International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

The independent experts on the Human Rights Committee have published a fresh interpretation of the right of peaceful assembly.
The committee is tasked with monitoring how countries implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which under Article 21 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
It has been observed by the Human Right Committee Governments could not prohibit protests by making “generalised references to public order or public safety, or an unspecified risk of potential violence”.
In addition, Governments “cannot block internet networks or close down any website because of their roles in organising or soliciting a peaceful assembly”.
It also stressed the right of journalists and human rights observers to monitor and document any assembly, including violent and unlawful ones.
About ICCPR:
- It is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- Monitored by the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
- The covenant commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial.
- The ICCPR is part of the International Bill of Human Rights, along with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- It became effective in 1976.