Saturday, August 31, 2019

African Penguins

The topic of my report is african penguins who are also known as black footed penguins . I chose this topic because through out my life i have seen penguins only in Antarctica which made me wander how can they survive on islands. The main characteristics are that they are 26-27 inches in height and there weight is 4-11 pounds. There back is colored black and there front is colored white which has a black stripe. They have large black beak and feet. They sound like donkeys when they communicate with each other. Another interesting haracteristics is they have pink glands above each eye and their average swimming speed is 4-12 MPH. The African Penguin are found in South Africa which is in the southern hemisphere. After penguin choose their partner for life, breeding occurs throughout the year. Although the main breeding begins in February, Nest are constructed and two eggs are laid and they incubate for 38-42 days. When the eggs hatch the parents care for the baby penguins for 8-18 weeks. African Penguins like to hunt in the nutrient rich cold water and like to eat mainly fish such as squid, anchovies and a few other things The major facts about african penguins are that they are only found in south coast of africa. There is no other place in the world where these penguins are found. There is no fixed breeding season it can happen throughout the year. The enemies of penguins are sharks,killer whales and other dangerous marine creatures. In conclusion i very much enjoyed researching about this animal because they have a lot of interesting facts that the penguins in Antarctica don't have. The most interesting fact i learned was they have pink glands above there eyes.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Obama’s Election and First 100 Days

The American politics proved to be dynamic and changing over the years. The changes was seen huge in a sense that voters no longer consider race and color as a basis on selecting leaders in the country. Many people across the globe are even greatly involved of the latest presidential election since changes in public opinion are evident. In the context of Obama’s election and the first one hundred days of his service as President of the country, we may analyze the American politics in terms of voting behavior, public opinion, elections and political parties. Primarily, the election of Obama as the President can be attributed to his desire to serve the country. Being a community organizer and tough politician in Chicago, he was able to develop a political clout that brought him to where he is now. He is prepared to face the challenges before he ventured into the highest executive post in the country. It is difficult to analyze the development of American politics without understanding the behavior of candidates since it is a factor that affects winning the most coveted seat in American political leadership. In the case of Obama, he persuaded some influential politicians that could endorse him into the presidency. In other words, the determination of Barack Obama to defy all things that would prevent him to win in the presidential elections helped him legally seized power from the past President. Thus, within two years up to his candidacy, he made sure that he would not be involved on nasty and huge political issues to build a name for the voters to choose during the elections. In connection, there are additional factors that led to the victory of Barack Obama in the Presidential elections. These factors include voting behavior, public opinion, election machineries and political parties. In terms of voting behavior, it is apparent that voters are more aware of their rights as well as benefits compared to the past. When Barack Obama rendered his electrifying speech at the Democratic National Convention four years ago, voters and commentators stated that Barack Obama would become the first black President of America (Liberty Lounge 1). This comment catapulted voters to watch over their new leadership prospect and decide to take side on him. The behavior of the voting public is glued on the possibility of electing a black President since Barack Obama was able to shield himself from political detractors along the way. Even young children are aware of the popularity of Barack Obama which made their parents think of the possibility of making him the next President of the country. With that, young voters showed a huge difference in the presidential elections. In fact, young voters volunteered to organize campaign activities for Obama and aided in raising funds for his political machinery. The efforts of these young people contributed so much for the election of the first black President. Many voters also gave comments that the election of Obama is revolutionary, historic, and record breaking. Gone are the days when elections for President are for white Americans only. The American voters are now willing to entrust their future to a black leader in a country wherein race and color resulted to chaos and dilemmas so many years ago. This phenomenon is historic and revolutionary because its huge impact to the voters marked the start of gaining more cooperation, freedom and liberty. On the other hand, public opinion shaped and molded the way for Barack Obama to be elected as President. The role of the news media on his success is vital since the voters could not have considered voting him if not for the massive campaign through news media and other channels of public information. In fact, modern technology magnified the candidacy of Barack Obama. It is also undeniable that Obama expertly utilized interactive social technology. Other means of electoral campaign for Obama includes employing blogs, click-to-donate tools, phone brigade, text brigade, door-to-door campaigns, and even online updates on the election (Sarmiento 1). Besides, presidential and vice-presidential debates that are televised aided voters in choosing their candidates for the elections. Above all, the television media, radio, and print media has done their job well in keeping the electorate informed on the differences of the official candidates for President in America. Hence, public opinion easily shaped the choice of the people for their leader. With respect to political parties in relation to American politics, it is worth to mention that there is a shift from Republican to Democratic. It is clear that citizens and individuals in the United States nowadays were aligned to Democratic Party principles in terms of their political orientation. In the year 2008, majority of the voters leaned to the Democratic Party (Sarmiento 1). The fact is that there were 29 states and the District of Columbia which are involved with increased Democratic Party affiliation (Liberty Lounge 1). Barack Obama is identified with the Democrats and was chosen by the majority of the citizens in the country. In American politics, the aspect of public opinion, political parties, electoral campaigns, and electoral behavior. In these past few days within the first one hundred days period of the leadership of Obama, it is apparent that these aspects of American politics are identifiable. We take a closer look on the results of the electoral behavior and public opinion after the elections. Since Obama inherited economic problems from the past President, he faced tremendous scrutiny from the public on how he would carry on despite the problems. Many activists warned the new administration to refrain from overreaching to the people. It is evident that within the first one hundred days of Obama as President, he started implementing policies in order to save the economy which was questioned by some people. He also initiated the repair of the broken healthcare system, ending two wars, fixing poverty and inequality dilemmas, and wiping the stained US reputation in the world. Although the presence of both Democratic Party and Republican Party within the American political system stimulated the political processes, there is no way to prevent Obama in implementing his ways to improve the country. As conclusion, it is evident that Obama won the elections because of his charismatic aura and ability to render electrifying speeches. This also includes the apparent willingness to inherit economic problems from the past administration and to help the people cope up with the crises. The American political system has also changed from being conservative to a more revolutionary one. Race and color is no longer a barrier in attaining political power in the country. Hence, Obama’s election and first one hundred days may be tremendously scrutinized, yet it marked the start of more revolutionary governance in consonance to the will of solving economic problems as a primary goal. Works Cited â€Å"Analysis: Organization, strategy keys to Obama victory†. 5 November 2008. Liberty Lounge. 4 May 2009 < http://www.libertylounge.net/forums/36978-post-election-analysis-why-obama-won.html.>. Sarmiento, Rene. â€Å"10 Lessons Learned from the US Presidential Elections†. 19 January 2009. ABS-CBN News. 4 May 2009 < http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/features/01/19/09/10-lessons-learned-us-presidential-elections >.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Strangers on a train

Big Ben had just struck midnight when Helen and her friends joyfully burst through the doors of the Westminster Academy. ‘What an amazing concert', she cried. ‘We should definitely go and watch another one soon!' replied Tom. ‘Guys, I think we should just forget about the concert for one split second and actually think about our journey home at such a ridiculous hour!' said Sarah. ‘True, look I'll go with you Helen and Jim, you go with Sarah' said Tom. As the couple waited anxiously for the last train to approach, they silently reminisced over what had really been a well and truly, unforgettable night. After a long wait of what felt like an hour, the last train clumsily slid along the rail tracks and hesitantly pulled up to a halt at Westminster station. Its rickety doors, lethargically slid open and wickedly beckoned the two friends into its carriage of mystery. As Helen looked directly in front of her to look through the pane of glass on the other side of the carriage, she caught a glimpse of a strange looking girl sitting in between two puny but psychotic looking boys. Helen always felt uncomfortable making any form of eye contact with strangers as she had heard of various incidents concerning people in the same situation as her. However, it was as if some strong wave of curiosity was encouraging her face to keep on studying these characters and as she did this, she noticed the vibrant blue veins ridged into the girl's skin and the trembling hands of the boys. All through this, the girl stayed unmoving. ‘Tom look over to the other side but try to make it as discreet as possible', Helen said to her friend. ‘You mean that dodgy looking bunch opposite us yeah?' he replied. ‘Yeah, they're really starting to creep me out; please do something!' ‘Ok,right I've got a plan.' he said, ‘Now, Helen listen to me very carefully, when I get off at my stop, come with me and pretend that it's also your stop and just try and cleverly change carriages ok?' When the train ground to a halt at Paddington station, the two got off and indeed executed the plan of action. ‘Are you sure you're going to be alright Helen?' Tom worriedly gasped, ‘you can always come back to mine and then I'll drive you back home instead.' ‘Oh come on Tom, when exactly are you going to stop treating me like a baby and realize that I'm a 25 year old grown woman' she proclaimed, ‘Look, I think I can deal with a couple of freaks who have nothing better to do than put fear into the hearts of innocent people!' However, as she settled into her new seat, three familiar faces could be made out from the far seats of the carriage and by now it was too late as the sliding doors banged shut. ‘Just keep calm', she thought but in reality she was extremely hysterical. As she subtly tried to gaze over to the far side of the carriage, the boys suddenly began to shift uncomfortably in their seats and almost seemed nervous. The boys with their eyes bloodshot and their faces flushed gave the impression that they were under the influence of drugs, alcohol or perhaps both. The boy on the right of the girl had on a crumpled white t-shirt that was stained with heavy blotches of brown. A bruise lay on his left eye and his lip had a small cut in it. He seemed the more nervous of the two and was literally trembling. However, the boy on the left of the girl seemed to be quite serene and composed in comparison to his companion who was quite the opposite. He had a severe expression and wore a thick jacket of fur. He had a heavy gash on his right arm and his nose was bleeding. Still. The girl stayed still, unmoving as a statue in a garden. Her face almost death like and as pale as a white sheet of paper. Her bright, vast, ginger bob of curls heavily contrasted with this strange and ghostly complexion. Her eyes, piercing like the rays of a bright sun. Her jaw, fully agape as though it were an opening into a mysterious cavern. Her shirt was slashed across the torso and her underwear lay exposed due to this. Great slashes lay from her upper arm right down to her wrist. The boys had entwined their arms around that of the girl's and seemed to be making a great effort to sustain her in a sedentary position. At this moment in time, Helen decided to turn her face away from this ghastly, frightening sight towards the other side of the carriage. She really didn't understand why these strange beings that she was trying to get away from had followed her into the new carriage. However, she then spotted a man that looked officious but overpowering at the same time moving over towards the seat next to her. By now Helen was really starting to lose her calm and collected aura.Suddenly,he started mumbling something but Helen felt that this was just another unfamiliar being that was just trying to get her attention. Nevertheless, he persisted and finally got through to Helen by writing something on the newspaper he was reading and showed it to Helen. ‘GET OFF AT THE NEXT STOP!' it read, ‘YOU'RE IN SERIOUS DANGER-THAT GIRL YOU SEE IS DEAD-THIS IS NO JOKE-I AM A DOCTOR AND I KNOW THIS FOR SURE, SO HELP YOURSELF WHILE THERE'S STILL TIME!!' By this time, Helen was well and truly in a hysterical state and it was almost as if her heart was about to leap out of her body. However she still managed to keep a cool cover as the train approached Hammersmith station. She then got up, stood, walked through the sliding doors and made her final exit off the train. As she did all these actions, she made sure that she acted as if she were the most innocent and unsuspecting creature in the whole world. When the train moved slowly away, she first of all turned around to see whether she could spot the man that saved her and give her his thanks, but the station lay empty. Lifeless. Dead. Before she even had time to think her legs had turned into that of a professional sprinter and carried her out of the station at the speed of lightning. Never again would she be so reckless and try to prove herself tough, by encountering such a life threatening ordeal at such a perilous hour.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Breast Cancer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Breast Cancer - Research Paper Example ost cases, the onset of breast cancer does not cause pain and has very little noticeable symptoms .When it progresses; some symptoms start to show up including lymph or a small thickening near or in the breast. Other symptoms include change in the size of the breast and nipple discharge. The breast becomes tender or turns inwards and causes skin irritation. Some breasts have some form of dimpling and scaliness. However having one or more of these symptoms does not necessary mean, that one has breast cancer. Cancerous tumors sometimes invade surrounding tissues and often appear in the liver, bones, brain, or lungs. People should know the symptoms of breast cancer to ensure early diagnosis. Other symptoms include change in skin texture or enlargement of pores or selling of the breast or any shrinkage. Treatment of breast cancer has different forms that include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, and hormone therapy. All these treatments can be used together or individually. It depends on the diagnosis and stage of the cancer .Screening of breast cancer is done at the early stages but diagnosis happens at a later stage when someone has the symptoms as discussed above. Doctors must take into consideration the grade and stage of cancer, general health, and whether a patient has reached menopause. When it comes to surgery it depends on the type of cancer someone has, which is then followed by chemotherapy or biological treatment that also depends on the type of cancer. According to Andreeva and Pokhrel (2013) Europe is divided into Eastern Europe, Western Europe. Eastern Europe has many economically, and culturally distinct nations that are marked by post communist transitions, detrimental health practices and underfunded prevention measures. Breast cancer cases in Eastern Europe are mostly diagnosed at late stages. Screening of women varies widely; about 57 percent of Hungarian women and 3% of Georgian women were seen to have been examined

