International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

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Context:

India successfully concluded its fourth periodic review by the UN Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva.

About Fourth periodic review of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

The Human Rights Committee, comprising 18 independent experts, monitors the implementation of the ICCPR, reviews reports of all countries by conducting periodic reviews and makes observations and recommendations.
States must report one year after acceding to the Covenant and then whenever the Committee requests (usually every four years).
The Committee normally meets at the UN Office at Geneva, Switzerland and typically holds three sessions per year.

Highlights from fourth periodic review

India’s delegation also showcased India’s commitment, actions and achievements in these areas.
Members of the Human Rights Committee posed questions on diverse topics such as anti-corruption measures, non-discrimination, the status of women and minorities, counter-terrorism and national security measures, judicial framework, privacy and data protection laws, and India’s new criminal laws.
The Indian side highlighted its success in the “protection of rights of vulnerable groups” and recalled the country’s contributions to the evolution of the global human rights framework.
The members of the Human Rights Committee spoke “appreciatively of the traditions and ethos” of India, rooted in pluralism, non-violence and diversity.
The review demonstrated India’s commitment to engaging with the international human rights framework and its “willingness to address concerns while continuing its efforts towards protection and promotion of human rights of its citizens”.

India and ICCPR

India became a party to the ICCPR in 1979.
India has undergone three such reviews so far, the last being in 1997.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

●It is a multilateral treaty that commits nations to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial.

●The ICCPR is considered an important document in the history of international law and human rights, forming 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).

Adoption:

●It was adopted by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2200A (XXI) on 16 December 1966 and entered into force on 23 March 1976 after its thirty-fifth ratification or accession.

Members

●As of June 2024, the Covenant has 174 parties and six more signatories without ratification, most notably the People's Republic of China and Cuba;

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

●It is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (GA) on 16 December 1966 through GA Resolution 2200A (XXI), and came into force on 3 January 1976.

●It commits its parties to work toward the granting of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) to all individuals including those living in Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories.

●The rights include labour rights, the right to health, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living.

Parties

●As of February 2024, the Covenant has 172 parties.

●A further four countries, including the United States, have signed but not ratified the Covenant.

Monitoring

●The Covenant is monitored by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Universal Declaration of human rights: Refer here

UDHR

Important articles for reference :

National Human RIghts Commission

International Human Rights Treaty

Sources:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The National Human Rights Commission or NHRC is a standalone entity of the Government of India with the mission of promoting and protecting human rights. However it lacks the requisite powers and enforceability to protect the human rights in India. Critically examine. (250 Words)