Editorial

Civil and political rights are the rights that protect individuals from arbitrary or unlawful interference by the state or other actors and that enable individuals to participate in the conduct of public affairs, the administration of justice, and the formation and expression of opinions and beliefs. They include, among others, the right to life, liberty, security, privacy, freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, association, assembly, movement, fair trial, and effective remedy.
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), civil and political rights are based on recognizing the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all human family members. The UDHR proclaims that these rights are essential for protecting human dignity, freedom, justice and peace. It also affirms that these rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated with other human rights.

Civil and political rights emerged as a response to the atrocities and oppression during the World Wars and other conflicts in the 20th century. They reflect the aspiration of people to live in a world free from fear and want and to have a voice in their destiny. Civil and political rights are codified in international treaties that bind states to respect and ensure these rights to all individuals within their jurisdiction. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is one of the core instruments that elaborates on the civil and political rights enshrined in the UDHR. It also establishes mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing these rights globally.

Civil and political rights express the fundamental values and principles that underpin human dignity and worth. They recognize that everyone has inherent worth and agency and should be treated equally. They also acknowledge that human beings have duties and responsibilities towards each other and their community. Civil and political rights enable individuals to participate in their societies’ governance, hold their leaders accountable, and influence public policies that affect their lives. They also protect individuals from arbitrary or abusive exercise of power by the state or other actors. They foster democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability, pluralism, tolerance, and non-discrimination.

Civil and political rights facilitate social cohesion, diversity, inclusion, solidarity, and dialogue among different social groups and individuals. They also promote social justice, human development, peace, security, and stability. They contribute to realizing other human rights, such as economic, social and cultural rights. Accordingly, Pakistan should also embrace the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in letter and spirit.

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