UN Covenant · Civil & Political Rights
ICCPR
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. A binding UN treaty that
guarantees fundamental freedoms – including self-determination, participation,
equality and cultural rights – which are essential for indigenous peoples.
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Available in four languages. All files are in PDF format, accessible, and searchable.
At a Glance
- What is it?
A binding UN treaty on civil and political rights. - Who is affected?
States parties and all individuals under their jurisdiction, including indigenous peoples. - Why it matters?
It anchors self-determination, political participation and cultural rights in international law.
About the Covenant
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and entered into force in 1976. Together with the ICESCR, it forms the core of the international bill of human rights.
Self-Determination and Participation
Article 1 of the ICCPR recognises the right of all peoples to self-determination. For indigenous peoples, this provision is a central legal basis for political participation, cultural autonomy and control over their own affairs.
Equality and Cultural Rights
The ICCPR guarantees equality before the law, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the protection of cultural, religious and linguistic identity. These rights are essential for indigenous communities to preserve their traditions and to participate fully in public life.
METADATEN
Issuer
UN General Assembly
Adopted
1966
In force since
1976
Resolution
2200A (XXI)
Languages
EN, DE, FR, ES
Document type
Covenant
Last review
2024
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