Contribution on the Human Rights Committee’s General Comment on Article 21

Joint Written Contribution by ICNL and ECNL on the Human Rights Committee’s General Comment on Article 21

PUBLISHED: MARCH 19, 2019

The UN Human Rights Committee recently announced that it would issue a General Comment on Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (the right to peaceful assembly). Through General Comments, the Committee provides authoritative interpretations of individual rights and guidance for their practical implementation. This strengthens the safeguards needed for the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms.

As part of the drafting process, the Human Rights Committee held a half-day general discussion on March 20 in Geneva and invited members of civil society, academia and international organizations to participate. ICNL and its affiliate ECNL submitted this contribution to the consultation; it contains recommendations and comments in preparation for the General Comment.