What is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights?
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a human rights document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 that outlines the civil and political rights of individuals all over the world. These rights are divided into two categories - rights that everyone has, such as the right to life, liberty and security, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the right to a fair trial; and rights that protect individuals from discrimination and governmental interference in their lives. In Washington, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is implemented through the Washington State Human Rights Commission, which is responsible for enforcing laws to protect fundamental freedoms, prevent discrimination, and ensure equal access to opportunities. This includes ensuring that workplace discrimination based on protected classes such as race, religion, and gender is prohibited. The Commission also works to ensure that individuals are not denied access to public services or educational opportunities on the basis of bias or prejudice. The ICCPR is considered a “binding” document, meaning that countries are obligated to enforce the rights listed in the document within their legal systems. The United Nations has created an independent body known as the Human Rights Committee to monitor the implementation of the Covenant’s provisions and to consider complaints of violations of these rights. In addition, Washington has its own Human Rights Commission to enforce the principles of the Covenant.
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