Civil Rights in the Soviet Union

Abstract

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.