Respect of Human Rights Critical to Development and Good Governance!

On Sept. 6-7, 2000, the heads of States and Governments gathered together in the UN headquarters in New York to adopt 'Millennium Declaration', wherein it was recognized that there is a direct connection between development, good governance and human rights.

It took some time for the world leaders to declare the obvious but better late than never! Remember, we all are the path as well as the vehicle for the challenging journey between the 'declaration' to the 'actualization' of the declaration. Because if you and I are not actively involved, it would be impossible to ensure the operationalization of any policy or statement, no matter how beautiful it is.

I would like to reiterate the fourth clause under the section on 'Values and Principles' of the 'Millennium Declaration' here:

"We are determined to establish a just and lasting peace all over the world in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. We rededicate ourselves to support all efforts to uphold the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their territorial integrity and political independence, resolution of disputes by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, the right to self-determination of peoples which remain under colonial domination and foreign occupation, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the equal rights of all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion and international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character."


Claim your rights and share with those who are deprived of them!  

Recommended readings:

• http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/MDG/Pages/MDGIndex.aspx
• http://www.un.org/millennium/declaration/ares552e.htm