Virgin and Child with Four Angels Research Paper

Virgin and Child with Four Angels - Research Paper Example The dimensions are not very impressive. The artwork is relatively small. It is 63 cm tall and 39 cm wide. Wonderful use of light and shade gives the viewer a glazy feel. The painting has been developed on a wooden panel. The subject is all about Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus (in the form of a little baby). The depiction shows the mother and the child has very human-like rather than angel-like structure. The scene is that of Virgin Mary being anointed the Queen of the Heaven by four angels. Nevertheless, the artist has depicted the scene on the backdrop of contemporary cityscape (Harbison, 160-165). In this way, contemporary metropolitan environment has been admixed with the Biblical mythology. However, the facial expressions of Virgin Mary and the four angels appear to be very serious but serene and full of heavenly pity. The painting is of oil-on-panel variety, where the artist has laboured hard to create fine details. Use of several colours along with copious illumination has been accomplished with the help of brushstrokes and different oil-based shades. Medieval Europe used to be a very religious place. Religion played a key role in not only socio-cultural life, but also in the continent’s politics, municipality, architecture, military, ethics, etc. The art and architecture of Europe at that time clearly reflected this social situation. Christianity influenced the Medieval European population heavily, and the artwork Virgin and Child with Four Angels is a very important example of this reality. Common people used to buy lots of artefacts dedicated to Christianity, and many contemporary pictures and paintings depicted Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, and other historic or mythological characters (Borchert, 144). Gerard David was no exception to this tendency, and he used his artistic skills professionally. In his time, he might have earned considerable amount of money by creating and selling artworks depicting scenes from Christian texts and Biblical

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

2010 Chilean Mining Rescue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

2010 Chilean Mining Rescue - Essay Example In 2010, the San Jose mine got bought by the Minera Andes bought 49% of the shares of the company. This was a company owned by Marcelo Kemeny and Alexander Bohn (Scott 56). They diversified the San Jose mine in the production of copper. The two, Marcelo and Alexander, were the ones in charge of the company when the incident happened in 2010. Marcelo was the son of Jorge Kemeny who started Minera Andes in 1957, the company that later took charge of the San Jose mine. The San Jose produced approximately 2,700 kilograms of copper daily in 2010. This was approximately $22,000. The production of gold in the year 2010 was 12,549 ounces. Further, the gold deposits as per 2010 were worth up to a billion dollars. This was the importance of the company to the copper mining industry. The company together with other copper mining companies provided the largest part of the government revenue. With Chile being among the leading producer of copper, the San Jose mine was at the centre of private mining companies that were fast producing copper (Amy et al 4). Until the 2010 incident, the San Jose mining company had been growing in terms of it profit margin. The profit margins had been on an upward trend. Despite the various minor accidents, the company had been able to increase its productivity. The change in ownership of the company, in 2010, helped to further increase its productivity. There was a new management and more capital available for investment. However, the 2010 incident dealt it a significant blow (Franklin 32). In the year ended December 2010, the Minera Andes, which owned 49% of the San Jose mine company, recorded a net income of $ 30.9 million. For the same period in 2009, the company had recorded a $26.8 million income. This indicated a rise of $4.1 million in income. . The company reported an $18.8 million net income in the final quarter of the year. It is worth noting that Minera Andes had bought the 49% shares of San Jose mine in 2010. This

Monday, August 26, 2019

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics Research Paper - 4

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics - Research Paper Example The bank is engaged in commercial banking and related services, as defined in the Banking companies’ ordinance 1962, operating through various branches in Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh & Afghanistan, with the registered office at B.A Building, I.I. Chundrigar, Karachi. â€Å"To develop & deliver the most innovative products, manage customer experience, deliver quality services that contributes to brand strength, establishes a competitive advantage and enhances profitability, thus providing value to the stakeholders of the bank†. There are various opinions on ethics because it is not a constricted subject and thus there are various theories. Although none of these can be regarded as incorrect but each one has its merits and demerits (Collins, 2009, 120). Below are examples of commonly used ethical systems: Relative Value Theory: accepts the need for evolution of moral codes. This theory gives room for different cultures, races, religions and sects by realizing that any particular act can be regarded as ethical in one society whereas the same act can be considered as immoral in another. Absolute Value Theory: in contrast believes in one set of moral rules that stay consistent in every situation. Since this concept is very rigid thus is mostly applied on international truths e.g. murder by one person of another stays unacceptable irrespective of any society, religion or sect. Deontological Approach (non-consequentialist): suggests that any action will be judged as â€Å"right or wrong† on the basis of the moral behind the action. Thus the outcome or consequence of the action bears little importance. Teleological Approach (consequentialist): pays heed on the results of the actions rather than the motivation for the action. Thus two different opinions can be formed that whether the action is good for oneself (egoist) or if it is good for the society (utilitarian). If we look at the code of ethics of Bank Alfalah Limited it is visible that they are based on

Sunday, August 25, 2019

St George's Church, Schenectady, NY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

St George's Church, Schenectady, NY - Essay Example To the north is the Mohawk river. As an Anglican Church, St. George’s was established by British missionaries and supported by many other churches in the area. Donations were provided by Trinity Church on Wall St., as well as from the many Dutch and English settlers. Sir William Johnson became one of the first parishioners, with a generous donation. He also used his influence with fellow officers to gain even more support. â€Å"Well known throughout the colonies for his defeat of the French at Lake George, Johnson's heroic capture of Fort Niagara only weeks before the initial subscription helped guarantee a favorable response.† (stgeorgesschenectady.org). Church membership was limited to those who held blue collar jobs with limited means Through the 1700s. In the 1770s, during the Revolutionary war the church was used as a barracks. For the remainder of the century the church struggled with membership and obtaining appropriate leadership. Again, in the early 1800s Trin ity Church donated funds for repair of St. George’s and for the Rector’s salary. In 1810 the church formed a choir. By 1830 a Sunday School with around 70 children was operating. An active Ladies’ Guild was also raising funds for church projects by this time, allowing it to become more self sufficient. In 1941 William Johnson returned, this time as Rector of St. George’s.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Cutural competence and cutural proficency (social work perspective) Essay

Cutural competence and cutural proficency (social work perspective) - Essay Example cultures; value diversity; institutionalizing cultural knowledge, the capability for cultural own assessment; and awareness of the dynamics that are inherent during cultures interaction (Goodson, 2001). The article describes the cultural beliefs, attitudes, awareness’s, biases, and history heritage of people from England and Afghanistan. More so, the discussion focuses on contrasting and comparing the two cultures, checking other social work theories and how to educate organizations and communities. Culture: since the start of British history, various battles and wars placed the Great Britain under the ruling of Vikings, Venetians, Saxons, Normans and Romans. The mixture intensified because of the refugee’s migration from Ireland, Russian and France (Smith, 2007). The result of the blending is several races with distinct statues, builds, cultural habits, hair colors, skin and gastronomy. There are three domineering languages in England: Welsh, Scottish and English. 92% of the populations are white, 3% are black, 1.3% is Pakistan, 1.2% is mixed, and 1.6% is other races. Major religions: 72% are Christians including Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican and Roman Catholic. 23% are undetermined or unspecified, 3% are Hindu and 2% are other denominations. In 1998, at least 20% of the total population believed in God, 15 percent were agnostics and 10 percent were atheists (Goodson, 2001). Nevertheless, the principal religious traditions in England are Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. In the recent era, there are a cult and pagan religions such as Transcendental Meditation, Unification Church, and goddess religion, among others. Awareness and education: the models of learning in England involve the direct interaction between a child and a parent or teacher. Major ceremonies for secular initiation for young adults and children are present in the educational clubs and process. Afghanistan is mountainous and landlocked, which has undergone

Friday, August 23, 2019

Gdel's Work in Set Theory Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gdel's Work in Set Theory - Case Study Example In his Logical Journey, Wings publications indicate that GÃ ¶del’s works began in 1930 when he started studying the consistency problems of classical analysis (Wang, 1996). At the time, there had been no rigorous justifications and explanations on the rigorous mathematics (Feferman, et al., 2003, p. 339). This study got its motivation from Hilbert’s works. Hilbert had been working towards the provision of a directly consistent analysis of the finitary methods. The problems that this work had formed the driving force to his study. Through this, GÃ ¶del’s wanted to prove the constancy of number theory by a finitary numeral theory (Barbara, et al., 1990). He also wanted to prove the dependability of analysis by number theory. He represented real numbers by the predicates in number theory. In so doing, he found out that he had to use the truth concept in order to verify the axioms of the analysis. He came with an enumeration of symbols, sentences, and verifications within the specified order. In so doing, he discovered that the impression of arithmetic truth cannot be given a defined form in arithmetic. He observed that if a way to define the truth within a system existed, it would lead to a liar paradox (Rahman, et al., 2008). This would show that the system is inconsistent with what is being studied. These arguments were later formalized so that they bring meaning to the existence of undecidable propositions without quoting any individual occurrences. It is observable that GÃ ¶del tried to reduce the c onsistency problem to that of arithmetic for ease of solving. At this point, he temporarily changed the direction with the aim of intruding another element. The element would prove an illumination solution to Liar Paradox (Winterburn, 2012, p. 47). This appeared to require the truth definition for the arithmetic. This, in turn, resulted to paradoxes, like the Liar paradox to mean that the sentence is a false one. GÃ ¶del then discerned paradoxes of this form would not necessarily come in existence if the truth were to be replaced with probability.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Evaluation of Shylock as a Tragic Hero Essay Example for Free

Evaluation of Shylock as a Tragic Hero Essay We Are Witnesses: Five Diaries of Teenagers Who Died in the Holocaust by Jacob Boas Rescue: The Story of How Gentiles Saved Jews in the Holocaust by Milton Meltzer Hiding to Survive: Stories of Jewish Children Rescued from the Holocaust by Maxine B. Rosenberg Parts of the Book Report: Title Page Actual Book Report Contents of Book Report: 1. Discuss the setting of the book. 2. Give a summary of the book by discussing the real persons/peoples life/lives. 3. Discuss the character/persons traits and support them with examples from the book. 4. Discuss the theme the message of the book and some interesting facts you learned from this book. 5. Give your opinion of the book. Include the answers to the following: *How would you rate the book? Why? *What part of the book affected you and in what way? *Do you think the book gave an honest account of the personOs life? *Do you admire any of the people in the book? Why? Book Report: Fiction Kriss War by Carol Matas Lisas War by Carol Matas Parts of the Book Report: Title Page Actual Book Report Contents of Book Report: 1. Discuss the setting of the book. 2. Give a summary of the book by discussing the real persons life. 3. Discuss the main characters traits and support them with examples from the book. 4. Discuss the theme the message of the book. 5. Give your opinion of the book. Include the answers to the following: *How would you rate the book? Why? *What part of the book affected you and in what way? *Do you think the book gave an honest account of a persons life during the Holocaust? Hint: Follow guide sheets for book report for the four elements of a book; there is one more thing added this time your opinion.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Personal Development Essay Example for Free

Personal Development Essay On starting this module I was quite looking forward to undertaking it. There seemed to be a number of issues that appealed and as it has a personal perspective to it the appeal was greater. During this assignment I hope to be objective in my findings and evaluate my discovery on personal development within the three perspectives. I also like to understand the impact on the different perspective and how the influence both personal an professional growth. 1. Apply the three theoretical perspectives in relation to personal development.   Psychodynamic:  Freud is the founder of psychotherapy, treatments such as free assocuation and analysis of the id, ego and superego were the way to deal with the consciousn/ uncocious psyche. Howerver current practitioners continue to use Freuds approaches albeit with more supportive techniques. It is now understood that psychotherapy is more effective when it leads to incresed self-knowledge and awareness. Other maintain object relations are more suited to change habitual practices. In terms of the three theoretical perspective on my own personal development, I have identified the following in Psychodynamic: Altruism: I have on many occassions put aside my own emotional needs by meeting to the extream the needs of others, more times than often meeting their needs FIRST.  Avoidance: I have openly spoken of how I use avoidance to distance myself from a person or situation. It prevents me getting personally involve or attached, and has been a tacktic used since childhood.  Compensation: I overcompensate my disability (dyslexia) by studying as many subject as possible usually all at the same time. At the time it seem irrational, but personaly there is a need to prove I am a person having a disabilty ..I am not disabled (or stupid) Denial: I am in denial about so many thingsI dont know what they are!  Idealization : I idealise about all the things I am going to accomplish, albeit far from the realilty of me being able to do so. I often think it is about me being a dreamer and creative, the reality is it To dream the impossible dream  Introjection: I was once told, If you walk like a General, talk like a general and dress like a General people will treat and repect you like one. I often do that and give the impression of being calm, logical, organised etc, when most of the time I am nervious irrational and disorganised (especially on the inside). The personal impact is one of acknowledging my defenses and growth towards the ideal self in order to form a theraputic alayance with the client.  The impact on the client is will be based on my appraoch having acknowledge within myself the transference and changes I am experiencing.  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):  This theory is the type of psychotherapy that is used in treating depression, anxiety, phobias and other kinds of mental disorder. CBT can help you to change how you think and what you do. These changes can help you to feel better. Unlike some of the other talking treatments, it focuses on the here and now problems and difficulties. Instead of focussing on the causes of your distress or symptoms in the past, it looks for ways to improve your state of mind now. Because CBT concentrates on behaviour this can be best dealt with when the client understands what views are held as rational and what perceptions are irrational.  A central aspect of Rational thinking is that it is based on fact, not simply our assumptions made. Often, we upset ourselves about things when, in fact, the situation is not like we think it is. If we knew that, we would not waste our time upsetting ourselves. I am trained to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy when working in PST (Psycho-Sexual Therapy) and find it a difficult practice in as it sometimes conflicts with my personality and approach. Here is how Ive identified CBT for my personal development.  CBT is based on the scientific fact that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviours. I am a great thinker and within my development have taken on the positive comments a member of the group has brought to my reflection. This is considered the fastest in terms of results obtained. (Average number of sessions around 16). This is very difficult for me, as I often get bored and impatient when the client is not making process. I am also a perfectionist and very strict in my expectations of the completing a task in such a limited time scale. I am learning not to be so hard or impatient with clients. Having said that this model compels me to work in a logical and cognitive state and the group in their observation of me often identifies this. The personal impact CBT will have for me is one of being direct and functioning in Adult ego state. This will enable be to practice being logical and direct as the model requires. (Not critical parent or perfectionist)  The impact on the client will be that they will feel confident and at ease in my intervention. Being able to rationalise and undertake homework to bring about change.

Running Head Quattroporte Inc Foreign Based

Running Head Quattroporte Inc Foreign Based As executives with the Canadian-based software company, Quattroporte Inc, we were charged with identifying the most suitable location for opening a foreign-based subsidiary to process sales outside of North America. Offshoring will help maximize profits for our organization which is in a period of hyper growth. As part of this study our team will be looking at the jurisdictions of Ireland, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man. To analyse the suitability of the aforementioned jurisdictions we will be discussing issues of globalization, tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, trade regulations, regional trading arrangements, international factor movements and multinationals, foreign exchange and risk strategies, international/regional banking factors, professional services support, taxes, capital flow/repatriation of profits, IP rights, political and policy direction, and country risk/freedom. Selection criteria will be explained and weighed for each jurisdiction. Results of this analysis will yield information which will inform managerial decision-making in establishing our foreign-based subsidiary. IRELAND Background Over time, Ireland has become a significant offshore jurisdiction. A full-fledged member of the European community, it has managed to attract significant international business commitments through its attractive taxation reductions. Lying to the West of Great Britain, having gained independence from the latter in 1922, this English speaking country of 3.5 million (1.2 million live in Dublin) is governed by a democratically elected parliamentary government. Population 4.7 million Labour force 2.1 million Unemployment rate 14.6% Public debt 118% of GDP. Communication Ireland possesses a modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay. Transportation Ireland benefits from an extensive network of airports (16), railways (3,237 km), roadways (96,036 km), waterways (956 km), and a merchant marine (31). Government Ireland is a republic and has a parliamentary system of government. The head of state is the elected President of Ireland who serves for a 7-year term. Ireland also has a prime minister (called the Taoiseach) who is nominated by the House of Representatives (called Dà ¡il Éireann) and then appointed by the president. Besides the lower house, the House of Representatives, there is also an upper house, the Senate (or Seanad Éireann). Ireland is a member of the European Union and one of the original 11 countries to adopt the euro as its currency in 1999  [1]  . Ireland is politically stable and their government is well on its way to reduce planned reductions of public servants. Economy Since 2008, Ireland has suffered from a significant debt-laden bust following the Celtic Tiger boom which had been predicated on debt and an unsustainable housing bubble. Although they experienced a significant drop in economic activity following the 2008 financial crisis, the Irish government has made significant efforts to rectify the situation. This has included the establishment of a National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) in 2009 and across-the-board cuts in spending  [2]  . Half of the top 50 banks and 20 insurance companies are hosted in Ireland. In 2008 the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) investments were equivalent to 11 times Irelands GNP. The Irish Stock Exchange hosts about a quarter of international bonds. Taxation Since October 1999, all Irish companies are liable to Irish corporation tax (regardless of where they are controlled or owners country of residency), they are no longer tax-free entities and must therefore pay Irish corporation tax, register with Internal Revenue Commissioners, and file annual tax returns. They have also established an extensive network of tax treaties which include the provision of exchange of information. This makes it important to ensure that management is based somewhere fiscally neutral. The following three principal elements make Ireland stand out as a tax haven  [3]  : Corporate Taxation in Ireland is set at 12.5% on profits for all trading companies (non-trading income is taxed at 25%). A 25% corporate tax rate relates to passive income whereas capital gains tax is 30%. Near-absence of transfer pricing rules (source of loopholes in international tax) lets multinationals artificially relocate their profits away from Ireland, usually via transfer pricing mechanisms, to lower-tax or zero-tax jurisdictions. As such, large portions of multinationals profits are sheltered from Irish tax. Membership in the European Union grants Ireland political stability and special access to European markets, membership has also kept it tax haven blacklists (e.g. Caymen Islands and Bermuda), and many countries that would apply withholding tax on interest paid to traditional tax havens do not apply them to Ireland because its classified as onshore. Relationships with International Bodies Overall, Irelands place within the European Union, weak rules on transfer pricing, and broad network of tax treaties make it particularly attractive for offshoring. Case in point, according to a recent study, 60% of companies pay no to virtually no corporation tax. Effective tax rates were estimated at 7.3% in Ireland compared with 37% in France and 26% in Canada  [4]  . This has resulted in other European countries crying foul play and also triggered beggar-thy-neighbour policies. They still have much work to do to implement better financial transparence. Intellectual Property Protection Ireland ranks 7th on the Global Intellectual Property Index (GIPI)  [5]  . Ireland is a common law jurisdiction with an independent and efficient court system, a wide range of legal protections for the creators/owners of Intellectual Property Rights and the possibility of obtaining generous state grant assistance with research and development projects. Isle of Man Background The Isle of Man is an internally self-governing dependency of the British Crown and the people are British citizens. It is not formally part of the United Kingdom but is within the British Isles. The Isle of Man has its own currency the Isle of Man pound (Manx) that runs at par with the UK pound. Douglas is the Capital city and the largest town and the entire island is very small at 570 sq. miles. The primary language for business is English. The unemployment rate is very low at 2.6% and the standard of living is high with a life expectancy of 80.76 years and has a very low crime rate. Population 85,421 Labour force 41,790 Unemployment rate 2% Public debt Nil. Communication The Island is known to have a world-class telecommunications infrastructure and offers a full range of services including voice and data communications. Transportation The Isle of Man is very small and has therefore very little transportation infrastructure. It has one airport, a small railway (63 km), roadways (500 km), and a sizable merchant marine (98). Although 321 ships are registered in the Isle of Man, 223 of these are foreign owned. Government The head of the Isle of Man Government is the Lieutenant Governor. The executive head is the Chief Minister. The capital contains both the government offices and the parliament chambers. (Tynwald). The Isle of Man is claimed to be the oldest continuously operating government in the world. It is a dependency of the Crown so is able to set many of its own laws except on issues of defense, foreign affairs and consular services. Isle of Man contributes financially to the UK for these services and protection. Economy The Isle of Man has a very impressive track record regarding its economic success. The Isle of Man has been a remarkable economic story in the past three decades and has benefited from 28 years of continuous economic growth as quoted from an Ernst and Young Report, Isle of Man: Economic Report dated May, 2012. The GDP of  £3.2 Billion ($4.9bn US) is very high for a population of only approximately 85,000 people  [6]  . The Isle of Man also enjoys full and free access of Industrial and Agricultural goods movement with the European Union under Protocol 3 of the Treaty of Succession. Isle of Man has been successful in diversifying its economic base away from Agricultural to more diverse selection including financial services, aerospace and information communication technology (ICT). Taxation The Isle of Man sets its own taxes independently of the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man has no separate corporate, estate or inheritance or gift taxes. Income tax is levied at relatively low rates and VAT (Value added tax) is applied in a very similar manner as the UK. Companies are subject to income tax and not a separate corporate tax. Income tax is often zero unless they are engaged in earning profits from Isle of Man land e.g. rental income or property development or from banking then the rate of tax is 10%. Residents of the Island pay up to 20% of their total income to a maximum of 120,000 in tax which has proven attractive for the very wealthy. Capital gains tax is zero  [7]  . Since many view the Isle of Man as a tax heaven there are certain risks with this location. For example the Subsidy towards VAT has been removed by the UK to the Island in the amount of  £200 million yearly which has a big impact on their ability to keep taxes at zero. Also, there can be a negative connotation from working out of an area that is known to be a tax heaven. Relationships with International Bodies The Isle of Man became recognized as part of the WTO under the United Kingdoms ratification agreement in 1997. Also OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) recognizes the Isle of Man as a member under the United Kingdom. Other bodies such as FATF, FSF and the IMF all have the Isle of Man in good standing with high levels of controls and protections in place. IMF had done a detailed assessment of the Isle of Mans regulatory and anti-money laundering framework in late 2002 and determined that Isle of Man had a high standard of compliance with all assessed areas  [8]  . Intellectual Property Protection The Isle of Man has a modern system of copyright protection. Computer software is protected in the same manner as prescribed in EC directives. The Isle of Man does not have its own trademark register but the UK system extends to the Island. UK trademarks are protected under Isle of Man civil law. Similarly, UK Patent law extends to the Island and Isle of Man law protects UK registrations. The UK ranks in 2nd place on the Global Intellectual Property Index (GIPI) slightly behind 1st place Germany  [9]  . GIBRALTAR Background Strategically significant, Gibraltar was relinquished to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. This led to the British garrison being declared a colony in 1830. In 1969, Gibraltar was granted autonomy by the UK which led Spain to close their border and sever all ties. Between 1997 and 2002, the UK and Spain held talks aimed at establishing a temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. This move was however rejected by most Gibraltarians following a 2002 referendum. Tripartite talks have continued since 2004 with the hopes of resolving current disputes and developing cooperation agreements dealing with such things as taxation, communications, customs services, and other contentious issues. In 2009, a dispute over territorial waters gave rise to sporadic non-violent confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. Of particular importance is the non-colonial constitution which was enacted in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognizing Gibraltars right to regulate its tax regime. The UK is however still responsible for looking after matters of defence, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability  [10]  . Population 29,034 Labour force 12,690 Unemployment rate 3% Public debt 7.5% of GDP Communication Adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities. Transportation The Isle of Man is very small and has therefore very little transportation infrastructure. It has one airport, few roadways (29 km), and a small merchant marine (13). Although 267 ships are registered in Gibraltar, 254 of these are foreign owned. Government The monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor. Economy Gibraltar adheres to the common law charter and its workforce is highly-educated. The Gibraltar Pound serves as the official unit of currency (in monetary union with the UK pound sterling). No foreign exchange regulations are in effect and complete freedom exists to move funds in and out of Gibraltar as well as the ability to convert funds to any other currency. Taxation The overall corporate tax rate is 10%. Companies pay tax on income that is accrued and derived in Gibraltar. If it can be proven that said income is not accrued and derived in Gibraltar, the income is non-taxable. The company can apply to the Commissioner of Income Tax to have this confirmed in an advance tax ruling (subject to certain conditions and restrictions). Furthermore, there are is Capital Gains Tax in Gibraltar  [11]  . Relationships with International Bodies As a member of the European Union, Gibraltar is subject to almost all European Law. Gibraltar can already take advantage of European Union directives that facilitate cross border business within the European Union in respect of insurance, banking and investment services. Gibraltar licensed or authorised financial institutions can provide services throughout the EU and EEA without having to seek separate licenses or authorisation in the host Member State. This is known as the passporting of financial services. Intellectual Property Protection A companys trading name, product/service brands, associated strap lines, logos and other aspects of get-up or brand image can be protected as registered trademarks. A trade mark must have been previously registered in the UK prior to being registered at Gibraltar Companies House. Patents must also have been previously registered in the UK prior to registration with Gibraltar Companies House. Recommendation To come to a recommendation we compared each jurisdiction using the eight risk factors identified in Table 1. As such, each factor was assigned a value from 1 thru 5, 1 being very low risk and 5 being very high risk. This risk analysis allowed us to identify which jurisdiction provided the least amount of risks based on the selected criteria. Such data provided valuable insights into the relative stability of the economies as a whole, their ability to keep taxes low, the repatriation of funds back to the head office and highlights known risks associated with each country. Table 1: Risk Assessment for jurisdictions Ireland Isle of Man Gibraltar Economy Low Risk (2) in recession following collapse of the real estate bubble high unemployment Low Risk (1) strong GDP; low unemployment Low Risk (1) strong GDP; low unemployment Government Low Risk (2) Low Risk (1) Low Risk (1) Taxation Low Risk (2) Low Risk (1) Low Risk (1) very straight forward Repatriation of profits Low Risk (1) Low Risk (1) Low Risk (1) very easy and straight forward Relationships with International Bodies Low Risk (1) Low Risk (2) some countries are disagreeable with its territorial legal status High risk (4): major territorial ownership and political disagreement with neighbouring Spain Intellectual Property Protection Low Risk (1) Low Risk (1) UK rules Low Risk (2) UK rules + Gibraltar registration Technology Infrastructure Low Risk (1) Low Risk (2) adequate but not excellent Low Risk (2) adequate but not excellent Costs of setting up merchant account with internet low cost credit card transactions processing Low Risk (2) competitive internet based rate but more expensive than offshores Low Risk (1) Competitive internet based rate Low Risk (1) Competitive internet based rate Total Risks Summary 12 10 (Lowest) 13 Best Choice We also looked at other factors including GDP, unemployment rates, and various tax rates (corporate tax rate, capital gains tax, and stamp tax) to determine overall suitability (see table 2). Once again, the Isle of Man stands out due to its 0% tax rate and sound economic indicators. Table 2: Summary Stats We also looked at some financial considerations in dollar amounts. As such, Table 3 provides some financial data on the impact of taxation if our company made a profit of $5M or $55M and we show the after Corporate tax amount resulting from such calculations. We also added a column to show the impact on profits if we remained in Canada and did not use a subsidiary. As you can see the Isle of Man has a distinct advantage over all other competitors and with no Repatriation costs it has a substantial benefit over the Canadian market place as well. Table 3 Impact of Taxation on Corporate profits Corporate Profits (approximate) Ireland Isle of Man Gibraltar Canada Profits $5,000,000.00 $4,375,000.00 $5,000,000.00 $4,500,000.00 $3,900,000.00 Profits $55,000,000.00 $48,125,000.00 $55,000,000.00 $49,500,000.00 $42,900,000.00 CONCLUSION Opening a foreign-based subsidiary to process sales outside of North America can be very beneficial given that Quattroporte is looking at international trading. By establishing such a subsidiary, we will be able to circumvent withholding taxes on outgoing payments of dividends, interest and royalties. The routing of dividends through jurisdictions with favourable double tax treaties can help our organization avoid many such tax retentions. The key issues we looked at were: Zero to very low withholding taxes on dividends. No taxes in the jurisdiction of the holding company. Zero to very low withholding taxes on dividends (paid from holding company to shareholder). Although not a crucial immediate issue we should also consider whether our company would be subject to any tax on a future disposal of the subsidiary, or whether there would be any tax on a disposal of the holding company shares. It will also need to be considered whether Canada has any special provisions that apply to dividends from tax haven jurisdictions given our intent to locate to such countries. When identifying the most suitable location for opening a foreign-based subsidiary, we have found that the Isle of Man with its array of tax benefits, stable government, strong economy, and myriad of corporate and financial services will ultimately save our organization money, increase profits and streamline the operating costs of our business.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Alan Bennetts Monologues as Dramas :: Alan Bennett Essays Monologue

Alan Bennett's Monologues as Dramas These plays are written for TV rather than theatre and are experimental for different styles of acting with more emphasis being placed on the single actors face. This is in order to show subtle changes in expressions hopefully giving the viewer a more clear insight into the characters feelings. This is more appropriate for "A Cream Crackerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" as it is a moving story, which is portrayed, even more so in the subtle movement of Doris's face "Cracked the photo. We're cracked, Wilfred." Doris has cracked her wedding photo to her late husband Wilfred, the sadness being emphasized not only through her voice but through facial expressions is far more effective. It also works well in "Her Big Chance" as the falseness of Leslie comes across through her trying to be professional and the false gestures and expressions she puts into doing this. "Are you on the cans because id like some direction on this point." Here Leslie is an extra on the daytime soap Crossroads and is asking for direction on the simplest of parts, in order to suggest that she is professional so that she might get a call back. While putting this across to the viewers she uses gestures suggesting that Rex is not as professional and devoted to the job as her. In these plays there is only a single actor/actress in these cases "Leslie" and "Doris" with all the other characters seen through the eyes of the main character. This does not give us the chance to have our own opinions about the other characters but gives us the views and opinions of the main character. This is useful on both plays as although it tells us less about sub characters it tells us a lot more about "Leslie" and "Doris" and their feelings about the people around them. "I've a feeling Scott may be gay" Leslie suggests this as he is the only man, to date, involved in the film who has not attempted to take advantage of her naivety. This tells us of how she is naive and finds herself extremely attractive, as the first man who doesn't make a sexual advance towards her is labeled gay. "Zulema doesn't dust. She half-dusts." From this we learn that Doris takes pride in her home and likes it spick and span, also that she thinks she is able to live alone and does not need home help. It also tells us a bit about Zulema, that she is not fully devoted to her work as the dusting is only half done. Both actresses portray the characters very well and make them both

Monday, August 19, 2019

events in history :: essays research papers

The year 1968 can be recognized by the mass-youth appeal in late twentieth-century political and intellectual culture. It's most frequently remembered for the assassination of Martin Luther King, the May uprisings by students and workers in France, the assassination of Robert Kennedy, the riots in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, the massacre of government protesters in Mexico City during the weeks leading up to the Olympics, and the election of Richard Nixon--to name just a few of the more infamous events. It was a year marked by the beginning of America's decline as the single dominant economic power to emerge at the end of World War II. Many social changes that were addressed in the 1960s are still the issues being confronted today. The ‘60s was a decade of social and political upheaval. In spite of all the turmoil, there were some positive results: the civil rights revolution, John F. Kennedy’s bold vision of a new frontier, and the breathtaking ad vances in space helped bring about progress and prosperity. However, much was negative: student and anti-war protest movements, political assassinations, and ghetto riots excited American people and resulted in lack of respect for authority and the law. Edward Sanders' book-long poem entitled 1968: A History in Verse depicts all areas of the year 1968 from January 1st through the end of December. Sanders avoids depicting the year 1968 as either the last great hope for historical redemption in America or as the beginning of a reactionary turn in the culture. The book recaps the year in which he played an important socio-cultural activist, role model, musician, and poet. The poem continues to cite specific details centered mostly on where his rock band, the fugs, traveled to and whom and what he encountered along the way. â€Å"To me this was the last mote of proof in 1968 that the Nation was lost† (189). After witnessing the riots in Chicago, the "Nation" Sander’s referred to is an imaginary society in which community responsibility is shared equally between both government and citizens, and economic resources are distributed more rightfully among its members, when it is actually an existing set of political formations run by the government. The book continues to address 1968 as a rebellious era of the youth of America. The Yippies, or members of the anti-political association The Youth International Party, were active across America voicing their opinion and opposing the war.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Police Use of Excessive Force Against Asian Americans :: Argument Argumentative Persuasive

Police Use of Excessive Force Against Asian Americans On July 13, 2003, the death of Cau Thi Bich Tran, a 25 year-old Vietnamese mother of two, stirred up the hearts of many in the Asian American community. According to the police, officer Chad Marshall and his partner responded to a 911 call from Ms. Tran’s neighborhood claiming that an unsupervised toddler was roaming the streets. The policemen arrived at Tran’s home and were let in by Dang Bui, the father of the two boys, who did not know what was going on at that time. Chad Marshall entered the house and in less than a minute, had shot Ms. Tran through the chest. The police claim that Ms. Tran yelled at Marshall to get out and grabbed an Asian vegetable peeler to throw at him. Marshall then ordered the petite woman to drop the â€Å"weapon† several times. Dang Bui argues that this wasn’t the case. He witnessed no order from the policeman to drop the weapon nor did the officer identify himself. Dang Bui also noted that Ms. Tran spoke very limited English and would not have been able to order the police to leave her house. Cau Thi Bich Tran’s killing has left many in the Asian American community not only outraged but also cynical about law enforcement. The incredibly short amount of time the policemen took before killing Ms. Tran leads us to believe that the police were careless and did not take the time to investigate the situation, but rather jumped to conclusions, resulting in the death of an innocent person. Chad Marshall saw the six-inch peeler Ms. Tran was holding as a threat and instantly killed her to protect himself. Instead of retreating, using voice commands, tasers, baton or pepper spray, Officer Marshall chose to escalate the situation by applying deadly force. After the killing, the court did not indict Officer Marshall. The question arises as to why he did not exercise other options rather than shooting her dead on the spot, and why we can let such a person casually wander the streets to protect others. This case shows that the San Jose police lack language skills and cult ural sensitivity, and they are allowed to kill with impunity, taking no responsibility for their own actions. Police Use of Excessive Force Against Asian Americans :: Argument Argumentative Persuasive Police Use of Excessive Force Against Asian Americans On July 13, 2003, the death of Cau Thi Bich Tran, a 25 year-old Vietnamese mother of two, stirred up the hearts of many in the Asian American community. According to the police, officer Chad Marshall and his partner responded to a 911 call from Ms. Tran’s neighborhood claiming that an unsupervised toddler was roaming the streets. The policemen arrived at Tran’s home and were let in by Dang Bui, the father of the two boys, who did not know what was going on at that time. Chad Marshall entered the house and in less than a minute, had shot Ms. Tran through the chest. The police claim that Ms. Tran yelled at Marshall to get out and grabbed an Asian vegetable peeler to throw at him. Marshall then ordered the petite woman to drop the â€Å"weapon† several times. Dang Bui argues that this wasn’t the case. He witnessed no order from the policeman to drop the weapon nor did the officer identify himself. Dang Bui also noted that Ms. Tran spoke very limited English and would not have been able to order the police to leave her house. Cau Thi Bich Tran’s killing has left many in the Asian American community not only outraged but also cynical about law enforcement. The incredibly short amount of time the policemen took before killing Ms. Tran leads us to believe that the police were careless and did not take the time to investigate the situation, but rather jumped to conclusions, resulting in the death of an innocent person. Chad Marshall saw the six-inch peeler Ms. Tran was holding as a threat and instantly killed her to protect himself. Instead of retreating, using voice commands, tasers, baton or pepper spray, Officer Marshall chose to escalate the situation by applying deadly force. After the killing, the court did not indict Officer Marshall. The question arises as to why he did not exercise other options rather than shooting her dead on the spot, and why we can let such a person casually wander the streets to protect others. This case shows that the San Jose police lack language skills and cult ural sensitivity, and they are allowed to kill with impunity, taking no responsibility for their own actions.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Non Extraction Treatment In Class Health And Social Care Essay

Anterior and posterior arch breadths in the eyetooth and molar parts from the most labial facet of buccal surfaces the eyetooths and the grinders were measured with the aid of digital caliper on the survey theoretical accounts and compared statistically to find whether the dental arches were narrower after extraction intervention.Consequences:At the start of the intervention maxillary and inframaxillary intercanine breadths both groups did non differ statistically.At the terminal of Treatment in both the groups anterior and posterior arch breadths were same except for the intercanine dimension which was 0.82 millimeter larger ( P & lt ; 0.05 ) in the extraction group.Decision:The extraction intervention does non ensue in narrower alveolar consonant arches than non extraction intervention in intercanine and intermolar part. Clinical significance: The narrow dental arches are non the expected effects of extraction intervention so, esthetically compromising consequence of narrow dental arches on smiling is non a systematic out semen of extraction intervention. Cardinal words: Arch breadth Changes, Intercanine and Intermolar breadth, extraction and Non Extraction Treatment.Introduction:The extraction versus non extraction argument is about every bit old as the coming of orthodontias pattern and boulder clay today the quandary exists. Angle1 believed that all 32 dentitions could be accommodated in the jaws, in an ideal occlusion with the first grinder in Class I occlusion, extractions was bete noire to his ideals, as he believed bone would organize around the dentitions in their place harmonizing to Wolff ‘s law2. However this was criticised by Case who stated that extractions were necessary in order to alleviate crowding and assistance stableness of treatment.3 However depending upon clinical scrutiny, radiographic and accurate diagnosing the extraction determination should be taken. Assorted transverse and perpendicular malrelationships such as crowding, bulge of dentitions are observed in Class I malocclusion which can be handled by extraction or non-extraction intervention depending upon infinite disagreement.However the long term stableness in both interventions is surrounded by a contention. It is good documented fact that addition in dental arch length and breadth during orthodontic intervention tend to return toward their pre-treatment values after retention.4,5,6,7 One of the unfavorable judgment of extraction intervention is that it consequences in narrower arches as compared to non-extraction treatment,8.The popularity of non-extraction intervention are condylar supplanting, narrowed smilings accompanied by dark corners, dished in profiles with extractions and suboptimal inframaxillary growth.9-16 Some surveies claim that dimension alterations occur in both extraction and non-extraction treatments,17 18 It is believed that the pre-treatment values of intercanine and intermolar breadths present a place of muscular balance so it is suggested that the maintaince of these values provide postretention stableness 19,20.Strang21 and Shapiro concluded that inframaxillary intercanine and intermolar breadth dimensions have a strong inclination to get worse. In the past many surveies have been carried out to analyze the effects of extraction and non-extraction intervention but the decisions vary a batch which could be because of different intervention techniques, malocclusion types and sample size examined during these surveies. So the purpose of present survey was to compare dental condescending breadths alterations in Angle Class I malocclusion after extraction of first premolar and non-extraction with a homogeneous survey group in footings of malocclusion and intervention mechanics.The arch breadths were measured in inframaxillary arches because condescending breadths are normally established by inframaxillary arch.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective survey orthodontic survey theoretical accounts of 30 patients who had first premolar extractions and 30 patients treated without extractions were selected.in the extraction group there were 19 misss and 11 male childs with average age 14.2+-2.9 old ages and in the non-extraction group had 18 male childs and 12 misss with average age 14.3+_2.12 old ages All the patients were treated with preadjusted contraption by assorted teachers in a dental institute. While choice the undermentioned standards were applied All patients had skeletal Class I malocclusion All patients had full compliment of teeth upto 2nd grinders without any losing dentition, excess dentition, or congenitally losing dentitions. None of the patients had a adjunctive contraptions such as quad spiral, any functional contraptions, rapid palatine expander during intervention In the extraction group all patients had first premolar extraction as a portion of orthodontic intervention. With an digital calliper, the breadths of the anterior and posterior parts of the maxillary and inframaxillary alveolar consonant arches were measured in the eyetooth and the molar parts from the most labial facet of the buccal surfaces of those dentitions. The calliper was placed at the best estimation of a right angle to the palatine sutura in the maxillary arch and to a line bisecting the incisor section in the inframaxillary arch. The recorded breadths between the grinders were the widest distances between the first or 2nd grinders. The widest portion of the posterior portion of the arch invariably was in the 2nd molar part. Each distance was measured 3 times, and the norm of the 3 values was used as the concluding step. The duplicability of the measurings was evaluated by analysing the differences between 10 dual measurings of intercanine and intermolar distances, indiscriminately selected and taken at different times. The mistake of measuring was assessed by Dahlberg ‘s expression: Sx = where D is the difference between extra measurings, and N is the figure of dual findings. The mistakes were 0.21 millimeter for inframaxillary intercanine breadth, 0.60 millimeter for inframaxillary intermolar grinder breadth, 0.36 millimeter for maxillary intercanine breadth, and 0.21 millimeter for maxillary intermolar breadth. Means and standard divergences were calculated, and a 2-tailed T trial was used to find statistically important differences with P & lt ; 0.05.ConsequencesThe inframaxillary intercanine and intermolar breadths did non demo statistical differences at the start of the intervention in both the groups. ( Table 1 ) At the terminal of intervention the condescending breadths of both the groups were besides statistically similar except in inframaxillary eyetooth part. ( Table 2 ) The mean inframaxillary intercanine dimension was 0.82 millimeter larger in extraction sample than non-extraction sample. During intervention the average inframaxillary eyetooth width addition was 1.28mm in extraction group and the 0.66mm addition in non-extraction group which was non statistically important. ( Table 3 & A ; 4 ) The inframaxillary intermolar breadths for both extraction and non-extraction group were non changed. Table 1. Pretretment inframaxillary intercanine and intermolar arch breadths: agencies and SD ( millimeter ) Extraction ( n=30 ) Non-extraction ( n=30 ) Significance Intercanine 30.47 AÂ ± 2.09 30.27 AÂ ± 1.82 Nitrogen Intermolar 59.25 AÂ ±2.92 59.05AÂ ± 1.67 Nitrogen NS-Not Significant Table 2. station intervention upper jaw and inframaxillary arch intercanine and intermolar breadths: agencies and SD ( millimeter ) Extraction ( n=30 ) Non-extraction ( n=30 ) Difference Significance Mx Intercanine 39.12 AÂ ± 1.98 39.84 AÂ ± 1.81 0.72 Nitrogen Md Intercanine 31.75 AÂ ± 1.84 30.93 AÂ ± 1.92 0.82 0.01 Mx Intemolar 61.01 AÂ ± 1.98 60.98 AÂ ± 2.09 0.03 Nitrogen Md Intemolar 59.81 AÂ ± 1.25 59.01 AÂ ±1.98 0.80 Nitrogen Mx- Maxillary ; Md- Mandibular ; NS-Not Significant Table 3.Mandibular intercanine and intermolar breadth alterations: agencies and SD ( millimeter ) Extraction ( n=30 ) Pre-Treatment Post- Treatment Difference Md Intercanine 30.47AÂ ± 2.09 31.75 AÂ ± 1.84 1.28 Mendelevium Intermolar 59.25 AÂ ± 2.92 59.81 AÂ ± 1.25 0.56 Md-Mandibular ; NS-Not Significant. Table 4.Mandibular intercanine and intermolar breadth alterations: agencies and SD ( millimeter ) Non-extraction ( n=30 ) Pre-treatment Post- Treatment Difference Md Intercanine 30.27 AÂ ± 1.82 30.93 AÂ ± 1.92 0.66 Mendelevium Intermolar 59.05 AÂ ± 1.67 59.01 AÂ ± 1.98 0.04 Md-Mandibular ; NS-Not Significant.DiscussionThe two grounds for which the extraction interventions are criticised are that they result in narrow alveolar consonant arches which are unesthetic because of big black trigons in buccal corridors and it is stated that the intercanine and intermolar breadths tend to diminish during station keeping period 5,19-22 Harmonizing to findings of the present survey the arch breadth in both eyetooth and molar part in the inframaxillary arches did non demo any statistical important results.in fact the arches in extraction group were about 0.82mm wider than non-extraction group. Although these findings might non fulfill some writers who support non-extraction interventions. The consequences of this survey can be compared with surveies on station intervention long term stableness in which inframaxillary incisor stableness was acceptable. The inframaxillary intercanine breadth increased 1.07mm in an extraction sample23 in contrast in non-extraction topics where the addition in inframaxillary intercanine dimension was less than 1mm in Class I 24,25 and Class II patients.. In boundary line instances the long term addition in intrecanine breadth was 1mm in extraction interventions and 0.5mm in non-extraction 26 treatments.Luppanapornlarp and Johnston found that inframaxillary intercanine breadth of extraction topics was greater at all phases of intervention in extraction instances than in non-extraction instances which indicate that extraction of 4 first bicuspids does non bespeak narrowing of arches.27BeGole et Al 28 found 1.58mm addition in extraction sample as compared to 0.95mm in non-extraction sample.Udhe et al 29 found a larger addition in extraction group than in non-extraction group. Gianelly 5 studied inter arch alterations of extraction and non-extraction groups and found that the alterations in maxillary and inframaxillary arch breadths indicated that extraction intervention does non ensue in narrower arches than non-extraction groups. This determination is in conformity with the present study.On the footing of constructs documented in the literature13,30,31 1 might anticipate narrower arches after extraction.However Kim and Gianelly suggested that the breadths of the both the arches were 1-2mm larger when compared with the condescending breadths of non-extraction group at a standardized arch depth.The intermolar breadths of both the groups were same after intervention this determination supports the position of Johnson and smith32. Who stated that arch breadth at any peculiar location is maintained or somewhat increased after extraction. Weinberg and sadowsky33 found important addition in inframaxillary intercanine and intermolar breadth in class1 malocclusion treated non-extraction and stated that the enlargement of buccal sections in the inframaxillary arches helped in declaration of Class I herding. However 16 out of 30 patients had some sort of palatal expander which might hold contributed to inframaxillary enlargement In the present survey no interventions were given for enlargement. To some research workers maxillary arch breadth is deciding of smile esthetics,34, the maxillary arch breadths in extraction and non-extraction groups were same so it can be expected that the intervention effects in maxillary arches will be the same, and there will be no difference in esthetic tonss in both the groups.In fact the intercanine breadths in extraction groups were wider than non-extraction group. However the hereafter surveies in the maxillary arches in assorted malocclusion categorizations with assorted intervention mechanics will be productive. It is stated that enlargement more than 1-1.5mm in intercanine enlargement is unstable so appliances designed to increase arch width more than this were non used in the present survey. On the footing of findings of the present survey it can be said that extraction instances do non ensue in narrow dental arches than non-extraction instances and thereby do non hold compromising consequence on smiling esthetics and stableness of orthodontic intervention. However future surveies with assorted malocclusion groups, intervention mechanics, larger sample size and long term alterations in arch dimensions will be utile.DecisionsThe present survey findings indicate that the premolar extractions to alleviate crowding does non ensue in narrowing of dental arches in extraction interventions when compared to non-extraction interventions. A proper intervention program and intervention mechanics in accurately diagnosed instance can ensue in intervention success regardless of extraction or non-extraction intervention.Clinical significance:The narrow dental arches are non the expected effects of extraction intervention so, esthetically compromising consequence of narrow dental arches on smiling is non a systematic out semen of extraction intervention.

Friday, August 16, 2019

A Healthy Lifestyle with a Busy Schedule Speech

Eating Healthy With A Busy Schedule So we’re all busy right? Running to and from places. To Starbucks, to the  office, to visit an elderly grandparent, to the gym, to an extra-curricular activity, a meeting. Running ! running ! running. And yet, I always roll my eyes at those skinny girls who say, â€Å"I just don’t have time to eat! † Yah, WHATEVER! Rome could be burning, and there I am, chomping’ away. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of meals I’ve missed in my  ENTIRE  lifetime. If you ask my husband, he’ll attest to it! No joke. I NEVER miss a meal. So, how do you do it?With all the running and juggling, how do you make time for good healthy meals, and avoid skipping? Believe me, I’m just as busy as the next person, but I always  make time to eat. I’m not saying I haven’t eaten a salad in my car on my way to a meeting, but I  make food a priority, as funny as it sounds. For women juggling it all, food is in fact paramount to your success. And good food, may I add. Eating healthy with a busy lifestyle. You on the fence with how to incorporate  this into your hectic  life? A few tips that help me stay nutritious and energetic: * I ALWAYS keep snacks on me.I have a nice mixed bag of nuts, and organic yogurt covered raisins in my glove compartment and/or purse at all times. It always comes in handy. This way, I don’t binge on my next meal. Healthy snacking helps cut  the binging for sure, because  eating a  little food every few hours stablilizes  your blood sugar levels so your brain is much calmer when it sees your next meal! * I have my Erica’s To Do List notepad in the kitchen, and it’s visible at  all times. It’s my running list of whatever  we’re low on. The minute I’m almost done a ketchup, for example, (which is like every week), it goes on that list.Keep your healthy stuff on this list the minute you’re lo w. You’re much more likely to always buy the good stuff if it’s staring at you on a piece of paper at the grocery store. * I try and stop eating before I’m stuffed and gorged. My friends know, I never leave any food on my plate, EVER. It’s been ingrained in my brain since I’m little. My father grew up lacking many resources, so he always cleans his plate, as do it. But the right way to go, is to really stop before that full-feeling sets in. Portion control baby! * The same rule for my kids, applies to me. I aim for a protein, a carb, a vegetable and a fruit with every lunch and dinner.This has worked well for me. * If you anticipate a busy day, and foresee a McDonald’s drive-through day (okay, it’s yummy), PLAN AHEAD. Make your lunch the night before. I was truly in the best shape of my life when I was working. Now that  I’m at home,  I snack all day, or eat whatever, whenever. When I packed myself a lunch for the office, i t was a nice turkey sandwich, with hummus and carrots, celery and fennel (yes I LOVE fennel, and am the  only one in my family), a V8, and some pineapple. Nuts or cheese and crackers for snacks. There was portion control, and it was all energizing food.I felt and looked great. * When I look to buy new foods that I have never purchased before, I always read the ingredients. Remember, THE LONGER THE LIST, THE WORSE IT IS FOR YOU. The healthiest foods have simply one; strawberries, broccoli, oranges†¦ catch my drift? The long lists contain MSG, sugar, salt, and more crap. * My advice, take it or leave it: if you can go organic on one or two things in your life, go for organic dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), and meats and/or poultries. I do believe in buying  organic for these two, even though some  studies say  there is no difference.I am  a sucker  however,  for pretty much  all  organic lines of kids snacks (even though here, I highly doubt any real  difference exists). But for the other two I mentioned, I take them very seriously. I truly believe all the hormonal injections in our dairy and meats is what’s giving us cancer, and our kids early puberty onset. There are also pesticides in fruits and vegetables, so if budget allows, I would suggest buying the organic stuff where you eat the skin (ex; apples, strawberries, broccoli), and not necessarily the  fruits and veggies like bananas and oranges, where you peel off the skin. * And finally, WATER.My water bottle comes with me many places. I fill it up along the way. Water is important. We know this already. Unfortunately, I was born with my dad’s skin, and not my mom’s, (which is creamy, milky and always blemish free), so I do my best to hydrate as much as possible to help with my skin. I really notice a difference in how I  look and feel  when I drink a ton of water. Yo, busy women! Can any of you share some of your tips that keep you lean, healthy and energiz ed? And thank you ladies for all your emails of concern. The grandfather is stable, and alive. So, it’s wedding weekend as usual for now. Until next time†¦ *

