12. The exercise of work in all its forms and at all levels requires the existence of the following interdependent and essential elements, implementation of which will depend on the conditions present in each State party:
(b) Accessibility. The labour market must be open to everyone under the jurisdiction of States parties. Accessibility comprises three dimensions:
(i) Under its article 2, paragraph 2, and article 3, the Covenant prohibits any discrimination in access to and maintenance of employment on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, physical or mental disability, health status (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, or civil, political, social or other status, which has the intention or effect of impairing or nullifying exercise of the right to work on a basis of equality.[…]
full text of the General Comment: http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/(Symbol)/E.C.12.GC.18.En
General Comment No. 18: The Right to Work (art. 6), E/C.12/GC/18, February 6, 2006
12. The exercise of work in all its forms and at all levels requires the existence of the following interdependent and essential elements, implementation of which will depend on the conditions present in each State party:
(b) Accessibility. The labour market must be open to everyone under the jurisdiction of States parties. Accessibility comprises three dimensions:
(i) Under its article 2, paragraph 2, and article 3, the Covenant prohibits any discrimination in access to and maintenance of employment on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, physical or mental disability, health status (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, or civil, political, social or other status, which has the intention or effect of impairing or nullifying exercise of the right to work on a basis of equality.[…]
full text of the General Comment: http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/(Symbol)/E.C.12.GC.18.En