This treaty is part of the international bill of human rights and guarantees a range of civil and political rights including the freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, the freedom of belief and the right to privacy. Article 2 provides that the rights enshrined in the Covenant shall be available to all persons without distinction on the grounds of "race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status". Article 26 of the Covenant guarantees a general right to equality and non-discrimination. It was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966.