WILPF, Human Rights and the UN

The International Human Rights Covenants

The International Human Rights Covenants are UN treaties that outline basic human rights standards, and put them into power through international law. The two covenants, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, And Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, divide human rights into two different categories. Though these rights are categorized separately, in 1950, when the Covenants were being created, the General Assembly proclaimed "civic and political freedoms and of economic, social and cultural rights are interconnected and interdependent" (resolution 421 (V), sect. E). This statement is still important today, because there is often an imbalance in the attention given to the different treaties based on the political background of the country.

Though the covenants address different types of human rights issues, they both address a few specifics. Both covenants clearly state in their opening paragraphs the human right to self-determination, that is, for someone to determine their political status, as well as economic, social, and cultural development. The importance of the application of these rights without discrimination, and the importance of gender equality are also addressed in both the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Once a state ratifies one of these Covenants, it is legally bound by international law to put its provisions into legislative effect, and to assure consequences and accountability for violation of the rights in the Covenant. 

The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) outlines the role of governments to provide economic and social protection of their citizens, and the promotion of cultural growth and diversity. The Covenant affirms that economic, social, and cultural rights must be protected for the promotion of human dignity and for the integrity and advancement of humanity.  The ICESCR specifically deals with labor rights: the right to work, the protection from economic exploitation, the freedom to organize unions and to demonstrate. The ICESCR makes social protection a government responsibility through social security and social insurance. Article 11 mentions “adequate standard of living… including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions.” The Covenant also proclaims food to be a human right, as well as the right to health, including things like “environmental and industrial hygiene."  It protects rights pertaining to social and cultural life, as well: the family, calling for childcare assistance and maternity benefits; and the right to education, setting the standard for compulsory public education. The right to participate in, support, and enrich cultural life and scientific and technological knowledge is also a part of this treaty.  In addressing economic, social, and cultural rights, the Covenant safeguards human dignity by promoting conditions where basic survival and personal development are possible.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) addresses issues of liberty, justice, and political participation, while outlining limits to state power, and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. The civil and political rights addressed in this Covenant, like the ones secured in article nine, are meant to protect “liberty and security of person,” by outlawing arbitrary detention, and offering protection from torture, hidden medical experiments, slavery and forced labor. This Covenant also describes state responsibilities within justice systems, such as providing the accused with adequate resources to a fair trial. The right to life, also discussed here, denounces capital punishment and genocide. Civil rights that entitle people to privacy, freedom of expression, opinion, religion, and belief are also protected by this Covenant; along with the political rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and free association, political participation and equal protection of the law.  This treaty also states it is illegal for governments to distribute war propaganda or other information that is inherently discriminatory and politically-motivated.  Some protection is also offered to the family through this treaty, such as the right to free marriage, and certain rights entitled to the child, such as the protection of “minor” status. Together with economic, social, and cultural rights, these civil and political rights guarantee the privileges owed by states to their citizens in exchange for their governance.

For a more historical background on the Covenants, visit the UN website.