CCPR General Comment 25: Right to participate in public affairs
From DADEL
UN CCPR General Comment No. 25: The right to participate in public affairs, voting rights and the right of equal access to public service (Art. 25) (adopted on 12 July, 1996)
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 responsibility of States Parties to ensure every citizen's rights to participate in public affairs, have access to public services, vote and be elected with no discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights gives people the right to determine their political status and form of government freely. The Comment also clarifies the proper nature of representation, the importance of the secret ballot and other related issues. Rights enumerated in this article are guaranteed to citizens, but not to all individuals.