- Human Rights -
We believe that human right issues can be best addressed through improving social development: good governance, rule of law and democracy. Sustainable headway in areas such as education, health, agriculture is the cornerstone of our strategy to tackle the human right issues.
Human Rights In Africa:
PLAD will advocate that human rights issues in Africa can be best addressed through improving social development: good governance, rule of law and democracy. Sustainable progress in areas such as education, health, agriculture and environmental protection is the cornerstone of our strategy to tackle the human rights issues for peace, democracy, sustainable and inclusive growth to prevail.
What Are Human Rights, Anyway?
Human rights are the interconnected set of freedoms and rights common to all people. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, describes these fundamental rights, including:
- life, liberty, and security of person
- justice under the law
- freedom of speech and thought
- ability to own property
- fair working conditions
- enough food, water, and shelter
- access to quality healthcare and education
- Democracy -
Democracy has to mean more than just elections. It has to mean that the majority will be protecting the rights of the minority. And here in Egypt, we are committed to protecting and advancing the rights of all Egyptians. – Secretary Clinton
Democracy In Africa:
Democracy has generally been defined as a political system which allows its citizens’ to decide the laws of their land. In a democratic country, the people have the right to express their views in anything that affect their lives. A right, that they can freely and directly exercise or through a representative body during the decision making process. This body, could only carry out that duty after consultation with the majority of the constituency being represented, their views and ideas fully noted. In such a state, these views, ideas, concerns are seriously looked into and accommodated as best as possible. Not simply ignored.
- Development -
Inclusive growth means sharing the wealth of the nation with everyone. Not leaving anyone behind. Improving the working conditions and living conditions of the most vulnerable will be key. People must have ability to be mobile within the country and cross-country. Goods must be transported to markets rapidly to avoid wasting time, energy and products.
Good Governance:
What is good governance?: It is
… among other things participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable. And it promotes the rule of law. – UNDP.
PLAD shares the view of those who believe that the mechanisms for ensuring good governance have three key elements:
First: Internal rules and restraints (for example, internal accounting and auditing systems, independence of the judiciary and the central bank, civil service and budgeting rules);
Second: “Voice” and partnership (for example, public-private deliberation councils, and service delivery surveys to solicit client feedback); and Third: Competition (for example, competitive social service delivery, private participation in infrastructure, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and outright privatization of certain market-driven activities). – WDR 1997.
First: Internal rules and restraints (for example, internal accounting and auditing systems, independence of the judiciary and the central bank, civil service and budgeting rules);
Second: “Voice” and partnership (for example, public-private deliberation councils, and service delivery surveys to solicit client feedback); and Third: Competition (for example, competitive social service delivery, private participation in infrastructure, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and outright privatization of certain market-driven activities). – WDR 1997.
- Health -
Every African must have access to appropriate medical care. Not just those in the big cities. Sustainable economic development hinges on nation’s ability to have a healthy and well fed population.
- Education -
Every African child must have access to elementary education. Know how to read and write. Yet, that would require some basic elements: appropriate classrooms, transportation to and from school.
- Agriculture -
Access to modern, easy tools to maneuver and technology exchange are essential elements to alleviate the harsh working conditions of African men and women. Help raise crop yield, enhance self -sustainability and eliminate dependency on foreign food aid to the continent. In most of Africa, this is still carried out in the traditional manner. Exchange of knowledge Coupled with the appropriate resources could help enhance the livelihood of those in the trade.
- Environment -
Environmental protection is key to addressing negative impact of abrupt and volatile climate changes in Africa’s ecosystem and the world.
- Peace Building -
Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free. All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured. Human Beings, indeed all sentient beings, have the right to pursue happiness and live in peace and freedom. – Dalai Lama
Our single most important challenge is therefore to help establish a social order in which the freedom of the individual will truly mean the freedom of the individual. We must construct that people-centered society of freedom in such a manner that it guarantees the political liberties and the human rights of all our citizens. There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find ways in which you yourself have altered. –Nelson Mandela, 1994
