What is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights?
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a United Nations human rights treaty that was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966. It is the most comprehensive international human rights agreement, setting out fundamental human rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, the right to a fair trial, and the right to privacy. The Covenant also prohibits torture, cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment, and other forms of discrimination. The ICCPR recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all humans, and protects individual rights from infringement by the State. The Covenant requires all States that have ratified it to ensure that everyone can enjoy their rights without discrimination, and prohibits any State from violating the rights of any person. It also provides some limitations on the exercise of rights, to ensure that individuals do not abuse them in ways that would interfere with the rights of others or with public safety or morals. The United States has signed, but not ratified, the ICCPR. However, the US Supreme Court has held that most of the rights proclaimed in the Covenant are protected by the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. In New Mexico, the state Constitution guarantees some of the same rights found in the ICCPR, such as freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and the right to a fair trial. In addition, New Mexico has laws to protect against discrimination and to ensure that all individuals have the same opportunities, regardless of gender, race, religion, or other characteristics.
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