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Human Rights in Africa

The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa Wilfred Nderitu1 Abstract This paper seeks to interrogate the rights-based approach to development and poverty reduction as espoused by the instruments and policies of the United Nations, considering Africa as the key beneficiary of the UN Millennium Development Campaign.The author will also enumerate the justifications for considering poverty as a human rights issue under international human rights law, and how this impacts on the advancement of human rights in Africa. Included is an endeavour to locate the direct and indirect contributions made by the different sections of the international community, including the international criminal justice system, to significantly reduce extreme poverty and hunger and, in so doing, preserve human dignity in Africa as envisioned by the international human rights regime.Furthermore, the paper seeks to justify the res ponsibility of the State in poverty alleviation from a juristic perspective, and argues for the domestication of international human rights standards in developing countries as well as the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as complementary actions towards improving the state of human rights in Africa. The paper will also analyse human rights gaps, particularly those emerging from the socio-economic fabric of developing countries, such as a lack of fundamental freedoms and impunity.Introduction That poverty is a universal phenomenon and a matter of significant global concern can hardly be disputable. The international community, under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) has itself recognised this and acted upon its responsibility to uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the global level, by committing to the Millennium Declaration, the targets of which are commonly referred to as the Millennium Development Goals.One of t he most important provisions of the Millennium Declaration is perhaps that of the commitment to development and poverty eradication. By this Declaration, the international community commits to spare no effort in their 1 I wish to express my gratitude to James Gondi for his assistance with some of the background research that went into this paper. 81 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa ursuit of the complete eradication of poverty. The particulars of the international community’s commitment towards poverty eradication include the following:2 To halve by the year 2015, the proportion of the world’s peoples whose incomes are less than one dollar a day and the proportion of people who suffer from hunger and, by the same date, to halve the proportion of people who are unable to reach or to afford safe drinking water.The particulars of the poverty scourge are more prevalent in developing countries, particularly Africa, and are characterised by hu nger, no access to safe drinking water, and the inability of the majority of the population to achieve the minimum acceptable standards of living that are required in order to ensure basic human dignity. In the Millennium Declaration, the global human family resolves to –3 [c]reate an environment – at the national and global level alike – which is conducive to development and to the elimination of poverty.It is the position of this paper that creating such an environment requires a multipronged approach to dealing with poverty: an approach which dares to transcend the boundaries of economics and to address wider issues which affect the global environment’s capacity to generate development and, in so doing, reduce poverty and hunger. Any poverty eradication strategy would involve creating income-generation opportunities. The reality, however, is that such opportunities cannot be created in an anarchical or unstable socio-political environment.Hence, there is a need for a multifaceted approach to dealing with poverty which, in addition to addressing the strictly economic issues, also tries to enrich the socio-political fabric of a nation or region in which the war against poverty is being waged. Thus the Millennium Declaration calls upon the international community to –4 [s]pare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development. 2 3 4 UN General Assembly Resolution 55/2 at para. 9. (ibid. :para. 12). (ibid. :para. 19). 82 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa This averment in the Declaration is not a separate abstract goal, but is a complementary commitment made in full cognisance of the fact that poverty eradication efforts must have a strong socio-political base, characterised by respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy. Indeed, creating a stable political, legal and economic environment friendly to entrepreneurship and investment is a precursor for effectively fighting poverty.Nobel Economist Amartya Sen5 acknowledges the argument set forth above in Development as freedom:6 Freedom, the ability of a person to make decisions about his or her life, is not only the most efficient means for building a healthy developed society, but also its ultimate goal. When you put assets in the hands of the poor in a politically distorted environment, not much happens. This sums up the nexus which binds the human rights movement and the global effort to fight poverty and, more importantly, offers succinct authentication for considering poverty as a violation of human rights.Defining poverty as a human rights issue Arjun Sengupta7 argues that human rights are legal rights with binding obligations on the duty-bearers, who are primarily the States. This legality of rights and the binding nature of their obligations is the main attraction of c laiming human rights. It underlines the importance of bringing the issue of poverty within the realm of the human rights movement, and defining freedom from hunger and poverty within the framework of human rights norms 5 6 7Amartya Sen is a Professor of Economics at Trinity College in Cambridge, a citizen of India, and winner of the 1998 Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, for his contributions to welfare economics. Sen (1999). Arjun Sengupta is a former Professor at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and currently an Adjunct Professor at the Harvard School of Public Health and Chairman of the Center for Development and Human Rights in New Delhi.He is also the former UN Independent Expert on the Right to Development, and current United Nations Independent Expert on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty. 83 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa and standards. It fol lows that, once the aforementioned are accepted as human rights, then they become legal rights and the State becomes a legal duty-bearer, charged with ensuring that its citizens are free from extreme hunger and poverty as demanded by the Millennium Declaration.Sengupta adds:8 The duty[-]bearers are primarily the states. They are supposed to be accountable for any failures to carry out their obligations and are expected to take remedial actions if their non-compliance with their duties is determined by an appropriate independent mechanism. Hence, the theoretical advantage of placing the global poverty eradication effort under the realm of the international human rights philosophy is clear. It establishes a legal aspect to the fight against poverty and, most importantly, devises a duty-bearer in the form of the State.It is also important for jurists to establish a theoretical basis for defining poverty eradication as a human rights issue. Taking a human rights approach to poverty is a path towards the empowerment of the poor. A background paper published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) states that the modern-day challenge in the fight against poverty is to establish mechanisms which erode powerlessness and enhance the social capacity of the poor. The OHCHR advances the case for a human rights pproach to poverty reduction as follows:9 When human rights are introduced in policy[-]making, the rationale of poverty reduction no longer derives only from the fact that the poor have needs but is based on the rights of poor peoples’ entitlements that give rise to obligations on the part of others that are enshrined in law. The OHCHR furthers the juristic approach to the eradication of poverty from a practical angle exemplified by empowerment. The argument is that defining poverty in a human rights context not only gives it a legal status and legal rights which can be claimed with respect to poverty, but also serves to empower the po or.Just as civil and political rights have, with the aid of the civil rights movement, empowered minorities and disadvantaged groups in the past, the components of a human rights normative framework can contribute to the empowerment of the poor in Africa. 8 9 Sengupta [Forthcoming]. OHCHR (2002). 84 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa The following is an account of the ‘evidence’ – first in political theory, then by international human rights law – that serves to advance our proposition that the issue of poverty can be defined as a human rights issue.By extension, failure by the State to intervene in curbing poverty becomes a violation of human rights. The medium which brings the aspects of poverty eradication and human rights together is the inherent dignity of humankind, which the State has a duty to protect as established by early political theorists. The protection of the inherent dignity of humankind is also entrenched in modern international human rights law. Social and political theory Jurists come across various political and social theories in search of jurisprudential concepts that form a good proportion of the basis for legal learning.In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes10 advances the theory of the social contract. This is the contract between the citizen and the State, i. e. the body politic, in which the people advance from an anarchical ‘state of nature’ by handing over their instincts of self-preservation and, as such, mutually destructive powers to a central authority (the Leviathan) to enable the central authority to exercise the collective power for the benefit of the whole populace.Liberal analysis of the social contract theory stipulates that it is from this contract between man and State, that the latter derives its legitimacy. In return, the populace is entitled to certain fundamental rights and freedoms. Like any contract, the social contract entails both rights and duties for both parties. As such, citizens have duties to fulfil as subjects, and have natural rights they should enjoy as human beings. Hence, the very legitimacy of the State is partially based on the ability of the citizens to enjoy certain basic rights.It is the proposition of this paper that no right could be more fundamental, basic or natural than the right to basic human dignity: a right recognised by the social contract, and which forms the basic ethos of the human rights philosophy. Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are the best-known proponents of this immensely influential theory, which has been one of the most dominant within the moral and political ambit. Rousseau, an influential 18th-Century 10 Hobbes (1998/1651). 85 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa olitical theorist, elaborates on the social contract (also referred to as the social compact) as follows:11 The social compact sets up among the citizens an equality of such a kind, that they all bind themselves to observe the same conditions and should therefore all enjoy the same rights. Thus from the nature of the compact, every act of Sovereignty, i. e. , every authentic act of the general will, binds or favours all the citizens equally; so that the sovereign recognizes only the body of the nation, and draws no distinctions between those of whom it is made up.It is legitimate, because based on the social contract, and equitable, because common to all; useful because it can have no other object other than the general good, and stable because it is guaranteed by the public force and the supreme power. To retain its legitimacy, the sovereign must meet its obligations to the citizen, which include ensuring that the citizen is entitled to his or her fundamental rights. This includes the right to minimum standards of human dignity – which may, from one perspective, be interpreted as the right to be free from poverty and hunger.This is because poverty and hunger den y the citizen the ability to live within minimum acceptable standards of human dignity. This brings out the equality dimension of liberal political theory. In reality, true equality is difficult to achieve, but the argument is that there should be a certain basic minimum standard available to all citizens to ensure that their lives are commensurate with the basic acceptable standards of human dignity. It follows that the right to basic human dignity entails the right to be free from poverty and hunger.International human rights law As members of the international community that recognise human rights and ratify treaties and covenants, all States and institutions take on the obligation of ensuring these rights. Poverty has always been considered as a degradation of human dignity. Indeed, poor people lack the freedom to lead a life with dignity. International human rights law preserves and protects the inherent dignity of the human being and the states parties to international human r ights treaties, particularly the Universal 11Boyd (1963). 86 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),12 are obligated to preserve and protect the inherent dignity of their citizens. By logical abstraction, states parties to international human rights instruments such as the UDHR are obliged to take active measures to deal with all things which violate the inherent dignity of their citizens. Poverty and its consequences are, from a juristic perspective, some of the greatest hindrances to human dignity.An analysis of the provisions of international human rights instruments which emanate from the forum of the UN reveals the express protection of human dignity and the protection of human beings from the derogatory conditions that are synonymous with poverty. The following sample of international human rights instruments portrays this position. The UDHR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the C onvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) will be applied below to expound the international legal basis under which poverty can be viewed as a violation of human rights.The Preamble to the UDHR is unequivocal about the need to preserve human dignity:13 The recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. This is the root of the protection of inherent human dignity in international law as well as of the argument set forth herein that poverty is a violation of human rights because it deprives people of the capacity to live within the minimum acceptable standards of human dignity.Article 22 of the UDHR stipulates the following:14 Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality. 12 13 14 Universal Declaration of Human Rights; adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948. (ibid. ). (ibid. ). 87 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in AfricaThis provision fully portrays the aspect of multiple responsibility and approaches to ensuring human dignity by setting out certain minimum rights requiring pursuit through the concerted efforts of a wide spectrum of actors at national and international level. By preserving the right to social security, protecting economic, social and cultural rights – including the free development of the individual – and placing the onus for the fulfilment of these rights at the at both the national and international level, this provision of the UDHR cements the value of ensuring certain minimum tandards of living for citiz ens by way of the use of State resources as a precursor to preserving human dignity. When poverty prevails, these minimum standards are out of reach. Therefore, any poverty alleviation effort needs to consider ensuring these basic rights as a cornerstone of its strategy. Similarly, Articles 23, 25 and 26 of the UDHR address issues related to basic minimum living standards aimed at preserving human dignity, and similarly crucial to poverty eradication.In summary, the aforesaid articles of the UDHR demand that everyone has the following rights: †¢ Work †¢ A standard of living adequate for his health and well-being and that of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care, and the necessary social services, and †¢ Education. In similar fashion, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) contains provisions which aim to preserve basic rights related to living standards.Article 11(2) of the ICESCR states the following:15 Th e States Parties to the present Covenant, recognizing the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger, shall take, individually and through international cooperation, the measures, including specific programmes, which are needed: (a) To improve methods of production, conservation and distribution of food by making full use of technical and scientific knowledge, by disseminating knowledge of the principles of nutrition and by developing or reforming agrarian systems in such a way as to achieve the most efficient development and utilization of natural resources; 15Ghandhi (2002). 88 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa (b) Taking into account the problems of both food-importing and food-exporting countries, to ensure an equitable distribution of world food supplies in relation to need. This goes to the heart of the juristic argument that poverty is a human rights issue, and that creating stable political and socio-economic structures in which respe ct for human rights related to ensuring minimum standards of human dignity are observed is a precursor to any credible poverty eradication strategy.Furthermore, Articles 6, 7, 9, 12 and 13 of the ICESCR seek to preserve the following: †¢ The right to work and to enjoy just and favourable conditions at work, which ensure fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value. †¢ The right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and †¢ The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.Article 14(2) of CEDAW states the following:16 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in rural areas in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, that they participate in and benefit from rural development and, in particular, shall ensure to such women the right: (a) To participate in the elaboration and implement ation of development planning at all levels; (b) To have access to adequate health care facilities, including information, counseling and services in family planning; (c) To benefit directly from social security programmes; (d) To obtain all types of training and education, formal and non-formal, including that relating to functional literacy, as well as, inter alia, the benefit of all community and extension services, in order to increase their technical proficiency; (e) To organize self-help groups and co-operatives in order to obtain equal access to economic opportunities through employment; (f) To participate in all community activities; (g) To have access to agricultural credit and loans, marketing facilities, appropriate technology and equal treatment in land and agrarian reform as well as in land resettlement schemes; (h) To enjoy adequate living conditions, particularly in relation to housing, sanitation, electricity and water supply, transport and communications. 16 (ibid. ). 89The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa The relationship between the rights of women and development vis-a-vis poverty eradication is well established. In developing countries, the burden of direct provision for the family in terms of basic necessities is predominantly carried by women. It is they that till the soil. Thus, the empowerment of women serves as a useful avenue to the achievement of poverty eradication goals and objectives. Hence, it is important that women are not denied a suitable environment for the creation of opportunities for the generation of income. This means that women in developing countries should have similar access to capital as their male counterparts.This includes access to loans, membership of cooperatives, and equal treatment in land matters among other rights, as stipulated in CEDAW. To improve the position of women with respect to access to capital, the support for women’s inheritance rights should be strengthened. As such, human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the developing world that promulgate women’s inheritance rights should be applauded and given additional support by the international community. The argument here is that inherited property, such as land, serves as an asset that can be used to obtain investment capital and generate income and, in so doing, contribute to the eradication of poverty.Furthermore, particular attention should be directed at the education of women as a means of raising their living standards, in conformity with minimum acceptable standards inspired by the inherent dignity of man – which the international community seeks to preserve and protect. Preservation of the above rights under the various international instruments ensures minimum standards of living commensurate with human dignity. Hence, the fulfilment of these rights by States and the participation of the international community are an invaluable contribution to efforts a imed at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger as per the Millennium Declaration. The People’s Decade for Human Rights Education (PDHRE)17 asserts that the human right to live in dignity is a fundamental right and, more importantly, 17Founded in 1988, PDHRE International is a non-profit, international service organisation that works directly and indirectly with its network of affiliates – primarily women’s and social justice organisations – to develop and advance pedagogies for human rights education relevant to people’s daily lives in the context of their struggles for social and economic justice and democracy. PDHRE’s members include experienced educators, human rights experts, UN officials, and world-renowned advocates and activists who collaborate to 90 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa is essential to the realisation of all other human rights.The PDHRE specifies the particular rights that constitute the ov erall right to live in dignity. These include – †¢ the right to be free from hunger †¢ the right to live in adequate housing †¢ the right to safe drinking water, and †¢ the right to a healthy and safe environment. These rights are not static and inelastic: they are fluid, interconnected, and interdependent. Synergy between the efforts of different international institutions and other actors in the fight against poverty Women, conflict and poverty The Millennium Declaration resolves as follows:18 To promote gender equality and the empowerment of women as effective ways to combat poverty, hunger and disease and to stimulate development that is truly sustainable.The focus on gender in the poverty eradication effort is significant. Modern thinking demands improvement of gender equality as a means of reinforcing the development agenda. Women who have low levels of education and training, poor health and nutritional status, and limited access to resources have t he 18 conceive, initiate, facilitate, and service projects on education in human rights for social and economic transformation. The organisation is dedicated to publishing and disseminating demand-driven human rights training manuals and other teaching materials, and otherwise servicing grass-roots and community groups engaged in a creative, contextualised process of human rights learning, reflection, and action.The PDHRE views human rights as a value system capable of strengthening democratic communities and nations through its emphasis on accountability, reciprocity, and people’s equal and informed participation in the decisions that affect their lives. The PDHRE was pivotal in lobbying the UN to found a Decade for Human Rights Education, and in drafting and lobbying for various resolutions by the World Conference on Human Rights, the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Commission, the UN Treaty Bodies, and the Fourth World Conference on Women. UN General Assembly Reso lution 55/2 at para. 20. 