“Self-censorship as a result of intimidation or social pressures, sometimes referred to as "political correctness", constitutes a serious obstacle to the proper functioning of democracy. It is important to hear the views of all persons,including the "silent majority", and to give heed to the weaker voices.” GivingPersonsImportantSelfSometimesPoliticalSocialVoiceResultsViewsDemocracySeriousPressureMajoritySilentIncludingObstaclesCensorshipPolitical CorrectnessHeedCorrectnessIntimidationSocial PressureSelf CensorshipSilent Majority Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas
“No country has a perfect report card. While some countries have strong points in specific areas, they may have serious lacunae in other areas. For instance, some countries have made enormous progress on civil and political rights, but lag in the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights.” MayMadeCountryPoliticalStrongSocialPerfectRightsProgressEconomicSeriousAreasEnormousCardsInstanceReportsImplementationLagPolitical RightsReport Cards Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas
“Without peace and the rule of law, civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights cannot be enjoyed, when killing, maiming and mutual poisoning prevail.” LawPoliticalSocialRightsEconomicKillingEnjoyedMutualRule Of LawPoisoning Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas
“In a democracy, it is the people who are sovereign. Therefore, with regard to the promotion of democracy at the local, country and regional levels, civil society must have a stronger voice in all political processes.” PeopleCountryPoliticalProcessVoiceLevelsDemocracyStrongerRegardLocalsSovereignPromotionCivil Society Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas
“The mandate entails a generous synthesis of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The title requires the expert to be truly independent, keep an open mind, conduct his/her research objectively and without ideological prejudices, listen to all sides of an argument and seek the opinion of all stakeholders. The essence of an independent expert is not merely his/her expertise - which must be considered a given - but the faculty of thinking outside the box, while rigorously respecting the terms of reference laid down in the resolution establishing the mandate, and observing the code of conduct of rapporteurs.” MindPoliticalSocialSidesOpinionRightsEconomicResearchArgumentPrejudiceIndependentTitlesGenerousExpertsOpen MindIdeologicalMandatesSynthesisKeep An Open MindStakeholder Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas
