Reports of three European countries considered in Geneva.

Reports of three European countries considered in Geneva

Reports on the human rights situations in Luxembourg, Sweden and Finland were examined by the Human Rights Committee during its three-week session in Geneva (21 October-8 November).

The Committee also considered communications from individuals claiming to be victims of violations of human rights by a State party to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Such cases are heard in closed session.

The Committee also discussed draft general comments on the position of aliens under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, indicating that reports of States parties often fail to take into account that the Covenant is generally applicable to aliens as well as to citizens of each State. The general comments reflect the Committee's understanding and interpretation of various provisions of the Covenant, and identify matters on which the Committee would like more information.

Established in 1976, after the Covenant entered into force, the body monitors compliance of States with the instrument. The Committee consists of 18 experts described as having "high moral character and recognized competence in the field of human rights", who serve in their personal capacities.

The 53-article Covenant, adopted by the General Assembly in 1966, provides for protection of the civil and political rights of every individual, without discrimination as to race, sex, language or religion;

Reports discussed: In considering Luxembourg's report, particular interest was expressed by Committee members in problems linked to the presence of migrant workers. A query was made on Luxembourg's views on the right to self-determination, particularly with regard to Namibia. The need to observe article 20 on prohibition of war propaganda was stressed. Further questions related to arbitrary interference with privacy, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, torture and inhuman treatment.

Luxembourg responded that its support for the right to self-determination was reflected by its voting record in the General Assembly on decolonization and Namibia. Also, aliens were granted the same rights, with a few exceptions, as citizens. Luxembourg had been one of the first countries to sign the Convention against Torture and it was in the process of ratification.

Luxembourg had legislation which guaranteed the right to privacy. Freedom of religion was absolute, including the right...