A House with Two Rooms - The Advocates for Human Rights

• to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;
• to an education and the enjoyment of the benefits of cultural freedom and scientific
progress; and
• recognition of protection and assistance to the family, in particular mothers, children, and
young persons. 46
The ICESCR contains a general limitation in article 4: recognizing “that, in the enjoyment of those
rights provided by the State in conformity with the present Covenant, the State may subject such
rights only to such limitations as are determined by law only in so far as this may be compatible
with the nature of these rights and solely for the purpose of promoting the general welfare in a
democratic society.” Satisfying the general limitation is a difficult task. Otherwise, the only specific
derogation allowed is provided in article 8(1)(a), (c) with respect to trade unions and allows for
limitations on this right as prescribed by law “which are necessary in a democratic society in the
interests of national security or public order or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of
others.” 47 Liberia ratified the ICESCR on September 22, 2004.
iii. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) went into effect on March 23,
1976, and as of June 11, 2009, 164 states have ratified or acceded to the ICCPR. 48 The Human
Rights Committee monitors the implementation of the ICCPR. 49
The ICCPR addresses the state’s responsibility for administering justice and maintaining the rule of
law. The ICCPR is not “confined to the respect of human rights, but . . . States Parties have also
undertaken to ensure the enjoyment of these rights to all individuals under their jurisdiction.” 50 States
Parties have a legal duty to ensure that (1) domestic laws are modified where necessary in order to
comply with the state’s international obligations, and (2) domestic laws are effectively implemented in
practice by all public organs and officials, such as courts, prosecutors, police officers, prison officials,
schools, the military, and hospitals. 51
The ICCPR guarantees the following rights:
• to life;
• to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment;
• to freedom from slavery, servitude, or forced labor;
• to liberty and security of the person;
• to liberty of movement and freedom to choose one’s residence;
• to a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal;
• to freedom from ex post facto laws;
• to recognition as a person before the law;
• to freedom of thought and expression;
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