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Quote by Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

“Specific protection must be granted to human rights defenders and whistleblowers who have in some contexts been accused of being unpatriotic, whereas they perform, in reality, a democratic service to their countries and to the enjoyment of human rights of their compatriots.”

Quote by Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

Author

Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

Alfred-Maurice de Zayas is a lawyer born on May 31, 1947. He has extensive research and practical experience in the fields of international law and human rights. more

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“The war industries in many countries and the enormous trade in weapons of all kinds generate corruption and fuel conflict throughout the world. The existence of an immensely powerful military-industrial complex constitutes a danger to democracy, both internationally and domestically, because it follows its own logic and operates independently of popular participation.”

“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.”

People Country Political Process Voice Levels Democracy Stronger Regard Locals Sovereign Promotion Civil Society

Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

“Representative democracy frequently manifests a disconnect between parliamentarians and the people, so that parliamentarians have agendas that do not correspond with the wishes of the electorate. This has led in many countries to apathy, cynicism and large-scale absenteeism in elections. What is needed is not only parliaments, but parliamentarians who genuinely represent the wishes of the electorate.”

People Country Wish Democracy Needed Election Scales Agendas Apathy Cynicism Representatives Parliament Large Scale Electorate

Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

“With the growth of the world population, the global climate change and the need for a greater healthy environment, access to water resources has become a crucial condition for the realization of an equitable international order, where the needs of the peoples are effectively addressed. In this regard, the need for international cooperation, including in joint effort with relevant non-state actors, is paramount to ensure water is made available to all without discrimination. Water is a human right, an enabling right, not a mere commodity.”

“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.”

“Respect for human rights requires transparent and accountable institutions and governance as well as the effective participation of all individuals and civil society, who are an essential part of realizing social and people-centred sustainable development.”

People Humans Wells Individual Social Realizing Rights Development Essentials Institutions Human Rights Participation Governance Transparent Sustainable Development Civil Society

Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

“Every democracy must involve civil society in the process of establishing budgets, and all sectors of society must be consulted to determine what the real priorities of the population are. Lobbies, including military contractors and other representatives of the military-industrial complex, must not be allowed to hijack these priorities to the detriment of the population's real needs.”

Needs Real Process Democracy Military Complexes Including Population Determine Priorities Budgets Representatives Civil Society Military Industrial Complex Contractor

Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

“Global military spending levels constitute an unconscionable use of resources and remain at an all-time high, reaching a total of USD 1.75 trillion in 2012, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.”

Use Levels Military Research Resources International Spending All Time Reaching Institute International Peace Stockholm Military Spending

Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

“In a world where millions of human beings live in extreme poverty, die of malnutrition and lack medical care, where pandemics continue to kill, it is imperative to pursue good faith disarmament negotiations and to shift budgets away from weapons production, war-mongering, surveillance of private persons and devote available resources to address global challenges including humanitarian relief, environmental protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, prevention of pandemics, and the development of a green economy.”

“I urge Governments to considerably reduce funds allocated to the military, not only as a disarmament issue, but also as a potential contributor to social and environmental protection and call for the holding of referenda on this issue worldwide.”

Government Social Issues Military Environmental Protection Urges Fund Disarmament Environmental Protection Contributors

Author:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas