The Covenant on civil and political rights

• Author: Student Aulona Haxhiraj
• Position: University 'Ismail Qemali' Vlorë, Albania
• Pages: 308-315

The Covenant on civil and political rights

PhD Student Aulona HAXHIRAJ

1

Abstract

The civil and political r ights a s protected under the Covenant from the core of

human r ights protection on the international plane. This paper seeks to demonstrate how

this goal may be a rchieved. The genesis of the Covenant will be discussed in the context of

the evolution of human rights law. Star ting from the normative fra mework a nd its

development after the a doption of the Universal Decla ration of Human Rights the scope of

the Covenant rights a s well as the du ties of the State par ties will be discussed. The

monitoring role o f th Human Rights Committee a s major element in the implementation

process will be closely examined. The paper will be focused on the status of the State

parties and the Status of the Covenant in domestic law. Also will specifically focus on the

State r eporting system a nd the individual complaint pr ocedure be carefully selected case

studies. In conclusion, will be discussed the legal consequences of violations of r ights

protected by the Covenant.

Keywords: Civil rights, politica l rights, human rights, Covena nt on civil and

political rig hts.

JEL Classification: K33

I. Origins and general description

Human rights protection is always a stony way, requiring a long breath and

protection. The rights of citizens to liberty and equality; sometimes referred to as

first generation rights. Civil rights include freedom to worship, to think and express

oneself, to vote, to take part in political life, and to have access to information2.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is the core of the

legally binding human rights protection at the universal level. ICCPR is an

international human rights treaty, providing a range of protections for civil and

political rights. It is open for ratification to all states so it has universal relevance.

The ICCPR, and its two Optional Protocols, is part of the International Bill of

Human Rights, along with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and

Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

(UDHR). The first Protocol establishes an individual complaints mechanism, and

the second abolishes the death penalty.

The Covenant consists of a preamble, which links the full implementation

of equal rights for all members of the human family3 and 53 articles.

1 Aulona Haxhiraj - University ”Ismail Qemali” Vlorë, Albania, aulonahaxhiraj@yahoo.com

2 http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/edumat/hreduseries/hereandnow/Part-5/6_glossary.htm

3 Preamble of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Adopted and opened for signature,

ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI) of 1 6 December 1966;

entry into force 23 March 1976, in accordance with Article 49.