What does the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) do?

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) establishes binding protections for civil and political rights, making it a cornerstone document in international human rights law. Ratified by numerous countries, the ICCPR obligates states to respect the rights contained within it, which include rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial, among others. This binding nature means that states that have ratified the ICCPR are legally required to adhere to its provisions, ensuring accountability for human rights violations.

Each of the other options does not accurately represent the purpose and role of the ICCPR. It is not merely a set of non-binding guidelines (thus negating that option), nor does it focus solely on social rights; instead, it clearly delineates civil and political rights. Additionally, the ICCPR does not provide a mechanism for states to ignore human rights obligations, as its purpose is fundamentally to protect and enforce these rights.