Suchergebnisse

Civil rights in the Soviet Union are discussed against the backdrop of changes occurring in the Soviet legal system. The Soviet Union is set on a course to create a law-based state. With the signing of the Vienna Concluding Document, the Soviet Union recognized the priority of international law over domestic Soviet law, with the consequence that efforts are being made to bring domestic Soviet legislation into conformity with international law. Now permitted, even encouraged, is the creation of voluntary organizations that monitor the implementation of the Helsinki Accord. Furthermore, a program is being carried out to educate the public on the international agreements on human rights that the USSR has signed. Immense changes are taking place in the public's legal consciousness, and these will guarantee that the defense of civil rights will become a reality.

The history of Soviet conceptions of human rights is outlined & the implications for human rights of the current Soviet attempt to create a law-based state are discussed. It is argued that an international legal means of defending civil rights is needed. The work of independent associations for human rights in the USSR, particularly the Soros Foundation, is also discussed. In Questions and Answers, Vaxberg responds to questions posed by discussants. F. S. J. Ledgister