Product Innovation Charter The iDash Essay Example

Product Innovation Charter: The iDash Paper Apple © Presents: The iDash THE ULTIMATE AUTOMOBILE CONTROL Professional Challenge Paper -Jessica Allen- March 27, 2011 Product Innovation Charter Focus The iDash is an on-board automobile dashboard system that can be controlled by the iPad. The focus of the iDash will be to create the ultimate driving experience for the up-scale, cultured driver. Apple will seek to enter into the automobile market by using two of their most successful products that are already staples in many households to garner increased sales for the company. Goals iDash will create a centralized automotive control center for the driver. The iDash will also allow the driver to use any navigational system that they prefer, as the iPad give access to Garmin  © and TomTom © Apps. (garmin. com) (tomtom. com) The iDash will also revolutionize the ability for the driver to multitask in the car and stay connected with the use of all of the Apple  © Apps housed on the driver’s iPad. Guidelines The iDash is a built-in device with a docking station in the vehicle where the iPad can be inserted. The device can be activated using the hands-free or touch screen option. The iDash, in line with competitors, will â€Å" sport more features than ever to help [drivers] get from point A to point B quickly and safely [including] features such as audible driving directions with text-to-speech (TTS), spoken street names, real-time traffic updates, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest search, and large easy-to-read screens † (Goodwin, 2010). The cost of the product will be included in the price of the car as an added feature to the vehicle. We will write a custom essay sample on Product Innovation Charter: The iDash specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Product Innovation Charter: The iDash specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Product Innovation Charter: The iDash specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Product Description Apple is venturing into cars. They have already taken over the phone industry. Now, Apple is introducing the iDash. The iDash is not an App. It is much more. The iDash is an on-board automobile dashboard system that can be controlled by the iPad. The iDash creates the ability to use the iPad docking capabilities to all-inclusively transfer all of their APPS to the iDash where they can be used on a larger screen and through any headrest screens, and video-movie players, as well. The system would not just be the navigational component and would not just transfer all of the iPad’s Apps it controls the cars whole dashboard system, including temperature control, video system control, tire pressure and fuel level manager, etc. Apple explains that the iPad features 12 next-generation Multi-Touch applications making surfing the web an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and more intimate than on a computer. It goes on to detail that when using the iPad, you can watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD or flip through pages of an e-book, or listen to your music collection(Apple. om). The iDash would be the perfect complimentary product for Apple’s already stellar offerings. It would fit into the company’s product offering list seamlessly, as it uses two of its most purchased products to enhance the system. Apple © has a reputation of producing exclusive and quality products and because of its inherent integration of the iPad, the iDash will be an expansion of this great tradition as it is a perfect addition in the natural progression of the company’s product line. The driver will no longer have to use multiple buttons in multiple places to control essential functions of the car. The iDash will also create an interactive experience for the driver who can use a hands-free or touch screen option that allows the driver to move throughout the functions quickly taking less of the driver’s attention or time from focusing on the road and/or destination. With all of the booming technology that Apple is already displaying, the iDash will bring Apple © to the car, one of the places where most of our time is spent. Competitive Analysis Competitor Comparison The GPS and portable navigation device market is seeing consistent growth and becoming more and more crowded. However, Antuan Goodwin, Associate editor of CNET Reviews, explains that â€Å"todays PNDs sport more features than ever to help you get from point A to point B quickly and safely [including] features such as audible driving directions with text-to-speech (TTS), spoken street names, real-time traffic updates, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest search, and large easy-to-read screens † His review also details the top devices and companies that produce the PNDs. The top competitors for the iDash in the market are Garmin, Motorola, TomTom, and Magellan. Garmin Garmin boasts a many portable navigational devices, including the top five contender reviewed by CNET, the Garmin Nuvi 3790T, which is a portable navigation device that costs from $329. 99 $449. 99 and is one of the thinnest and lightest, the best looking device, that comes equipped with hands-free voice command, hands activated merely by speaking to the Nuvi and free traffic data updates. However, the Nuvi 3790T has some negatives. The screen can provide glare from direct sunlight and traffic data cannot be accessed while holding the device. Garmin also has an iPhone App. The Garmin StreetPilot ® was designed exclusively for the iPhone ® or iPad ®. The App works on both 3G and EDGE networks and allows the user’s phone to become a GPS navigator with turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions with the most up-to-date map data available, real-time traffic updates at no extra cost, and the capability to browse maps that have already been downloaded and stored on the device. (garmin. com) Motorola Motorola’s MotoNav TN765t has updated hardware, features combined maps and the menus, the device also contains Bluetooth hands-free calling with address book sync and voice dial, text-to-speech, and free FM-traffic reception. There is also are the MotoExtras service which can be used to add data connectivity by using a Bluetooth-paired phones antenna to transmit. The MotoNav TN765t costs about $135. 99. Some issues with the device include the fact that The MotoExtras data service isnt always on, so the device has be manually refreshed for the latest info. Also, the GPS tracking in skyscraper-dense urban areas is a bit sketchy. (cnet. com) TomTom The next on the list is the TomTom XL 340 S. To its credit, it is priced well below the premium price bracket at $94. 95 $169. 99. The TomTom XL 340 S has advanced features such as lane guidance, downloadable fuel prices, and user updated maps from TomTom Map Share. Its large 4. 3-inch WXGA touch screen is easy to read and to enter addresses on. Text-to-speech enhances the devices safety. †(cnet. com) But, the TomTom XL 340 S does have its draw backs. Its larger size, and additional thickness due to the EasyPort mount, somewhat limits its portability. It al so routs slower when the vehicle is moving versus when it’s stationary. Tom om too has an iPhone App and the ability to come as a built-in navigational system. The TomTom App update comes with the latest and most up-to-date map, the option to make changes to the user’s map and benefit from thousands of updates made by TomTom users on-demand, free of charge. The app has IQ routes that take into account rush hour, traffic lights, and even shopping crowds. The in-car navigational device has a 5. 8 (15 cm) color screen, automatic traffic information via the built-in TMC connection, home desktop software to get new software, download new maps, access free content from the TomTom community and subscribe to services, and a latest map guarantee. Some drawbacks to the system are that users are only entitled to one free map download, and that due to the continuous improvements in map quality, some new maps may not fit on the device and Map Zones have to be used for downloading. But only one Map Zone can be used on the device at a time. (tomtom. com) Magellan The last company that is a major competitor is Magellan. Overall score: 7. 0 (3. 5 stars) â€Å"The Magellan RoadMate matches the competitions performance and ease of use, while providing a larger screen at a lower price. † (cnet. om) The OneTouch menu allows the destinations and searches to be easily accessible along with a destination confirmation screen that gives users different choices as to how users can get where theyre going. The device costs about $104. 95 $161. 40, which is comparable for the market. The negative aspects of the device are severe. The â€Å"poorly designed cradle interferes with power cable when mounting. The onscreen keyboard cannot be c hanged from its alphabetical layout to a more familiar QWERTY layout. †(cnet. com) Competitor Assessment The competitors in the field are very formidable. NAVIGATOR There are barriers to entry for Apple, including a possible perception of incompetence in this industry, the possibility of aftermarket sales, and market saturation. However, two of the companies already use Apple devices to promote their own products through Apps, so the iDash should not have trouble being accepted by iPad users. Also, as far as the aftermarket retailing, it would be non-existent. This would be a point of purchase, all or nothing purchase directly from the dealer already included in the car in order to maintain the prestige of the product and Apple’s reputation of producing exclusive and quality goods and services. Apple © has major brand recognition and a stellar reputation in regards to electronic devices and can definitely overcome any possibility of market saturation by attracting loyal customers who believe in the company’s products and services. Also, the iDash is not just a navigational device. It is a touch screen and voice-activated car control center. No other company can compare with its features, which will give users total control over their automobile’s internal and external systems and levels. Product Development Process Potential-Market Description The iDash will be marketed to luxury car dealerships that cater to a high-end clientele. Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW dealers would be on the shortlist of target dealerships. As far as the aftermarket retailing, it would be non-existent. This would be a point of purchase, all or nothing purchase directly from the dealer already included in the car in order to maintain the prestige of the product and Apple’s reputation of producing exclusive and quality goods and services. The iDash system would be marketed to high-end buyers. A typical customer who will purchase a car with iDash technology would be someone who would have the iPad2 and already be on the waiting list for the iPad 3. The market segment targeted would be those techy luxury car buyers who like to show off and always have the next and be on the cutting edge of technology. Many celebrities would buy this car because of the exclusivity and allure. Product Elements The iDash will go directly from the manufacturer to the car companies and will need minimal packaging. They will be housed in protective boxes in order to make sure that they are not damaged during delivery. Also each iDash will come in its own sleeve and protective covering. The iDash will be rectangular in design and fit snuggly into a car’s center dash and include two headrest monitors. Because iDash is a feature that will come included in the vehicle, the main features would be anything that is needed to control the internal and external control systems. The iDash port will be selected before installation and gives the purchaser the choice of an iPad dock. The device can be activated using the hands-free or touch screen option. The iDash will give users access to the over 350,000 iPad Apps. They will be able to use their choice of Garmin  © and TomTom © navigational Apps, view movies already downloaded on their iPhone or iPad, adjust and control the tire pressure, gasoline levels, and many other applications in order to improve their driving experience. Pricing Strategies Apple is a premium brand of computer. The iDash pricing strategy is simply based on the market value for similar products. The high-end, fully loaded navigation devices that are closely aligned with the iDash are priced around $500. The iDash price will need to include parts and labor costs for nstallation and electrical wiring. The car price will increase by $2000. The price will be well worth it as the iDash is much more than a navigational device. The price will be high enough to maintain the sense of luxury, but low enough to not be outrageously but manageable. Part of Apple’s current pricing psychology is that if something is just a little bit out of the buyers price range, its desirabl e. They bank on the fact that at some point, a dream will come true (or an income tax refund check arrives) and the dream can be fulfilled and iDash will follow suit. Channel and Distribution Strategies As discussed before, the iDash will go direct from Apple to the car manufacturers. Customers will not be able to access the iDash independent of the car dealership. Apple will also continue its very secretive policy in its creation and manufacturing phases. Therefore, there will not be able to be any black market distribution. Apple will manufacture the iDash parts in the same Taiwanese, South Korean, and Chinese plants. The iDash will also have its own websites and software and technical support outlets through the apple. om site just as current Apple © products experience. Apple will not manually install the iDash themselves, but each car company that receives an iDash contract will receive the product components and installation and set up instructions. Apple will work closely with the chosen car company or companies to manufacture the cars upfront with the space for the iDash to be readily installed. Marketing Plan SWOT Analysis The current c ulture of technological expansion is a hallmark for the global environment. Apples current strengths are being a design innovator that always stays ahead of industry trends and the ability to create electronics that fit peoples lives. Other strengths include the market share that Apple currently has in the industry along with the brand’s great reputation held by customers. Although the company is very successful, its profitability is almost totally dependent on the global economy. â€Å"Economic downturns can have a significant negative effect on the company, and fluctuations in foreign currencies make profit predictions in foreign markets uncertain. †(ehow. om) Even with its weaknesses, Apple has many opportunities including the chance to create more innovative products and applications. But, the company also has great opportunities to extend their current product lines by integrating their current products with other established products and brands. The iDash is part of the planned product line expansion. The only current threats to Appleâ₠¬â„¢s success are the several legal actions being levied against them. Possible negative outcomes from the suits could negatively affect the company, as well as the costs of legal defense for the company. ehow. com)  © Marketing Strategy Apple communication is sober, intriguing, simple, clear, minimalist and clever. And it has a style of its own. This is seen in the TV ads, print ads, and in the online communications. Apple uses its ability to make great, user-friendly products to entice the costumers, but also does it with style and cleverness. It boosts sales and enhances the brand value. The iDash will fall in line with Apple’s current marketing strategy. Launch Plan The iDash will be introduced at one of the usual Apple company press conferences. Also teaser commercials unveiling the new technology will be used to drum up excitement for the new technology along with the secrecy that usually surrounds the production and release of Apple products. The commercials will be centered on creating the ambiance of the high-end driving experience that shows current iPad users how they can enjoy their favorite Apple product in a vehicle while still allowing them to stay connected in a safe manner, continue to work on office projects from the car, and control their driving experience through voice recognition or touch screen technology. Each commercial will give the viewer one more benefit to the iDash building desire and suspense in the way that Apple has done successfully in the past. Print ads will be strategically placed in magazines that are ascertained to be heavily read by Apple product users. iDash will be marketed and launched as a product that feels like it is a natural addition to the important products in the consumers’ lives. It will be launched as a complimentary accessory to the iPad that everyone already uses, loves, and can’t live without. Reference List Goodwin, Antuan. (November 5, 2010). Best 5 GPS navigation systems Retrieved March 6, 2011:http://reviews. cnet. com/best-gps/ https://buy. garmin. com/shop/shop. do? cID=134 http://www. tomtom. com/en_gb/products/built-in-car-navigation/carminat-tomtom/index. jsp Retrieved March 10, 2011: http://www. apple. com SWOT Analysis for the Apple Company Retrieved March 21, 2011: http://www. ehow. com/facts_6801257_swot-analysis-apple-company. html#ixzz1HCisowQX Professional Challenge Paper

Unlock your ideas and write that document

Unlock your ideas and write that document The best way to unlock the information in your head So, you’ve got something you need to write. It might be a report you’ve had to do mountains of research on, until the facts and ideas are crowded and jostling against each other in your head. Or maybe it’s a document for which you have all the necessary facts in your mind already. Either way, now you need a way to get all that knowledge out of your head and onto the paper before you can go any further. But what’s the best way to do this? How can you easily unlock all the information you need? Enter, the mind map. Now, you may have tried using mind maps in the past and felt they didnt really work for you. But dont dismiss them just yet. In this video, Rob reveals how you can use them in different way: to tap into all the knowledge you already have (and realise the gaps in what you know that youll have to fill). Watch the video to see us demonstrate how to quickly put this simple but powerful tool to work, and hear Rob explain: the limitations of lists for planning a document, and a better way [0:27] why even using the better technique is not ideal [2:01] the tool you need to use instead of any kind of list [2:16] the important approach you need to take in setting up your mind map (and what you must avoid doing) [2:51] how you can use mind maps as part of your research process and to get past blocks [05:43]. This post is taken from a lesson in our online-training programme Emphasis 360, which improves your writing in practical, bite-sized weekly lessons. You can find out more about Emphasis 360 and preview more lessons for free here. Image credit: retrorocket / Shutterstock

China Airlines Flight 642 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

China Airlines Flight 642 - Essay Example This essay will examine the Threat and Error Management where it will look into detail on the threat of typhoons as an aviation problem. There are three components of Threat and Error management, and they include threats are defined as anything that by itself or combined with another element causes adverse effects on the outcome of the flight. There are various causes of threats such as like weather, a complex procedure and an aircraft malfunction (Flexman, 2012, P. 32). Threats such as the weather require a lot of attention from the management to ensure that safety is maintained. Errors are said to be pilot’s actions or inactions that cause the deviation of the plane in some kind. Lastly, there are undesired states that are defined as operational states where an unintended situation happens in lessening in limits of safety. It has been established that undesired states that are as a result of ineffective threat or error controlling may lead to bargained situations; hence, reducing the limits of safety in flight operations Threat and Error Management accepts that human error will occur, which is a shift from what was believed previous by the airline safety belief. Therefore, TEM is a predominant safety concept that relates to flight operations and human actions. Although not a revolutionary concept, it has evolved gradually because of the continuous drive to develop the boundaries of safety in flight operations through convenient incorporation of Human facets of knowledge. The framework of the TEM is a theoretical model that helps in the indulgent from an operational viewpoint, the inter-relationship amid safety and human performance in perplexing and dynamic operational contexts. The framework focuses concurrently on the operative context and the individuals discharging operational duties. Therefore, the framework of the TEM is diagnostic and descriptive of both system and human performance. The

Carla Homolka Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Carla Homolka - Essay Example For example, Bardsley (2007, Pg. 1) reports that, â€Å"She loved Paul very much. He was so unique and so very wild in bed. She would do absolutely anything to keep his love, anything at all†. However, in more professional terms and by taking a different viewpoint a different statement can be given. Anne McGillivray is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Manitoba and she says that Carla had, â€Å"A moral vacuity in her which is difficult if not impossible to explain (McGillivray, 2007, Pg. 1)†. I feel that amongst the crimes she committed, the most difficult thing to understand is how she could help in the rape and murder of her own sister. Of course this was also her way of making up to Paul her ‘fault’ of not being a virgin before she married him. Paul wanted a virgin and was interested in deflowering her sister so she became his accomplice. However, during the process of drugging her and raping Tammy, she died and Paul as well as Carla had to hide their crime under the cover of an accident where Tammy was supposed to have drowned in her own vomit. However, this did not stop them from committing the same crime again with another girl who they kidnapped and held hostage for 24 hours during which they repeatedly assaulted and raped her. This crime was also recorded on videotape and continued till the girl died from the torture they committed on her. To hide the body, they cut her into pieces and dumped the parts in a lake (Bardsley, 2007). The couple then kidnapped another 15 year old girl with and kept her alive in their basement for several days while they engaged in rape and torture similar to the previous times they had committed this crime. Her body was found in a ditch with no clues to the murder. Carla herself suffered heavily at the hands of her husband who beat her often and in 1993 she had to leave her husband since she was hospitalized with a beating that gave her

Business Intelligence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Intelligence - Research Paper Example In recent times, organizations around the world are adopting different forms of BI as vehicles for attaining the competitive advantage over their market niche. This is particularly so in restaurant chains, health facilities, and resorts such as Exclusive Resorts and Marshfield Clinic. Such businesses use the BI systems in making tactical decisions concerning their businesses, such as the introduction of new product and services, removal of underperforming services and products, and identification of opportunities to improve inefficient processes. One of the most important components of BI is business analytics, an essential factor that determines the success capability of a business (Electrosmart, 2012). The analysis of the case study of Marshfield Clinic and Exclusive Resort provides four important lessons for companies wishing to adopt BI systems into their organizations: have a clear vision, good communication skills of employees, cooperative employees, and dedicated resources (TD WI, 2011). Considering the cases of Exclusive Resorts and Marshfield Clinic, evidently, a company needs to have a clear vision of its perceived needs for the BI process. ... Despite the difference in the platform application, Exclusive Resort had a similar problem with multiple, disconnected, and inflexible technology that increased the cost of operation and difficulty in operation resulting from the expansion of the company’s business. According to the case study, Exclusive Resort actually had to purchase additional software to produce reports needed by the stakeholders and decision makers. The company embarked on the search for an Enterprise Resource Planning system that would integrate the existing technology and promote the competitiveness and quality of member services while encouraging the growth members (Microsoft, 2011). The two companies had a clear understanding of the functionality and provision of the BI systems, as well as a clear expression from the different business departments on the types of the decision expected from BI system. Another emergent issue from the two case studies was the importance of communication skills among the employees of the two companies. At Marshfield Clinic, the associate chief medical information officer Mike Cummins was quick to identify that the problem was not a patient-care data system, but an analytical tool that would enhance effective and efficient real-time decision-making by physicians. Having such an employee with good communication skills enabled the company to identify the real problem with its data collection system. The senior vice president of technology at Exclusive Resorts was also able to communicate the problem they had with their previous system, enabling the experts from Microsoft to design a solution that suits their needs.  Ã‚  

Examining the Organisational Structure and Culture

Examining the Organisational Structure and Culture Abstract In this report I aim to objectively examine the Organisational Structure and Culture by using three different organisations from different sectors within the UK and how it could affect the business. Furthering my report I will analyse the impact of staff behaviour on the three businesses. I will conclude my report by carrying out a detailed analysis on specific job roles within an organisation. I would be using McDonalds, Sainsburys Plc and Sony Corporation as part of my case study. Task 1 Introduction Organisational culture and structure Organisational Culture also known as Corporate Culture comprises the attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values of an organization. According to author Afsaneh Nahavandi, organisation culture has been defined as the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organization [Which] control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organization. Every organisation with more than one person needs a structure so that workers have clearly defined roles and are clear about the roles of others. As such, organisational structure is often presented as a chart which clearly identifies how management is organised vertically with layers of hierarchy and horizontally by function, product or division. The chart will make clear who is responsible for what, who is responsible to who and who to go to with problems and queries. There are three main types of organisational structure: tall hierarchical, flat hierarchical and matrix. McDonalds Plc and their structure McDonalds is the worlds largest fast food chain restaurant with over 31,000 outlets in 118 countries and employing over 1.6 million people globally. Out of the 31,000 outlets, 1000 of them are in the U.K. McDonalds serves over 47 million customers daily in the 118 countries they operate in and have a market capitalisation of $60.08bn in the financial year of 2008. 