Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Quotes

American United Nations official

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Alfred Maurice de Zayas (born May 31, 1947, Havana, Cuba) is an American lawyer, writer, historian, an expert in the field of human rights and international law, a peace activist, President of PEN International Centre Suisse romand (2006-09 and 2013-17), United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order (also known as Special Rapporteur 2012-2018), appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Professor of International Law.

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All international investment agreements under negotiation should include a clear provision stipulating that in case of conflict between the human rights obligations of a State and those under other treaties, human rights conventions prevail

Democracy is not exercised only once in a while, but entails a continuing dialogue between representatives and constituents

Among the rights that States must ensure are the rights to life, security of person, participation in the conduct of public affairs, homeland, movement, health, education, employment and social security

A State that fails to ensure the human rights of the population living under its jurisdiction is a failed State

To the extent that bilateral investment treaties and free trade agreements lead to violations of human rights, they should be modified or terminated

Globalization cannot be allowed to become the grand global casino where investors rig the system to guarantee that they always win

The issue of corporate criminal responsibility for ecocide and other offences deserves in-depth analysis in a future report

Over the past twenty-five years bilateral international treaties and free trade agreements with investor-state-dispute-settlement have adversely impacted the international order and undermined fundamental principles of the UN, State sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law. It prompts moral vertigo in the unbiased observer.

States should significantly reduce military spending and develop conversion strategies to reorient resources towards social services, the creation of employment in peaceful industries, and greater support to the post-2015 development agenda.

Austerity is necessary in the military – not in the progressive achievement of economic, social and cultural rights.

Reduced military budgets will release funds for the promotion and protection of human rights and for addressing global problems such as pandemics, climate change, deforestation and acute water shortages.

In totalitarian States citizen have no voice. In democratic countries, however, citizens bear responsibility for the decisions taken by their democratically elected officials. If crimes are committed in their name, it is their responsibility to demand accountability.

According to a 2014 report, the European Union is spending at least 315 million euros on drone-related projects.

A truly democratic country must proactively inform the public so that the public can decide on spending priorities.

It would be preferable to teach that honour and glory can also be won through civil courage and working for social justice.