NCJ Number
126765
Date Published
1986
Length
55 pages
Annotation
In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations." The rights guaranteed in this declaration include, inter alia, the rights to life, liberty, and security of person; prohibitions against slavery and torture; equal protection before the law; freedom of movement and asylum from persecution; and rights to marry, work, own property, vote, and receive education.
Abstract
To give a recognized legal form to these provisions, the United Nations has also adopted two international covenants which are legally binding on all signatories. The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights holds States responsible for providing their citizens with the right to work; protection of the family; and the right to social security, education, and health care without discrimination of any kind. Citizens' life, liberty, and security are guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which also prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and protects rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Individuals may file complaints of violations according to the provisions of the Optional Protocol.