The Equal Rights Trust provided comments on the revised draft General Comment No. 37 on Article 21 ICCPR (right of peaceful assembly). The Trust's focus in the submission and its central recommendation is that the General Comment should fully recognise the relevance of the right to non-discrimination to Article 21, both in framing the nature and scope of the right, and in determining the nature and scope of permissible restrictions. The equal and unfettered enjoyment of the right of peaceful assembly is particularly important for groups that are at risk of exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination. Its exercise is fundamental to the affirmation and expression of identity; essential to allowing group ideas, beliefs and interests to be heard and taken into account and necessary to ensure that those exposed to discrimination can come together to challenge it.  

To read the submission, click here.