78% of the McDonalds are owned by the franchisees and the remaining 22% are owned by the corporation itself. Structure in simple terms, can be defined as the way things are set out in an organisation. Therefore, all businesses including McDonalds have their own organisational structure which consists of groups and individuals working together to achieve the same aims/objectives of the organisation. Organisations are structured in a variety of ways, dependent upon their objectives and culture. The structure of an organisation will determine the manner in which it operates and its performance. Structure allows the responsibilities for different functions and processes to be clearly allocated to different departments. The wrong organisation structure will reduce the success of the business. As a business expands the spans of control will widen. The higher the level of skill each employee has the more the business will make use of these skills across the organization and hence save costs. Internal factors such as size, product and skills of the workforce also influence the organizational structure. undefined Source: Online http://www.learnmanagement2.com/hierarchical%20structure.htm An example of a hierarchal organisational structure is given above for reference; The figure published according to McDonalds websites tells us that 78% of the stores are franchised; whereas the remaining 22% are owned by the corporation itself. My assumption is McDonalds as a corporation have adopted a hierarchal structure; but each store would be following a different yet similar structure within the framework of the hierarchal structure. All the stores would carry out exactly the same process but the way in which they deliver the service could vary. It would depend on the franchisee on how she/he controls their business; however there are certain aspects which the franchisee cannot alter i.e. the McDonalds logo, shop appearance and etc. As the above diagram shows, the most highest or influential person in any organisation is the Chief Executive officer/director (CEO) who takes all strategic decisions because they are on the top of the hierarchy and below him are his/her subordinates i.e. area regional managers, department managers who then report back to him/he r about the companys progress or any other important issues that needs their attention. However, every staffs responsibility is clearly defined and the business itself seems to be centralised e.g. important decisions being taken by the senior management centrally. Within this structure, the path to promotion is clearly defines i.e. a person will initially start from the bottom e.g. counter sales assistant and then they will have to earn their way up to the top to get a authority. It is considered employees of this type of structure are likely to be loyal to the business. However, franchised stores of McDonalds are likely to have a flatter structure. There is one manager, who is in control of the assistants and employees; who takes all the decisions for that particular store and he/she who is in charge of the main functions, carries them out. But the McDonalds corporation is likely to have a hierarchical structure. McDonalds is a big company with lots of different departments which need to be organized very well, because if the employees arent directed in the right way they wont perform their jobs uniformly. McDonalds culture On the other hand, according to author Afsaneh Nahavandi; organisational culture can be defined as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. set of beliefs, customs, practices and ways of thinking that they have come to share with each other through being and working together. Culture varies greatly between organisations and some business can be warm and friendly whereas some can be hard and unfriendly. McDonalds operates according to four values; quality, service, convenience and value. Part of their organisational culture is the delivery of uniform quality of food and service wherever the branch is located. These are some of the cultures associated with McDonalds; McDonalds place the customer experience at the core of what they do. McDonalds are committed towards their stakeholders. They believe in the McDonalds System. McDonalds operate their business ethically. McDonalds give backs to the community. McDonalds grow their business profitably. McDonalds strive continually to improve. Their mission/vision/aims/objectives of McDonalds will affect the culture of McDonalds to an extent. Initially, McDonalds key objective of serving the customers good quality food links in with their culture (values) which is that McDonald place customer experience at the core of what they do. This will result in repeat business and hence improve the profitability of the business which is another value (culture) of McDonalds. Another key objective of McDonalds is to be a socially responsible company; this has again affected their culture to a great extent. McDonalds gives back to the community via their own set up charity e.g. Ronald McDonalds House charity; however the franchised store have their own decision on it. It is clear that McDonalds investment is carefully considered. This again is reflected in their culture, which shows us that McDonalds are committed towards their shareholders and stakeholders. Another aim of McDonald is to provide customers with outstanding quality and make every customer smile; this is again reflected in their culture (values) as the website informs us that McDonalds strive to improve continually. Therefore, as the company is innovating and continually making improvements, it would satisfy more customers who were maybe previously dissatisfied with a particular aspect. In order for McDonalds to comply with their mission/vision statement identified previously, they would need to set their structures accordingly i.e. as McDonalds want to be their customers favourite dining out restaurant, they have ensured that staff and the management are working together effectively in order to prepare a meal for a customer quickly without any kind of mistake e.g. giving a customer a wrong product. Moreover, from the vision/mission statement of McDonalds it is clear that the companys main focus of attention is the customers and therefore in order to facilitate the demand of customers; this means that McDonalds needs to hire more staff and hence their mission links with the structure. Sainsburys Plc and their structure Sainsburys