91 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa ffect of reducing the quality of life of the entire population. This is because women are the driving force behind the family – the basic unit of the community. Discrimination against women then impairs other elements of development. Different components of the human rights normative framework can contribute to the empowerment of the poor and provide useful poverty alleviation input. Women’s rights are one such component. The empowerment of women is central to combating all manner of international scourges and the pursuit of developmental goals worldwide. The participation of women in mainstream development activity and poverty reduction strategies is essential.For this to take place, all factors which tend to discriminate against the participation of women in income-generating opportunities and other poverty reduction strategies need to be abolished. In cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, over which the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction, women and children are the primary victims of inhumane and cruel acts, which are inextricably connected to armed conflict. Women are captured, raped and tortured. In recognition of this, the Rome Statute includes such acts of cruelty against women in defining war crime and crime against humanity. In seeking to combat impunity, the Rome Statute seeks accountability to women for gender-specific offences that are expressly defined in it.In the past, treaties have failed to address crimes against women with the requisite specificity:19 Treaties have been drafted outlawing, in excruciating detail, everything from particular kinds of bullets to the destruction of historical buildings, while maintaining enormous silence or providing only vague provisions on crimes against women. Provisions are needed in international humanitarian law that take women’s experiences of sexual violenc e as a starting point rather than just a by-product of war. The experiences of the ad hoc tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia have contributed greatly to the growing recognition for and action against crimes committed against women in armed conflict. This journey has culminated in the express definition of crimes of sexual violence being included in the Rome Statute. In a United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) publication 19 Askin (1997). 92 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa ntitled Women, war and peace, Elizabeth Rehn and Ellen Sirleaf capture the recent history of mainstreaming crimes against women into international law:20 The campaign to end violence against women took root and gained momentum throughout the 1990’s on the agendas of the UN World Conferences, from Vienna in 1993 to Cairo in 1994 to Beijing in 1995, where the principles for codifying international law on violence against women began to be recognized. Those principl es were later tested in landmark decisions by the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and ultimately informed the definition of crimes of sexual violence included in the Rome Statute of the ICC. The continued progress of bringing gender violence issues to the fore of international law now lies partly with the ICC. It is our hope that the gains already made will be tested and strengthened further in proceedings before the Court.Justice Theodore Morton of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) echoed these sentiments: 21 The crimes recognized by the ICC Statute, including the gender-specific offences, may well take on a life of their own as an authoritative and largely customary statement of international humanitarian and criminal law and become a model for national laws to be enforced under the principle of universality of jurisdiction. In addition, post-conflict jurisdictions are normally devastated and the remaining po pulations stay destitute as a result of the destruction of assets and economic endeavour. Yet again, those who suffer the most are women, as they bear the onus of rebuilding their family structures. This is part of the ethos behind the establishment of the ICC’s Trust Fund for victims of these atrocities, since it recognises the poverty scourge that is characteristic of post-conflict jurisdictions.Thus, in addition to seeking justice for the victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity (for which women suffer the most), the ICC recognises the poverty dimension. It is hoped that proceeds from the Trust Fund will help victims, particularly women, to have a fresh start to their lives by creating income opportunities which help to alleviate poverty. Traditionally, reparations for violations of international humanitarian law are the subject of States, and are paid to States rather than to the individual. Now, however, important developments are taking place in this respect. The OHCHR 20 21 Rehn & Sirleaf (2002). (ibid. ). 93 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa as appointed a Special Rapporteur on the right to reparations, and principles relevant to reparative remedies have been drafted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 22 In fact, the Draft basic principles and guidelines on the right to a remedy and reparation for victims of gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law, if adopted as they are, will require the State to –23 [p]rovide reparation to victims for acts or omissions which can be attributed to the State and constitute gross violations of international human rights law or serious violations of international humanitarian law.In cases where a person, a legal person, or other entity is found liable for reparation to a victim, such party should provide reparation to the victim or compensate the State if the State has a lready provided reparation to the victim. Also interesting to note in the above respect is that the Preamble to the Draft basic principles refers to a right to remedy for victims of violations of international human rights found in regional conventions, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights at Article 7, among other regional human rights instruments. 24 Article 75 of the Rome Statute of the ICC extends reparation rights to individual victims. Article 75, titled Reparations to victims, reads as follows: 1. The Court shall establish principles relating to reparations to, or in respect of, victims, including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation.On this basis, in its decision the Court may, either upon request or on its own motion in exceptional circumstances, determine the scope and extent of any damage, loss and injury to, or in respect of, victims and will state the principles on which it is acting. The Court may make an order directly against a convicted person specifying appropriate reparations to, or in respect of, victims, including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation. Where appropriate, the Court may order that the award for reparations be made through the Trust Fund provided for in article 79. 3. Before making an order under this article, the Court may invite and shall take account of representations from or on behalf of the convicted person, victims, other interested persons or interested States. 2. 22 23 24 (ibid. ). Van Boven (2004). (ibid. ). 94 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa 4.In exercising its power under this article, the Court may, after a person is convicted of a crime within the jurisdiction of the Court, determine whether, in order to give effect to an order which it may make under this article, it is necessary to seek measures under article 93, paragraph 1. A State Party shall give effect to a decision under this article as if the provisions of article109 were ap plicable to this article. Nothing in this article shall be interpreted as prejudicing the rights of victims under national or international law. 5. 6. It is hoped that the proceeds from such reparations will go towards rebuilding efforts and, in so doing, inject some finance, however modest, towards reestablishing post-conflict economies.Thus, two dimensions are recognised here by the goals of the ICC and the Trust Fund in relation to poverty alleviation: †¢ The first dimension, as argued above, is that the empowerment of women serves as a useful avenue to the alleviation of poverty because women in the developing world are the driving force of the family, the basic unit of society, and The second dimension is to seek justice for the victims of war crimes – the †¢ most ravaged group being women. Reparations for victims, as envisaged by the Rome Statute, are a key component of this quest for justice. Convergence between international criminal justice and poverty alle viation efforts The legendary philosopher, pacifist, and leader of the people of India, the late Mahatma Gandhi, saw the human being as a limited creature capable of cruelty, narrow-mindedness and violence.Indeed, this character or weakness is observed daily when we see women and children marching in their thousands across national borders trying to escape from violence and genocide. Such are the human weaknesses which make the world susceptible to breeding a culture of impunity. With this in mind, the international criminal justice system seeks justice for the victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, with one of the intended outputs being deterrence against the culture of impunity. The link is clear: impunity leads to armed conflict, which leads to anarchy, which in turn yields poverty. Nevertheless, we realise that this relationship between 95 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa mpunity, conflict and poverty is not absolutely linear , and that each factor contributes to the other in some way. However, the experience of those involved in international criminal justice is that a poverty-stricken environment is always one of the most grievous outcomes of a post-conflict situation. As such, from the lens of transitional justice, dealing with impunity contributes to preventing the exacerbation of poverty brought about by armed conflict. As stated earlier, the fight against poverty is itself a demonstration of respect for the inherent right to human dignity. A world community in which a culture of impunity is allowed to thrive will be characterised by gross contempt for human dignity.In tackling the problem of impunity through ad hoc tribunals, special tribunals and the ICC, the international community is effectively combating one of the triggers of poverty. Thus, the international criminal justice system should be viewed partly as an indirect actor in the effort to eradicate poverty. This would be in keeping with th e collective responsibility with which the entire international community (including all international institutions) is charged by the Millennium Declaration. Furthermore, it is agreed that poverty alleviation requires the creation of incomegenerating opportunities. History teaches us that armed conflict destroys the economic fabric of society and creates anarchy. It is impossible for incomegeneration activities to take place in an armed conflict situation.Having seen that a culture of impunity provides a breeding ground for armed conflict which yields poverty, it is arguable that the international criminal justice system, by deterring impunity, indirectly acts to prevent the destruction of stable socioeconomic environments and, in so doing, helps to prevent the exacerbation of poverty. A further area of convergence and synergy between international criminal justice and the global poverty eradication effort – keeping in mind that international criminal justice mechanisms are arms of the wider system of international law – is revealed by a conceptual analysis of justice in international law on the one hand, and economic and social justice on the other.Any conceptual analysis of justice explores the ideals of equity and fairness. Justice in the international realm comprises a sense of horizontal equity between States, and vertical equity between States and their citizens. This is a conceptual 96 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa analysis of justice as viewed through the lens of international law. The same is expressed by Sengupta:25 International law should concern itself with a just and fair relationship between the States, and the vertical relationship between the States and their citizens should be treated separately, through constitutional reforms within the sovereign states.But when the claims of equality of relationship are advanced in terms of human rights, such as the right to development, vertical relations a lso come within the purview of discussions. If the equality of human rights relationships referred to by Sengupta include freedom from extreme poverty and hunger (and, by extension, the right to development), as we have experienced in our sample analysis of key international human rights instruments, the vertical equity conceptual aspect of justice in international law also encompasses the duty of States to take all necessary measures to free their citizens from hunger and poverty. Thus, in seeking justice from the perspective of international law, States are, by extension, simultaneously obliged to address the economic and social aspects of justice by fighting poverty.This analysis reveals that, although all international actors in the global fight to eradicate poverty may pursue separate avenues and be inspired by various economic, social and political concepts which all contribute greatly to the fight, we are all intrinsically motivated by a desire to achieve justice. The interna tional criminal justice system pursues legal justice for victims of crimes against humanity through international courts, while other international actors (more inclined towards scientific and economic approaches) seek economic and social justice for the world population through the implementation of poverty eradication programmes on the ground.Indeed, this idea of a common intrinsic motivation finds support in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which declares as follows:26 The wide diffusion of culture, and the education of humanity for justice and liberty and peace are indispensable for the dignity of man and constitute a sacred duty which all the nations must fulfil in a spirit of mutual assistance and concern. The vertical equity relationship between States and their citizens, as sought by international human rights law and explored above, is similar to the Hobbesian 25 26 [Forthcoming]. Preamble to the UNESCO Constitution, which came into force on 4 November 1946 after ratification by 20 countries. 97 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa social contract.Hence, the common intrinsic pursuit of justice by various international actors (including the international criminal justice system and the poverty eradication movement) is visible both at the level of international law and within the sphere of political theory. Responsibility of the State in poverty alleviation from a juristic perspective Domestication of international human rights standards A proposed new focus within the human rights framework itself would aid the fight against poverty and, in so doing, cement the human rights approach to poverty eradication. For decades, human rights advocacy has leaned more towards civil and political rights and less towards the sister economic and social rights.This is due partly to the impetus for democratisation and ending discrimination, which were major fea tures of international affairs after World War II. The 21st Century presents the international community with new challenges and new priorities. The human rights movement and the international community as a whole must, in keeping with new priorities espoused by the Millennium Declaration such as the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, apply economic and social rights advocacy towards the reduction of poverty. The OHCHR supports such a renewed approach:27 Recognition of the complementary relationships between civil and political rights on the one hand, and economic, social and cultural rights on the other, can strengthen as well as broaden the scope of poverty eradication strategies.In expounding on the scope of the right to health, the Economic and Social Rights Committee – a body established by the ICESCR to monitor compliance by states parties with its provisions – says that –28 [t]he right includes a wide range of socio-economic factors that promote c onditions in which people can lead a healthy life, and extends to underlying determinants of health, such as food and nutrition, housing, access to safe and potable water and adequate sanitation, safe and healthy working conditions, and a healthy environment. 27 28 OHCHR (2002). (ibid. ). 98 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa These underlying determinants go to the heart of the most crucial poverty-related problems, and would constitute part of an effective human rights approach to poverty eradication as well as support the arguments in favour of defining poverty as a violation of human rights.Returning to the obligation of States to their citizens under international law and backed by political theory, the ICESCR demands that states parties take steps, utilising their maximum available resources, to progressively achieve the realisation of the rights contained in the Covenant by, among other initiatives, adopting appropriate legislative measures to thi s end. The duty to take steps constitutes an immediate obligation. The aspect of duties and obligations (to be performed by the State for the benefit of the citizen) attached to economic and social rights, which include factors central to poverty eradication such as the provision of food and clean water, provide a legalistic colour to the provision of basic human needs and, in so doing, support the juristic view of poverty as a violation of human rights.Overall, the domestication of international human rights standards – civil and political, and economic, social and cultural – in the national legal systems of developing countries would create a suitable foundation for the generation of income opportunities and contribute to the alleviation of poverty, while reinforcing the juristic consideration of poverty as a violation of human rights. Ratification of the Rome Statute and implementation of the necessary national legislation The Millennium Declaration calls upon State s to consider signing and ratifying the Rome Statute as part of their commitment to peace, security and disarmament. Looking at the Millennium Declaration holistically, a perspective is developed which portrays the different development goals and declarations in pursuit of those goals (e. g. peace, security and disarmament; development nd poverty eradication; human rights democracy and good governance) as interlinked and interdependent. Thus, the commitment to the theme of peace and security, for example, is not a commitment to the theme in itself, but a complementary commitment to the wider, more holistic goals of the Millennium Declaration, which includes 99 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa the pursuit and achievement of the other thematic goals such as development and poverty eradication. These portray the challenges facing the international community in the 21st Century in striving to make the world a better place for the entire human family.There fore, just as the commitment to peace, security and disarmament is complementary to the goal of development and poverty eradication, the signing and ratification of the Rome Statute is a correlative and facilitative pathway to the achievement of both poverty eradication and the aforesaid wider objective. More directly, the ratification of the Rome Statute and the implementation of relevant legislation in national legal systems provide a stable platform for transitional justice, and deal a fatal blow to the culture of impunity which is the cause of international armed conflict, characterised by genocidal ambivalence, within the remit of the ICC.To belabour the point, transitional justice in the developing world contributes to peace, stability and the rule of law – which are the ingredients of a suitable income-generation environment that, in turn, is crucial to the eradication of poverty and hunger. The substance of this paper poses certain fundamental questions worth ponderin g. What part can jurists play in the fresh impetus to eradicate poverty, as embodied in the Millennium Declaration? What is the role of the international criminal justice system in these efforts? Just as justice is fundamental to the widening of democratic space, it is equally important to bridging the poverty gap.The international criminal justice system will play its role in contributing to these efforts by adhering to the principles of zero tolerance for impunity and delivering justice to the victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The international criminal justice system recognises that impunity breeds violence, which destroys the environment for income-generation and, thus, exacerbates poverty. This is why the Preamble to the Rome Statute recognises that grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world, and is determined to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes. The Millennium Declaration further resolves to †“29 29 UN General Assembly Resolution 55/2 at para. 12. 100 The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa c]reate an environment at the national and global levels alike – which is conducive to development and to the elimination of poverty. In so doing, the Declaration recognises the importance of international systems that, through various aspects and initiatives, contribute to dealing with the causes, triggers and aggravators of poverty. International criminal justice mechanisms seek justice and deter impunity – a cause of conflict and, thus, an aggravator of poverty. This recognition, coupled with the plea to ratify the Rome Statute in the Millennium Declaration, inspires an increasing convergence of thought, effort and interaction between the spheres of international criminal justice and economic development. ConclusionPoverty is a violation of human rights because States are obligated, under international human rights law and the social contrac t from which the State derives its legitimacy, to remove the impediments to the enjoyment of resources required to sustain a standard of living commensurate with the minimum acceptable level of human dignity. The consequences of poverty deny the citizen a standard of living commensurate to his or her inherent dignity. Thus, a human rights approach to poverty eradication has a strong foundation both in theoretical dimensions and at a practical level. The OHCHR argues for the active participation of the poor in poverty reduction strategies, in keeping with the right of citizens to participate in decision-making.In arguing for such participation, the OHCHR provides a linkage between poverty reduction and human rights, arguing that the poor –30 [m]ust be free to organize without restriction (right of association), to meet without impediment (right of assembly), and to say what they want without intimidation (freedom of expression); they must know the relevant facts (right to info rmation) and they must enjoy an elementary level of economic security and well-being (right to a reasonable standard of living and associated rights). In so doing, all persons will enjoy the basic rights and freedoms that enable them to participate in the conduct of public affairs and decision-making. This ultimately involves the distribution of resources key to the alleviation of poverty. 30 OHCHR (2002). 101The United Nations and the advancement of human rights in Africa Thus, not only is poverty itself a violation of human rights, but the key to its alleviation lies in the conferment and entrenchment of fundamental rights and freedoms in developing nations. Considering poverty as a violation of human rights is not merely a theoretical endeavour: the output of such consideration addresses the specific issue of the lack of sufficient quantities of basic necessities. Once poverty is well established as a violation of human rights, resultant advocacy will pursue the attainment of bas ic necessities by advocating for the right to food, the right to health, the right to education, and so on.In so doing, the human rights movement will be contributing directly and substantially to the global effort to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, as resolved in the Millennium Declaration. 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