Alfred-Maurice de Zayas

"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."

"Investors and transnational enterprises have invented new rules to suit their needs, rules that impinge on the regulatory space of States and disenfranchise the public."

"According to a 2014 report, the European Union is spending at least 315 million euros on drone-related projects."

"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."

"Decolonization was not only just and consistent with the Charter; it was necessary to end violence."

"Parliaments that do not genuinely represent, but act as if they had a blank check for x number of years lose their legitimacy."

"Representative democracy deserves the predicate “democratic” only if and when parliamentarians genuinely represent their constituents."

"A truly democratic country must proactively inform the public so that the public can decide on spending priorities."

"Globalization cannot be allowed to become the grand global casino where investors rig the system to guarantee that they always win"

"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"

"The bearers of the right of self-determination possess justiciable rights, not mere promises."

"Self-determination is an expression of the individual and collective right to democracy."

"Democracy must be lived and practiced every day. It entails much more than periodic voting, which in many cases is only pro forma, in the absence of public influence on the choice of candidates and scarce possibility of policy change."

"Direct democracy is undoubtedly one of the most efficient, reliable and transparent methods to determine the will of the people."

"I am especially worried about the impact that investor-state-arbitrations (ISDS) have already had and foreseeably will have on human rights, in particular the provision which allows investors to challenge domestic legislation and administrative decisions if these can potentially reduce their profits."

"The ideal of direct democracy, including the power of legislative initiative of citizens and control of issues through genuine consultation and referenda has been partially achieved only in few countries."

"Disarmament is not just an idle promise; it is also a commitment under article 26 of the Charter of the United Nations."

"It would be preferable to teach that honour and glory can also be won through civil courage and working for social justice."

"Austerity is necessary in the military – not in the progressive achievement of economic, social and cultural rights."

"The issue of corporate criminal responsibility for ecocide and other offences deserves in-depth analysis in a future report"

"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"

"Most States have enshrined in their Constitution and legislation the concept of ordre public"

"Norms cannot be applied à la carte."

"The right of self-determination must be implemented through specific measures."

"Self-determination is now recognized as a principle of legitimacy underlying modern international law."

"A violation of the right of self-determination gives rise to a legitimate human rights claim by individuals and groups and triggers State responsibility to make reparation."

"Neither the right of self-determination nor the principle of territorial integrity is absolute."

"States have the sacred duty to ensure peace, while individuals and peoples have the right to peace."

"Democracy means a genuine correlation between the will of the people and legislation and policies that affect them, be it domestic or international."

"Direct, participatory and responsive democracy has been shown to be conducive to achieving a more just world order. Only such an approach will allow progressing from predator societies to human rights oriented societies."

"Article 103 of the UN charter says that if there is a conflict between the provisions of the charter and any other treaty, it is the charter that prevails."

"I am concerned about the secrecy surrounding negotiations for trade treaties, which have excluded key stakeholder groups from the process, including labour unions, environmental protection groups, food-safety movements and health professionals."

"Downsizing military budgets will enable sustainable development, the eradication of extreme poverty, the tackling of global challenges including pandemics and climate change, educating and socializing youth towards peace, cooperation and international solidarity."

"Budget and fiscal transparency are necessary tools to prevent the hijacking of the international order by the international military-industrial complex."

"Democracy and self-determination serve the overall goal of enabling human security and human rights."

"Frequently, military expenditures are “secret” or concealed, thus frustrating the right of citizens to know how their taxes are being spent."

"The existence of zero nuclear weapons may sound utopian, but the effort is required in the name of humanity."

"In the light of continued warmongering by some States, it is apparent that resolutions of the General Assembly, including its resolution 68/28, have not succeeded in reducing tensions."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"To the extent that bilateral investment treaties and free trade agreements lead to violations of human rights, they should be modified or terminated"

"A State that fails to ensure the human rights of the population living under its jurisdiction is a failed State"

"Democracy is not exercised only once in a while, but entails a continuing dialogue between representatives and constituents"

"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"

"World peace and security are best served when States observe treaties in good faith."

"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."

"All peoples have the right of self-determination."

"It is high time to mainstream human rights into all trade agreements and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and regulations, so that trade representatives and dispute-settlers know that trade is neither a “stand alone” regime not an end in itself."