The new talk of Asia advancing the cause of human rights and democracy is a far cry from earlier false claims that Asian values justified neglect of civil and political rights. In India famines stopped abruptly after independence with the installation of a democratic form of government. The public availability of data on human rights is a telling indication of a commitment to accountability. Rather than be reactive to criticisms from outsiders, countries need to take the initiative and produce their own national annual assessments. The major economic ministries, such as finance and planning, need to integrate rights into the economic policy-making machinery.
Statistical indicators are a powerful tool in the struggle for human rights.
For the first time in history, the 21st century should give each person the right to choose their government and enjoy the freedom to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. Three special messages from the report Emerging slowly, but I believe surely, is an international norm against the violent repression of any group or people that must and will take precedence over the concerns of state sovereignty. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The goal is nothing less than all human rights for all. UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson.