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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Definition

This is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, which commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.

Analogy

Think of this covenant as a rulebook for a game. Just like how every player in a game has to follow certain rules to ensure fair play, every country that signs this treaty agrees to uphold certain rights for their citizens. It's like an international referee ensuring everyone plays fairly.

Related terms

Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, language or other status.

United Nations (UN): An international organization formed in 1945 to increase political and economic cooperation among member countries. The organization works on numerous issues including peacekeeping operations and humanitarian efforts.

Civil Liberties: Fundamental individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental or other interference.