International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

HL Deb 09 November 1998 vol 594 c74WA

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the obligations imposed upon the United Kingdom by ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights include:

1. (a) securing equality before the law and the equal protection of the law without discrimination on any ground in all parts of the United Kingdom; and
2. (b) providing effective remedies for alleged breaches of the right to equality of treatment without discrimination.

[HL3660]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Kingdom is obliged to respect and ensure the rights recognised in the covenant, which include equality before the law and the equal protection of the law without any discrimination, and the right to an effective remedy where rights or freedoms recognised in the covenant are violated.