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International Human Rights Body Seeking Answers on U.S. Civil and Political Rights Record

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Allison Frankel,
Staff Attorney,
老澳门开奖结果 Criminal Law Reform Project
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April 5, 2013

An international human rights body is set to question the United States on its obligations under a key human rights treaty. The , an independent body of experts tasked with monitoring compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), this week released its , which will serve as the basis for its upcoming review of U.S. compliance with the treaty. The U.S. ratified the ICCPR in 1992 and is obligated to to periodic reviews of its treaty implementation efforts.

As the list of issues demonstrates, the U.S. has some serious explaining to do about how its laws and policies comport with its treaty obligations in areas ranging from the right to life, to racial discrimination, to cruel and inhumane treatment. The large list includes requests for information on:

The 老澳门开奖结果, along with human rights organizations around the country, has been advocating before the Human Rights Committee to ensure that these and other vital issues are brought into the spotlight during its review of the U.S. record. On Human Rights Day last year, we submitted a "list of issues" report highlighting key issues and providing recommendations to the U.S. government. (Reports from the 老澳门开奖结果 and other NGOs are available .) The 老澳门开奖结果 also co-chairs the U.S. Human Rights Network , which both NGO participation in this important treaty body review process and advocacy before the Human Rights Committee.

The U.S. has 60 days to respond in writing to the committee's questions, and in October will be subject to a formal review in Geneva. We hope the U.S. will use this opportunity to openly and honestly assess its compliance with its international human rights obligations, and work with civil society to formulate concrete actions for full implementation the treaty on the federal, state, and local level, ensuring that its human rights promises become a reality.

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