c. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights addresses the State’s traditional responsibilities for
administering justice and maintaining the rule of law. Many of the provisions in the Covenant address the
relationship between the individual and the State. In discharging these responsibilities, States must ensure that
human rights are respected, not only those of the vic- tim but also those of the accused.
The civil and political rights defined in the Covenant include, inter alia, the right to self-determination; the
right to life, liberty and security; freedom of movement, including freedom to choose a place of residence and the
right to leave the country; freedom of thought, conscience, religion, peaceful assem- bly and association; freedom
from torture and other cruel and degrading treatment or punishment; freedom from slavery, forced labour, and
arbitrary arrest or detention; the right to a fair and prompt trial; and the right to privacy.
There are also other provisions which protect members of ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities. Under Article
2, all States Parties undertake to respect and take the necessary steps to ensure the rights recognized in the
Covenant
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