What does General Comment No. 31 of the Human Rights Committee emphasize?

General Comment No. 31 of the Human Rights Committee emphasizes the obligation of states to respect, protect, and ensure rights as contained within the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This comment highlights that states have a proactive responsibility to safeguard the rights of individuals and to ensure that individuals can exercise their rights without interference.

The emphasis on "respect, protect, and ensure" underscores a comprehensive approach to human rights obligations, suggesting that states must not only refrain from violating rights themselves (respect), but they must also take positive measures to prevent third parties from violating those rights (protect), and ensure that those rights are fulfilled through appropriate policies and practices (ensure). This holistic understanding illustrates the state's pivotal role in the promotion and enforcement of human rights standards, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their freedoms and protections under international law.

In contrast, the other options reflect misunderstandings or limitations regarding state responsibilities in human rights. Option A incorrectly narrows the focus to only political rights when the General Comment encompasses a broader range of civil and political rights. Option C inaccurately suggests that states should avoid involvement, whereas they must actively engage in protecting rights. Option D misrepresents state obligations, as international law does not permit states to ignore violations by