PLC has implemented the notion of making a clear organisational chart available to all employees and workers throughout the stores. This is the key to the success of the company as the more qualified workers in the store can speak to their subordinates directly. This however is not the case if the subordinates want to communicate with their seniors as they will have to refer to the organisational structure in order to speak to the relevant person. The system is efficient as the workers know who, where to go and seek advice from a member with more control and power of them. Moreover, the system enables employees to communicate with others efficiently and conveniently. An example of this is when an employee within a particular department such as Electronics wants to query something to a supervisor; it is through the organisational chart that the employee will know to communicate with the supervisor or the department manager. Organisational charts within larger companies such as Sainsburys Plc essentially provide its employees with a guide to the organisation and its key contacts. As such the organisation of the business allows all employees to recognise who is responsible for what. This is done for a number of reasons; the chain of command lists all employees and their role within the organisation. By implementing this strategy throughout their store, Sainsburys Plc reduces confusion around the hierarchy of the organisation by informing all employees about their own role, power and authority as well as the role of others and their responsibilities. An example of this is if an employee is unsure about his/her power over any subordinates, they can refer to the organisational chart. Another advantage to having an organisational chart is that everyone who work, liaises or partners with the company is aware of the span of control power, influence or authority an employee has over his/her subordinates. If the person is higher up they could clearly see that they have a wide span of control in a Sainsburys store as it is a flat structure which consists of many workers who have to be controlled by supervisors or managers; who in turn are controlled by their deputies or department managers. An example would be that a supervisor was unsure of how much span of control they have over his/her employees; they would check the structure of the business which would outline their own role and responsibilities In which case will be a lot as a checkout supervisor has a larger responsibility and trust within the checkout team. Although the organisational structure outlines each role and the responsibilities, communication between employees and their superiors can also help in clarifying responsibilities, as power has been delegated by high levels of authority the employee will know how much power they have received and what changes or decisions they can immediately carry out to take effect on thei r subordinates. This method of organisation of the business allows employees to work together effectively. This is because any disputes over power and decision making are brought up the organisation chart can help prevent and resolve issues regarding the power and status of especially higher people in the chain of command. It is through the companys organisational methods that that the success of Sainsburys will reflect how this is effective as all functional areas work within this structure. Using Sainsburys Plc as an example can identify how its employees can challenge and confront their superiors in terms of negotiating the power that each member of the store has. The structure of the organisation will be put to use here as it will clearly display where each person is in terms of accountability and power. This will indefinitely resolves the problem and help them work together and communicate effectively. This also applies to other employees, who can check their position in the hierarchy and their subordinates before confronting and starting disputes. These are some of the ways organisation in a business can allow workers to co operate efficiently. Sainsburys Culture The culture of Sainsburys describes the typical approach within the organisation. It essentially means the organisations universal beliefs, policies and procedures that determine the way the organisation is run. This culture is also reflected in Sainsburys employees and shareholders as well as the companys strategy. As such it is these elements that shape and determine the organisations success and at times its failures. Although a large corporation, Sainsburys much like Tesco, MS and Asda takes shape as a bureaucracy. Much like the above corporations, Sainsburys hierarchical structure and its top-down approach suggests that the company heavily implements the Top Hierarchal Culture. This means that communication is essential in the running of a successful company as each role is defined by the hierarchy up until the bottom of the hierarchy. To ensure that this structure is kept, Sainsburys have invested in ensuring that communication and the structure of the organisation is available to all its employees. An example of this is the centralisation of decisions, policies and roles and responsibilities of each individual belonging to the company. These are often outlines at the beginning of employment contract and often reiterated via email, circulation lists, newsletters etc; all of which are essential methods of communication. Due to the large nature of the organisation, Sainsburys is divided into sub-departments such as accounts, marketing and Communication to Electronics and Production department. It may be easier to visualise Sainsburys as two businesses; one being the top part of the hierarchy entailing more senior positions such as production director which involve the strategic management of the organisation. The other aspect is the wholly retail element, found on the shop floor. In this case one can see that power is hierarchical and often stems from the employees position. This is a primary reason as to why roles are defined via job descriptions; to essentially avoid the breakdown of the hierarchical structure. It is clear that Salisburys works within a bureaucratic culture, unlike the Co-Operative which works on persons culture. An advantage of which is empowering all parties who have connections with the organisation. Sony Corporations culture Sony known for its renowned innovation, technological gadgets and electronics it has created a multibillion, multinational electronic empire with products such as the transistor radio, the Trinitron, the Walk-in and the VTR. All of which have transformed life in the twenty first century. It is Sonys consumer targeted quest for excellence and constant innovation that have made them so successful. However, one must consider the companys recent profit loss as being a result of the constant innovation and production of new electronics as these have taken focus rather than