Human Rights Law at Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein upholds a robust human rights framework, integrating constitutional guarantees with active participation in international human rights initiatives. Here's an overview:
🇱🇮 Constitutional Protections
Liechtenstein's Constitution (revised in 2011) enshrines fundamental rights, including:
Equality Before the Law: Article 31 guarantees equal treatment of all citizens.
Right to Privacy: Article 32 protects personal liberty, inviolability of the home, and confidentiality of correspondence.
Freedom of Expression: Article 40 ensures the right to freely express opinions within legal and moral boundaries.
Freedom of Association and Assembly: Article 41 protects the right to form associations and assemble peacefully.
Right of Petition and Complaint: Articles 42 and 43 provide citizens the right to petition Parliament and lodge complaints against public authorities . (Liechtenstein 1921 (rev. 2011) Constitution - Constitute)
🌐 International Commitments
Liechtenstein actively participates in various international human rights treaties, including: (Human rights in Liechtenstein)
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): Member since 1982.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Member since 1998.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD): Member since 2000.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Member since 1995.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Member since 1995.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Member since 2023. (Human rights in Liechtenstein)
Additionally, Liechtenstein is a party to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) . (Combating torture and the death penalty - Human rights and international humanitarian law - Topics - Office for Foreign Affairs - National Administration - Company Name)
⚖️ Domestic Implementation and Institutions
Liechtenstein's commitment to human rights is reflected in its domestic policies and institutions:
Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO): Established in 1996, the OEO addresses issues related to gender equality, migration, disability, and sexual orientation. It advises authorities, conducts investigations, and participates in developing national programs .
Annual Human Rights Report: The government publishes an annual report detailing the human rights situation in the country, providing statistical data on various topics and serving as a basis for assessing and monitoring human rights conditions . (Human rights in Liechtenstein, Human rights in Liechtenstein - Publications - Reports and publications - Office for Foreign Affairs - National Administration - Company Name)
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Rights
Liechtenstein has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights:
Registered Partnerships: Legalized in 2011, with 68.8% public approval.
Same-Sex Marriage: Legalized in 2024, with the law taking effect on 1 January 2025 . (Human rights in Liechtenstein)
👶 Children's Rights
Liechtenstein is committed to children's rights through:
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Ratified in 1996.
Third Optional Protocol: Ratified in 2017, allowing children to submit individual complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Council of Europe Conventions: Ratified instruments like the Lanzarote Convention to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse . (Children's rights - Human rights and international humanitarian law - Topics - Office for Foreign Affairs - National Administration - Company Name)
✊ Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Defenders
Liechtenstein supports human rights defenders combating corruption: (Liechtenstein continues its ongoing support for the protection of human rights defenders fighting corruption)
SAFE Program: Contributed CHF 100,000 to Transparency International's SAFE program, aiding human rights defenders facing security risks . (Liechtenstein continues its ongoing support for the protection of human rights defenders fighting corruption)
🏛️ Judicial Oversight
The Constitutional Court (Staatsgerichtshof) oversees the protection of fundamental rights, including: (Staatsgerichtshof des Fürstentums Liechtenstein)
Economic Rights: Guaranteeing a tax-free subsistence minimum and protection of property.
Criminal Procedure Rights: Ensuring rights like the presumption of innocence and protection from double punishment . (Staatsgerichtshof des Fürstentums Liechtenstein)
For more detailed information, you can visit the Office for Foreign Affairs – Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law page.
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