CCPR General Comment 18: Non-discrimination
From DADEL
UN CCPR General Comment No. 18: Non-discrimination (adopted on 10 November, 1989)
The UN Human Rights Committee publishes its interpretation of the content of human rights provisions, in the form of General Comments on thematic issues.
Overview
The Comment discusses the significance of equal protection of the law and the absence of discrimination, two subjects which the Committee considers to be the fundamental principles underlying the entire International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. States Parties are under obligation to ensure that all persons within their jurisdiction are protected by the Covenant without any kind of discrimination. The Comment specifies, however, that equality does not always amount to identical treatment. For example, pregnant women or persons below 18 years of age ought not receive the death penalty. Thus, not every differentiation of treatment will be considered discrimination, if it is reasonable and its aim is in keeping with the guidelines enumerated in the Covenant.