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HURC-COVS UN 120965 · Document · 1972.12.18
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Australia today signed the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights. The instruments were signed by Sir Lawrence Mc Intyre, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. The two Covenants were adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 1966. The Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, when it enters into force, will bind parties to take steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of a series of rights. These include the right to work, to form and join trade unions, to social security, to an adequate standard of living, to education and to take part in cultural life. The Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, when it enters into force, will obligate parties to ensure that all individuals within its juridiction enjoy a number of rights. These include the right to live, liberty, security of person, freedom of movements and residence, equality before courts, presumption of innocence when charged with a crime, freedom of thought and religion, freedom to hold opinions, freedom of expression, peacefull assembly, freedom of association, protection of the family, and participation in voting and public affairs.
Sir Laurence Mc Intyre signing the instruments. Looking on are Mr. P. Giblain (left), Acting Chief of the Treaty Section, and Mr. C. A. Stavropoulos, UN Legal Counsel.

S. Lwin (author)