Summary

Booklet titled 'International Covenants on Human Rights' published by the United Nations in 1967 and reprinted in 1973. The booklet includes the 'International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights', the 'International Covenant on civil and Political Rights', and the 'Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights'.

The 'International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights' includes articles regarding: rights to equality regardless of 'race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status' (Part II Article 2); and freedom of religion (Part II Article 18). It states that where 'ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language' (Part II Article 27).

Both treaties were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966. The 'International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights' entered into force on 3 January 1973 and the 'International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights' entered into force on 23 March 1976.

These two international treaties, which Australia has signed and ratified, have implications for national immigration, multicultural and human rights legislation in Australia.

Physical Description

Thirty-six page staple bound booklet. The cover has the United Nations logo and black title text.

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