Meeting 6 – UN Human Rights System
1) Make a comparison of the rights enshrined in the UDHR, on the one hand,
and in the ICCPR and the ICESCR on the other. What are the similarities
and differences?
Similarities: Art. 4 UDHR = art. 8 ICCPR.
Differences: UDHR is more general and ICPPR and ICESCR are more
specific. UDHR is applicable in every state, the state doesn’t have to agree
on this, the rules are seen as rules of law but states have to agree on the
rights in ICPPR and ICESCR. Declaration vs. covenant (treaty). Civil,
political and economic and social rights. All of them are important.
2) What is the general obligation of states parties under the ICCPR? Explain
in your own words.
Article 2!!
Article 2.1 of the ICCPR : prohibition against discrimination
3) Some human rights are absolute and cannot be limited or derogated from.
Give two examples of such absolute rights and explain why.
Article 18.3 ICCPR: freedom to manifests one’s religion. This can only be
limited by law.
Art. 4, §2 ICCPR
Article 8.(c) ICESCR: The right of trade unions to function freely. This can
only be limited by law.
4) Freedom of expression is a human right that is not absolute. Explain the
conditions under which this right can be limited.
Article 19.2 ICCPR is the right to freedom of expression. Article 19.3 ICCPR
contains the limitations of this right. It carries special duties and
responsibilities. It can be restricted for respect of the rights or reputations
1) Make a comparison of the rights enshrined in the UDHR, on the one hand,
and in the ICCPR and the ICESCR on the other. What are the similarities
and differences?
Similarities: Art. 4 UDHR = art. 8 ICCPR.
Differences: UDHR is more general and ICPPR and ICESCR are more
specific. UDHR is applicable in every state, the state doesn’t have to agree
on this, the rules are seen as rules of law but states have to agree on the
rights in ICPPR and ICESCR. Declaration vs. covenant (treaty). Civil,
political and economic and social rights. All of them are important.
2) What is the general obligation of states parties under the ICCPR? Explain
in your own words.
Article 2!!
Article 2.1 of the ICCPR : prohibition against discrimination
3) Some human rights are absolute and cannot be limited or derogated from.
Give two examples of such absolute rights and explain why.
Article 18.3 ICCPR: freedom to manifests one’s religion. This can only be
limited by law.
Art. 4, §2 ICCPR
Article 8.(c) ICESCR: The right of trade unions to function freely. This can
only be limited by law.
4) Freedom of expression is a human right that is not absolute. Explain the
conditions under which this right can be limited.
Article 19.2 ICCPR is the right to freedom of expression. Article 19.3 ICCPR
contains the limitations of this right. It carries special duties and
responsibilities. It can be restricted for respect of the rights or reputations
