Civil and Political Rights: Upholding Equality and Democracy

Abstract

Question One: What are Civil and Political Rights? Introduction One can argue human rights as a great sub-class of rights entitled to all persons. To be precise, human rights are rights entitled to all persons without discrimination as they do not demand any specifics of the right-holder. To this effect, civil and political rights become part and parcel of human rights that all humans deserve without any hindrance. It is imperative to note that human rights remain in existence regardless of whether the social system legally grants or recognizes them, thus the need to consider humans' civil and political rights at all odds of life. An essay will provide a detailed analysis of civil and political rights to offer a better understanding of what these rights mean with examples of the same to help differentiate these rights from any other human right. According to Conte and Richard (2-3), civil and political rights are a group of human rights that protects individuals’ freedom from being violated and broken by private individuals, social organizations, and the government. Through these rights, the assurance of an individual's entitlement to remain active in the civil and political life of the state and society remains defined without any repression or discrimination. However, though one can argue human rights as moral and pre-legal rights that nobody can take away from those entitled to them, it is wise to note that some may choose to respect or violate human rights, which is why civil and political rights aim at enhancing equality for all through protection by the law. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, success in enjoying civil and political freedom without fear could only become a reality upon establishment of conditions that dictates the need for everyone to enjoy civil and political rights without any infringement from any private or public party (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights). To better understand the two terms "Civil and Political" concerning the rights associated with each, it is essential to offer a brief example of which rights belong to each term. One can argue civil rights as crucial components of democracy that guarantee equality in social opportunities and protections under the law without discrimination. Civil rights dictate equality in socially related activities for all humans regardless of culture, religion, skin tone, gender, and any other characteristic that differentiates humans. Right to vote, fair trial, public education, and right to government services serve as the most profound examples of civil rights that remain protected by the law and entitled to all humans. For instance, in the United States, the most basic civil rights include free speech, the right to due process, and protection from discrimination, which aims to enhance equality to all in socially related areas. Article 3 in the States Party to the Present Covenant dictates that "the States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all civil and political rights set forth in the present Covenant” (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights). Such a clause...