The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 and entered into force in 1976.  In addition to protective rights and freedoms (right to life, physical integrity, protection against torture, slavery and arbitrary state action, gender equality, freedom of thought, religion and belief, freedom of expression, assembly and association), Article 27 of the Covenant also guarantees the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities and formulates a general ban on discrimination.

> International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 19 December 1966