This post is a summary of three articles. The first with the title above, it was written by U.N. Director Shabbir Cheema and it was published at http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan The second was published at http://www.lincoln.edu/criminaljustice/hr/Civilandpolitical.htm. The third was published at http://www.partnersglobal.org/what/accountable-governance.
Today we are witnessing an upsurge in the popularity of democracy. Myriad political system and cultures adhere to the values of respect for human dignity, justice, equity, participation and accountability that underpin human rights, democracy and good governance. For democracy to be consolidated, five inter-related conditions must exist : free and lively civil society, "a autonomous and valued political society", the rule of law to guarantee freedoms and associations, functioning bureacracy which can be used by the democratic government, and "an institutionalized economic society". Democratization is understood to be the process whereby democratic institutions, practices and beliefs are built and/or strengthened in a society. This includes fostering the participation of citizens in the democratic process. The elements of democracy may move in different directions and follow diferent routes. Electoral democracies can become more democratic or less democratic. Similarly, democracies can improve or decline in their levels of accountability and responsiveness. There is, thus, no guarantee that democratic development moves in one direction, and there is much to suggest that all political systems, including democracies, can become rigid, corrupt and unresponsive. There are compelling reasons to care about whether the quality of governance is good across the globe. For the good of their own people and the sake of our common aims. Countries that are well governed are both less likely to be violent and are less likely to be poor. A country that protects human rights and promotes inclusion is less likely to have citizens who are alienated . Even if non-democratic governance were proven to promote economic progress, democratic governance has an intrinsic human development value in that it enables political and social participation. This is because human development is a measure of far more than just economic well-being. It is a process of enhancing human capabilities in a way that expands choice and participation. There is a wide body of literature on why and how democracies function effectively in some countries and not in others. Firstly, democratization is facilitated where there is greater inclusion in the process of decision-making. Second, ability of leaders to inspire others towards political change. Third, international approaches emphasize for democratic improvements and pressure from global actors including the civil society. Fourth, organizations, actors and institutions that are able to put pressure from below to affect reform. A vibrant and active civil society is a critical element in human development, since it is the part of society that connects individuals with the public realm and the state. Civil society can provide checks on government power and monitor abuses. Today there is a growing dichotomy between domestic and international politics in the sense that civil society is clarifying its role through global issues such as environment, human rights, crisis and so on. Like civil society organizations, political parties are an important vehicle responsible for aggregating the diverse demands of society. A vibrant multi-party system is essential to the health of democratic governance because provides a series of platforms for actions. Civil society and political parties are directly involved in the electoral process, functioning of the legislature, the promotion and protection of human rights, anti-corruption strategies, and governance in crisis and post-crisis situations.
Civil and political rights are the rights that generally restrict the powers of the government in respect of actions affecting the individual and his or her autonomy, and confer an opportunity upon people to contribute to the determination of laws and participate in government. Some of the most important CIVIL RIGHTS are: RIGHT TO LIFE - this right can be violated in a variety of ways, including: deaths as a result of torture, neglect, the use of force, or life-threatening conditions of detention. RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION - this right can be violated in a variety of ways, including: preventing peaceful public demonstrations, restricting possibilities to join voluntary associations, denying persons the right to join organized unions. RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF THOUGHT, CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION - this right can be violated in a variety of ways, including: failing to provide adequate procedures to complain about, or obtain compensation for, not carrying out thorough enquiries into aleeged ill-treatment by security forces, not establishing complaints procedures regarding the interception of telephone calls. RIGHT TO PRIVACY - this right can be violated in a variety of ways, including: intervening in a person`s private right (which includes their right to form relationships), disrupting family life (which includes the right to marry and found a family), interfering with private correspondence (which includes emails and e-messages). POLITICAL RIGHTS are the guarantee the positive liberty to contribute to the process of governing the affairs of society in which one lives. Political rights presume that the government processes should be structured so as to provide opportunities for political participation of all citizens. Every citizen have the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or by chosen representatives.
Good governance is the foundation on which a peaceful, prosperous and dignified society is built. Governance is the processes of decision-making in a society and the processes by which those decisions are implemented. Partners creates the platforms for leaders and citizens to cooperate, ensuring that those who are affected by a decision have a voice in the process. Government is just one of the actors in governance. Others may include NGOs, research institutes, religious leaders, media, multi-national corporations, political parties, etc. Partners works with all sectors to strengthen their communication and management, enabling them to improve transparency. This build legitimacy and trust in the government and promotes citizen participation.
