The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a vital international treaty guaranteeing fundamental civil and political rights in a global context. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), it forms the International Bill of Human Rights. Ratifying nations like India commit to protecting essential human rights, including life, dignity, equality, freedom(s) of speech, assembly, religion, and privacy, freedom from torture and arbitrary detention, gender equality, fair trial rights, family life, and minority rights. Governments are obligated to implement measures and provide remedies to ensure these rights are upheld and protected. Adopted by the UN in 1966 and effective since 1976, the ICCPR is a cornerstone of global human rights protection. India ratified the ICCPR in 1979. Our Constitution is aligned with its principles, and we participate in periodic UN reviews and engage in international human rights dialogues to ensure implementation of the tenets of the ICCPR in the civil and political context of India. Aligning with the tenets and principles of the ICCPR, the National Human Rights Commission acts as a national mechanism to promote and protect human rights.
It does this through systematic review of national legislation and policies, thorough investigation of alleged violations, and the formulation and dissemination of actionable recommendations to governmental bodies. Furthermore, the NHRC actively cultivates a human rights culture by conducting public awareness initiatives and training programs for diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration with civil society organizations and human rights defenders. It also has dedicated core groups established for various subjects and themes that are in tandem with the focus areas of the ICCPR, which conduct regular meetings on pertinent issues of human rights.
Key NHRC Functions under ICCPR:
● Reviewing national laws and policies for consistency with human rights standards
● Investigating alleged human rights violations and recommending corrective action
● Advising government bodies through well-researched recommendations and policy inputs
● Raising public awareness through campaigns, publications, and media engagement
● Training stakeholders including law enforcement, educators, and civil society● Fostering partnerships with civil society organizations and human rights defenders
● Facilitating thematic dialogue through dedicated Core Groups on issues like:
- Rights of women, children, minorities, LGBTQIA+ persons
- Civil liberties and criminal justice reforms
- Refugee and asylum rights, and more
