Int Covenant on civil & political rights
01 January 1991
Int Covenant on civil & political rights
actdoc April=1995
International Covenant on civil & political rights 1966
The States Parties to the present Covenant,
Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed
in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent
dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members
of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and
peace in the world,
Recognizing that these rights derive from the inherent dignity
of the human person,
Recognizing that, in accordance with the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, the ideal of free human beings enjoying civil
and political freedom and freedom from fear and want can only be
achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his
civil and political rights, as well as his economic, social and
cultural rights,
Considering the obligation of States under the Charter of the
United Nations to promote universal respect for and observance
of, human rights and freedoms,
Realizing that the individual, having duties to other individuals
and to the community to which he belongs, is under a
responsibility to strive for the promotion and observance of the
rights recognized in the present Covenant,
Agree upon the following articles:
PART I
Article 1
1. All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue
of that right they freely determine their political status and
freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
2. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their
natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations
arising out of international economic co-operation, based upon
the principle of mutual benefit, and international law. In no
case may a people be deprived of it its own means of subsistence.
3. The States Parties to the present Covenant, including those
having responsibility for the administration of Non-Self-
Governing and Trust Territories, shall promote the realization
of the right of self-determination, and shall respect that right,
in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United
Nations.
PART II
Article 2
1. Each State Party to the present Covenant undertakes to respect
and to ensure to all individuals within its territory and subject
to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the present
Covenant, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour,
sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or
social origin, property, birth or other status.
2. Where not already provided for by existing legislative or
other measures, each State Party to the present Covenant
undertakes to take the necessary steps, in accordance with its
constitutional processes and with the provisions of the present
Covenant, to adopt such legislative or other measures as may be
necessary to give effect to the rights recognized in the present
Covenant.
3. Each State Party to the present Covenant undertakes:
(a) To ensure that any person whose rights or freedoms as
herein recognized are violated shall have an effective
remedy, notwithstanding that the violation has been
committed by persons acting in an official capacity;
(b) To ensure that any person claiming such a remedy shall have
his right thereto determined by competent judicial,
administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other
competent authority provided for by the legal system of the
State, and to develop the possibilities of judicial remedy;
(c) To ensure that the competent authorities shall enforce such
remedies when granted.
Article 3
The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to ensure
the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all civil
and political rights set forth in the present Covenant.
Article 4
1. In time of public emergency which threatens the life of the