A Question of Good Governance?

Criticism for its own sake might be an entertaining activity for some people, but I prefer looking into the future. What is needed to turn critisicm into a constructive tool is a measuring unit. Before leaving I'd like to propose such a measuring unit, called "good governance".
In addition I'd like to introduce a new actor on the scene - well, actually not so new, but some want to stick to their belief about the US being the only actor who wants to strengthen democray in the world.

What is good governance?

Governance is the process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights. Good governance accomplishes this in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law. The true test of "good" governance is the degree to which it delivers on the promise of human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. The key question is: are the institutions of governance effectively guaranteeing the right to health, adequate housing, sufficient food, quality education, fair justice and personal security? (...)

In his Millennium Report, We the peoples, the Secretary-General emphasized that "better governance means greater participation, coupled with accountability. Therefore, the international public domain – including the United Nations – must be opened up further to the participation of the many actors whose contributions are essential to managing the path of globalization … For the United Nations, success in meeting the challenges of globalization ultimately comes down to meeting the needs of peoples. It is in their name that the Charter was written; realizing their aspirations remains our vision for the twenty-first century."

So all we need is another country, I'll call it Z.

XY warns People of Z against mob justice after outbreak of violence

19 October 2006 – The Representative XY today cautioned Z-citizens there against taking part in vigilante justice, even as they put up with rising crime and a judicial system that remains deeply flawed and corrupt.

“In our fight against crime, we must always remember that we cannot, and must not take the law into our own hands,” said XY.

“Mob justice is wrong! It is a violation of the law,” he added, just days after two police officers were injured trying to contain a mob attack amid violence following the murder of a local man. “We must allow justice to take its course even though the wheels of justice sometimes turn slowly.”

Mr. XY's comments also came a day after the most recent report on human rights noted that “the judicial system continued to fail to uphold constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards binding on country Z.”

Corruption in the judicial system is an “extremely serious problem… [that] remains an enormous challenge to the rule of law and thus to long-term peace and stability,” the report said.

It noted that there is “systemic abuse by magistrates” who operate without effective disciplinary measures, allowing them to continue working even after they have “been found guilty of misconduct amounting to corruption.”

There are huge case backlogs and prolonged pre-trial detentions compounded by inefficient investigations, prosecution and hearings, the report added, noting that suspects are frequently released without ever facing trial.

Still, Mr. XY argued for patience. “We and other partners are working closely with the Government and the judiciary to help reinforce the rule of law and strengthen the administration of justice in Z,” he said, adding that he would work for bail regulations to be tightened.

More than 90 per cent of those incarcerated are awaiting trial and detention standards are well below minimum standards – particularly medical care, which is generally absent. Pre-trial detainees are not separated from convicts and escapes and illegal releases from some facilities was “a particular problem” during the period covered in the report.

Besides allegations of excessive force, there is a shortage of police officers in some areas which encourages vigilante action, the report noted, adding that five circuit courts are still not in operational while “others tried only a fraction of the number of cases listed for trial.”

“We are fully committed to assisting the Z National Police become a modern and effective police force that can ensure public order and safety,” added Mr.XY, noting that the Netherlands has just pledged 2 million euros to help with this effort.

The shortage of police in rural areas, where there is also no independent monitoring, leaves isolated communities “particularly vulnerable risk of harmful traditional practices, especially trial by ordeal” which lead to serious injuries and deaths, the report noted.

A report last month said judicial reform was proceeding “albeit at a slow pace” but noted that more consultants are being hired and that a law reform commission is being established, although its success will depend on adequate international funding.

Z was liberated from its despotic leader in 2003 and after a Transitional Government held free elections in 2005. Its economic situation suffers from the consequences of continuing international sanctions, widespread corruption and destroyed infrastructure. