You should not be subjected to the pressures, the intimidation, whether by Government or by the private sector, which would force you into self-censorship. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas More Quotes by Alfred-Maurice de Zayas More Quotes From 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas effort water order 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas independent political rights 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas essentials rights people 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas voice country people 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas issues government military 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas environmental challenges war 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. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas levels military use When negotiations are at an impasse, when States dig their heels in, it is time to 'undig' them in a spirit of compromise. We all need to unlearn the predator in us, unlearn discrimination, unlearn privilege. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas predator privilege needs Bearing in mind that "the market" is not an invention of capitalism but that it has existed for thousands of years in many different societies, social justice logically requires that the profits resulting from the operation of markets and infrastructures created by society be equitably shared within societies and in a larger context within the human family. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas mind justice years World peace is threatened not only by weapons of mass destruction but also by conventional weapons which have led to countless violations of human rights, including the rights to life and to physical integrity. A strong treaty can contribute greatly to international and regional peace, security and stability. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas violation-of-human-rights strong integrity I condemn the lack of proper investigation of the massacres and the impunity of those responsible for them. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas massacres investigation responsible The families of the killed and disappeared are entitled to the right to know what happened to their loved ones, and to adequate reparation for the suffering endured. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas adequate loved-ones suffering Democracy is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve the sacred promises of human dignity, justice and peace. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas justice mean promise It is time to reinvigorate the UN General Assembly so that it can exercise a more decisive role in peace-making and peace-keeping, consistent with the will of the international community. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas roles community exercise It is the responsibility of all of us to remind governments of their commitments to settle disputes by peaceful means and to negotiate in good faith under the UN Charter, and to denounce war agitation particularly by the media. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas war mean commitment Without peace and the rule of law, civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights cannot be enjoyed, when killing, maiming and mutual poisoning prevail. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas political rights law If we want world peace, we must break the vicious circle of violence and reprisal, of an eye for an eye, of endless hate. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas circles hate eye Peace is not the silence of cemeteries, but the song of social justice. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas silence justice song A ten per cent reduction in military expenditures per year would be reasonable, coupled with a programme of retraining the workforce and redirecting the resources in a manner that creates employment and advances social welfare. I also encourage all States to contribute to the UN's annual Report on Military Expenditures by submitting complete data on national defence budgets. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas data military years The drafting of a legally binding instrument concerning the human rights impacts of the activities of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises has been proposed. Such a treaty or convention should strengthen the United Nations “protect, respect and remedy” framework of the Guiding Principles, which were unanimously endorsed by the Human Rights Council in 2011. Alfred-Maurice de Zayas impact rights negative