International law - International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Flashcards
To understand one international law, how and who it applies to, and how it relates to ethical debates.
What is the main aim if the ICCPR?
To protect and promote the civil and political rights of all individuals.
What are the main articles of the ICCPR?
- Article 9 - Right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention
- Article 10 - States shall respect and use humane treatment of individuals deprived of their liberty
- Article 19 Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. Everyone shall have freedom of expression
- Article 21 - Right to peaceful assembly. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right
How many states have ratified the ICCPR?
173
Who has not ratified the ICCPR?
China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, South Sudan, UAE.
Who monitors compliance of the ICCPR?
The Human Rights Committee (HRC), set out in article 28. It is an independent body of experts, and states must submit regular reports about how articles are being implemented. The HRC may issue feedback and guidance, which is optional for states to implement. Article 41 states that state parties may issue complaints against other state parties.
How did Egypt violate the ICCPR in 2023?
Journalists and media workers were detained for reporting government corruption or human rights abuses, and were arrested without warrants. This violated article 9 (the right to liberty), as individuals were detained arbitrarily without legal basis, and article 14 (right to fair trial), as journalists and other have faced pre-trial detention and purposeful delays, and have not received any legal representation.
What actions did the HRC take for Egypt?
The HRC urged the Egyptian government to review its legal systems and processes, yet no actions were taken by Egypt.
How was the ICCPR violated in Zimbabwe in 2023?
During the election period, there was severe restrictions on opposition parties. Arbitrary arrest and intimidation was used. Furthermore, they were held in prolonged pre-trial detention, or charged on politically motivated charges. Additionally, there were restrictions on the amount of space the opposition had for rallies and campaigns, where police refused to issue permits to hold campaign rallies, only for the opposition. This violated article 19 (freedom of expression and opinion), as the opposition was unable to campaign, violating article 21 (peaceful assembly), by restricting public gatherings, and article 25 (right to vote and be elected), by use of harassment and intimidation.
What did the HRC do in response to the Zimbabwe election violations in 2023?
Urged Zimbabwean government to respect obligations under ICCPR, and ensure free and fair elections and protect the rights of all citizens. It has also called for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals.