concentrating on profit and loss statements have always been a part of Sony since its beginning days. For every successful product (i.e. transistor radio and Trinitron), RD cost often ran excessively high that they pushed the firm to the verge of bankruptcy. The company managed to bring back its losses by introducing a new culture. For every new product a project was created which was funded by Sony and overlooked by a senior member. This allowed Sony to expand its enterprise whilst allowing new projects authority and most importantly autonomy to manage and control each business unit. It was this new method of management that enabled Sony to create both a wider enterprise as well as a new business culture. Sony Corporations structure As mentioned earlier, the changes to Sonys business structure announced in early 2003 meant that Sonys profit margins were redesigned to maximise the effectiveness of their investment in each business category. In addition, a CFO position was established in each network company which became responsible for the monitoring of each business operation. This meant that all networks operated with a degree of autonomy whilst maintaining close strategic links to Sonys global hub. The result of Sonys business culture established a universal monitoring system within the company and its network companies which allowed Sony to analyse and manage the companys entire business. Task 2 Affects of organisations structure and culture to the business Organisation Structure is a key element in the running of a business as it applies to both the employers and its employees. Its importance also lies in that it gives a clear indication of how information can be shared or passed down within the organisation; in order for this happen there must be a link of communication between the senders and receivers. This is achieved by communication flowing up or down the hierarchy. Having an organisational chart makes this process easier as it clearly shows the hierarchy within the organisation, so that communication can be made more effective as the sender/receiver will be able to control their own communicational methods thus avoiding confusion. This enables the business to make communication more convenient and effective for all staff thus allowing departments to inter-liaise and continue information sharing in an effective manner. These are just a few of the benefits an organisation chart has on the business. On the other hand, according to author Afsaneh Nahavandi; organisational culture is defined as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. set of beliefs, customs, practices and ways of thinking that they have come to share with each other through being and working together. Culture varies greatly between organisations and some business can be warm and friendly whereas some can be hard and unfriendly. These theories are proved constantly in todays businesses. For e.g. the structure Sainsburys have implemented within their organisation, allows each of their departments to work individually to achieve some of its various objectives such as: To provide shareholders with good, sustainable financial returns. (Source: www.j-sainsbury.co.uk) It is clear from this objective that Sainsburys plc is keen about keeping their shareholders happy by providing them with sustainable financial returns on their investment. And due to its structure in place their accounts and finance department is able to deliver this objective by implementing a good financial strategy and doing the job well. Sainsburys plcs decisions in terms of culture and their structure also impacts on the companys business performance to an extent. The tables below demonstrate the level of achievement in sales, underlying operating margin and underlying profits before tax over the last five years. Sales figures of Sainsburys plc between 2005-2010 [%] Like-for-like sales (%) Operating cost margin (%) Underlying operating margin (%) Profit before tax ( £m) Underlying profit before tax ( £m) (Source: www.j-sainsbury.co.uk) The companys directors explain, Despite year on year of challenging market conditions, Sainsburys has delivered continued strong performance against its targets in 2009/10. The retail sector continues to be one of the most fast-moving and highly competitive in the UK. However, Sainsburys stable and experienced leadership team has consistently achieved growth since 2005. Task 3 Job roles Employees working for any organisation are enlisted to perform a specific role. These roles vary depending on the individuals skills and experiences, as listed below: The task or activity The amount of responsibility The job security The decision they have to make The payment they get The skills, knowledge and qualities they have There are four main types of job roles in a business: Directors: they are responsible for the overall direction of the business Managers: They are responsible for one area of the business for example marketing area Supervisors or team leaders: Has the responsibility to look after a team Staff: They are responsible for carrying out basic functions of the business If you look at an organization chart you will see that the person with the most authority is at the top. Individuals with the least amount of authority are placed at the bottom of the hierarchy; this is often referred to as the chain of command. Specific job roles and their responsibilities Directors The Directors typically create the business plans. Directors sit on the board because they have specialist expertise in a particular line of business, or because they have generalist experience, or sometimes more importantly, good contacts. The Managing director The Managing Director is the figurehead of the organisation. Managers have the job of organising and controlling resources. For example at Mcdonalds the managing director will have to look at the applications that come in and decide who to employ and who not. Senior managers Senior Managers make top level decisions concerning operational strategies. These decisions require detailed analysis and skilled judgement. Middle managers Middle Managers organise and control the resource of an organisation within established guidelines. Junior/supervisory management Junior/supervisory management is usually concerned with short-term supervisory activities making sure the operations are carried out in a nice smooth process and all resources is in place for it to happen. Supervisors Supervisors are quite often the backbone of the organisation. They are people who know how things should be done at ground level. They work with managers to put plans into action at operational level. They manage day-to-day resources including the supervision of staff. Operatives Operatives are at the ground level but their work is still very important. It needs to be carried out with care and precision. E.g. In a supermarket the operatives would be the shelf stackers, checkout operatives and etc Employees Personal attributes and how they affect the business The reason why personal attributes are important to the employee and the business is: Personal presentation: includes the individuals physical presentation, personal hygiene, and presentational skills. In addition to this, communication and ability to work with others are essential requirements for many jobs. It is important for the business because if they have staffs that are taking care about his personal presentation it will make the business look good and also the customers will feel comfortable talking with the staff. For example a customer service advisor must have good personal presentation skills as well as being a good communicator. These types of skills vary depending on the role, the position of the role and the skills of the individual and positive approaches increase on the business sales ultimately. And if they are not smart in these areas the business may even loose customers on that bases resulting in loss of business. Verbal communication skills: these skills are essential to any individual working in customer service, in contact with clients and partners. Having good verbal communicational skills means that the individual has the ability to make him/herself clear and has the ability to coherently vocalise their message. This is important for the employee so that if a customer asks him about information, he will able to answer so the customer understands them and it is also important to the business so that the customer can give good customer feedback. Following instructions: This element is essential to any role which an individual may apply for. It is natural to follow the hierarchal order, even if taking orders may be the case as stated in the individuals employment contract. It is the employers right to take any grievance, disciplinary action against the staff member if she/he refuses to complete a task stated on their contact as this has been agreed both contractually and verbally at the beginning of the employees contract. For example, if every member of staff does not follow what has been asked from them, the business could lose out on precious time and money. Conclusion Organisation Structure is a key element in the running of a business as it applies to both the employers and its employees. Its importance also lies in that it gives a clear indication of how information can be shared or passed down within the organisation; in order for this happen there must be a link of communication between the senders and receivers. This is achieved by communication flowing up or down the hierarchy. Having an organisational chart makes this process easier as it clearly shows the hierarchy within the organisation, so that communication can be made more effective as the sender/receiver will be able to control their own communicational methods thus avoiding confusion. This enables the business to make communication more convenient and effective for all staff thus allowing departments to inter-liaise and continue information sharing in an effective manner. These are just a few of the benefits an organisation chart has on the business. On the other hand, Organisational culture has been defined by Afsaneh Nahavandi as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. set of beliefs, customs, practices and ways of thinking that they have come to share with each other through being and working together. Culture varies greatly between organisations and some business can be warm and friendly whereas some can be hard and unfriendly. And this is proved over and over again by looking at some of the above case studys and how it this can affect the performance of the business itself. Finally we looked into various job roles within any business and their significance. And we also looked into various personnel attributes of an employee and their significance to the employee himself/herself and their employer too. One of those simple example being If an employee not bother about his personal development then: The employer will not be able to help employee to plan his or her career. The employer will not be able to assess future potential or suitability for promotion. The employer will not be able to identify training and development requirements for that employee. The employer will not be able to assist the employee to create a personal development plan for the next period and set key targets for achievement.

A Bloody Christmas :: essays research papers

Creative Story: A Bloody Christmas Hurry up Joe! It's 10:15, your fifteen minutes late!" Claire screamed from outside the dressing room with a hint of a New York Accent. Claire was Santa's helper at the mall. "I'm coming!" Joe yelled back. "Stupid kids, I hate kids." Joe mumbled to himself while getting himself dressed. Joe was the Santa at the local mall. Since Joe had just been released from the mental institution for insanity, the cost of the institution wiped him out of money so he needed the job badly. When the job was offered to him he had to take it. Joe was a scrawny man. Not your usual Santa Clause. He had no rosy cheeks or round belly, he didn't have the hearty laugh nor real white hair. His ribs poked out of his skin and his stomach looked like an empty cave. His eyes were pushed into his head way more than most people, the dark rings circling his made his eyes look like they were going to pop out any second. The bones of his cheeks showed through his dry, pale skin making him look like a zombie. "Let's go now!!" Claire screeched at the top of her lungs. Claire meant this time. Quickly, Joe stumbled out of the dressing room in a clumsy fashion. Looking like he had just chugged a couple of kegs, dragged his oversized Santa coat and pants with him hopping they wouldn't fall down and left the dressing room. Joe and Claire walked toward where Santa's hut was while watching a crowd gather around it. "Ya know Claire," Joe said, "I really hate my job." "Really," replied Claire in a sarcastic tone, "Who doesn't hate little brats crawling around on your lap." Joe sat down in his special Santa chair and waited for the first child to come forward. The fist kid was about five yrs. old. Joe thought he was disgusting. The child was wearing cuarteroy overalls with a white turtleneck underneath. The cuarteroys had crusty stains of peanut butter all down the front of his navy blue overalls. Making a revolting contrast between colors. The turtleneck seemed to have lost its whiteness a long time ago. It was imbedded with red pasta sauce and olive chunks glued to the sauce. His face wasn't very attractive either. On his left cheek a piece of spagetti attached to his skin dangled and dried mucus flaked off his upper lip. Joe leaned back in remorse wishing this was all a long terrifying dream. The kid hopped on his lap and in a happy voice said, "Hi Mr.

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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