rights for children (status as

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minors, nationality, registration and Article 6 Article 13

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Article 11 name). Everyone has the right to work, Everyone has the right to education.
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The freedom from prison due to including the right to gain one's living Primary education should be com-
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debt. Article 25 at work that is freely chosen and pulsory and free to all.
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accepted.
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The right to participate in the

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Article 12 conduct of public affairs, to vote and Article 14

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The right to liberty and freedom of to be elected and access to public Article 7 Those States where compulsory, free
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movement service. Everyone has the right to just primary education is not available to
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conditions of work; fair wages all should work out a plan to provide
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Article 14 Article 26 ensuring a decent living for himself such education.

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The right to equality before the law; The right to equality before the law and his family; equal pay for equal
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the right to be presumed innocent and equal protection work; safe and healthy working Article 15
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until proven guilty and to have a fair conditions; equal opportunity for Everyone has the right to take part
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and public hearing by an impartial Article 27 everyone to be promoted; rest and in cultural life; enjoy the benefits of
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tribunal. The right, for members of religious, leisure. scientific progress.

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ethnic or linguistic minorities, to

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Article 16 enjoy their culture, practice their Article 8

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The right to be recognised as a religion and use their language. Everyone has the right to form and
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person before the law. join trade unions, the right to strike.
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The Covenant is legally binding; the Human Rights Committee established Source: The Minnesota Human Rights Resource Center, based on based on
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under Article 28, monitors its implementation. UN Centre on Human Rights, The International Bill of Rights, Fact Sheet #2.
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Manual on Human Rights Education with Young People – Council of Europe

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