A biography for Alfred-Maurice de Zayashasn’t been written yet.
“There is consensus among States, judges of international tribunals and professors of international law that self-determination is not only a principle but also a right that has achieved the status of jus cogens.”
“World peace and security are best served when States observe treaties in good faith.”
“There are multiple ways of looking at self-determination. One understanding of the right focuses on the legitimacy of choice, so that every people may choose the form of government that it deems appropriate to its culture and traditions. Another perspective focuses on the right of two or more peoples to unify into one single State.”
“In its essence, the right of self-determination means that individuals and peoples should be in control of their destinies and should be able to live out their identities, whether within the boundaries of existing States or through independence.”
“A government that compromises its competence to defend and protect the interests of the persons living under its jurisdiction betrays its raison d’être and loses its democratic legitimacy”
“Most States have enshrined in their Constitution and legislation the concept of ordre public”
“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.”