The ICCPR has its roots in the same process that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . A " Declaration on the Essential Rights of Man " had been proposed at the 1945 San Francisco Conference which led to the founding of the United Nations , and the Economic and Social Council was given the task of drafting it . Early on in the process , the document was split into a declaration setting forth general principles of human rights , and a convention or covenant containing binding commitments . The former evolved into the UDHR and was adopted on 10 December 1948
1945 San Francisco Conference
United Nations Conference on International Organization
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights