The InternationalCovenant on Civil and Political Rights: A Study on Bangladesh Compliance recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In this light, Article 26 guarantees to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.24 Alongside the general non-discrimination principle, the ICCPR also specifically guarantees the right to enjoy linguistic, religious and cultural freedom. Article 28 provides that everyone shall have the freedom of thought, conscience and religion, inclusive of freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching. However, such protection of law proves essential when religious and other groups of this kind constitute the minority within a given territory. The ICCPR addresses this need in the oft-cited Article 27: “In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language.” This Article is often cited for its image as a pro-minority provision. Rights guaranteed to 24 See also, Article 2 of the ICCPR. 29