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Middle East and North Africa

Arab Charter on Human Rights (2008)

Updated: May 2016
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The Arab Charter on Human Rights (entered into force 2008) states:

 

Article 3

 

1. Each State party to the present Charter undertakes to ensure to all individuals subject to its jurisdiction the right to enjoy the rights and freedoms set forth herein, without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religious belief, opinion, thought, national or social origin, wealth, birth or physical or mental disability.

 

Article 24

 

 Every citizen has the right:

 

 1. To freely pursue a political activity.

 

 2. To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives.

 

 3. To stand for election or choose his representatives in free and impartial elections, in conditions of equality among all citizens that guarantee the free expression of his will.

 

 4. To the opportunity to gain access, on an equal footing with others, to public office in his country in accordance with the principle of equality of opportunity.

 

 5. To freely form and join associations with others.

 

 6. To freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

 

 7. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of these rights other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

 

Article 40

 

 1.  The States parties undertake to ensure to persons with mental or physical disabilities a decent life that guarantees their dignity, and to enhance their self-reliance and facilitate their active participation in society.