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Meaning
The quote says that a government cannot be considered successful if it does not protect the human rights of the people under its control. It treats human rights protection as a basic test of whether a state is functioning properly. The statement also implies that legitimacy depends on the treatment of the population, not just formal authority.
When It Was Said
2015
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Listed in a 2015 report submitted to the UN General Assembly.
Source
Report of the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order on the adverse impacts of free trade and investment agreements on a democratic and equitable international order .
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote; certainty is marked PROBABLE.
Did You Know?
Cited with a source on Wikiquote.
About Alfred-Maurice de Zayas
Cuban-born American lawyer and writer
Alfred-Maurice de Zayas is a Cuban-born American lawyer and writer active in human rights and international law. He served as the first United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, in office from 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2018. His work centers on human rights and the legal questions that shape the international order. He is known for writing on these fields and for his role in the United Nations mandate on a democratic and equitable international order.
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