3920th Meeting, 136th Session, Human Rights Committee…

The Human Rights Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its States parties.

The Committee's work promotes the enjoyment of civil and political rights, resulting in numerous changes of law, policy and practice. As such, it has improved the lives of individuals in all parts of the world. It continues to strive to ensure all the civil and political rights guaranteed by the Covenant can be enjoyed in full and without discrimination, by all people.

All States parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how civil and political rights are being implemented. States must report initially one year after acceding to the Covenant and then whenever the Committee requests. In accordance with the Predictable Review Cycle, the Committee requests the submission of the report based on an eight-year calendar. The Committee examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of 'concluding observations'.