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2.2 Civil rights

Civil rights - guarantees of equal social opportunities and equal protection under the law, regardless of
race, religion, or other personal characteristics. Unlike human rights, civil rights are rights of a public
nature, as they are in the relationship between the state and the citizen.

Examples of civil rights:

• The right to a public education,
• The right to vote,
• The right to government services,
• The right to use public facilities.

Civil rights are a central element of democracy. Refusal to participate in political society deprives people of
civil rights. Citizens’ rights legislation seeks to guarantee full and equal citizenship for those who have
traditionally been discriminated against on the basis of certain group characteristics. When the
enforcement of citizens’ rights is considered by many to be insufficient, a civil rights movement may
emerge that will demand equal application without discrimination 1

2.3 Political rights

Political rights ensure citizens’ right to participate in political and civil life. They guarantee non-discrimi-
nation and are closely linked to citizens’ status. Political rights include both the right to cast your vote in
elections and the right to join a political party. Furthermore, these rights guarantee free participation in
political rallies, protests and other political and social events.
2

1 https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-rights
2 https://www.csce.gov/issue/citizenship-and-political-rights