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.… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
Some observers compare elections in some countries with sports events, where people are but spectators. Moreover, elections must not be mere interludes for pushing a lever and then retreating to passivity, for democracy demands committed participation in the daily workings… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
A ten per cent reduction in military expenditures per year would be reasonable, coupled with a programme of retraining the workforce and redirecting the… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
World peace is threatened not only by weapons of mass destruction but also by conventional weapons which have led to countless violations of human… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
A World Parliamentary Assembly functioning outside the United Nations, or a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly set up as a subsidiary body of the General… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
Self-censorship as a result of intimidation or social pressures, sometimes referred to as "political correctness", constitutes a serious obstacle to the proper functioning of… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
Respect for human rights requires transparent and accountable institutions and governance as well as the effective participation of all individuals and civil society, who… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
This new declaration which emphasizes the necessity of global disarmament is based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations, in particular the… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
When negotiations are at an impasse, when States dig their heels in, it is time to 'undig' them in a spirit of compromise. We… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
The Independent Expert is persuaded that recognition of peace as a human right will promote a democratic and equitable international order and that national… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
Bearing in mind that "the market" is not an invention of capitalism but that it has existed for thousands of years in many different… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
Attention must be given to the penal consequences of violations of the right to peace, including the punishment by domestic courts or in due… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
It is the responsibility of all of us to remind governments of their commitments to settle disputes by peaceful means and to negotiate in… — Alfred-Maurice de Zayas Copy Share Image
