Which treaty is designed to enshrine civil and political rights?

• A. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• B. Geneva Conventions
• C. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• D. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Answer: (C)

Civil and political rights are protected by a binding treaty that codifies freedoms and protections for individuals in public life and during interactions with the state. That treaty is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It sets out rights such as the right to life, freedom from torture, fair and public trial, freedom of expression, religion, and assembly, and it binds states to respect and ensure these rights. It was adopted in 1966 and came into force in 1976, forming part of the International Bill of Human Rights alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration, while foundational and influential, is a non-binding declaration rather than a treaty. The Geneva Conventions deal with humanitarian law in armed conflict, not the broad spectrum of civil and political rights. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights protects economic, social, and cultural rights, not civil and political rights.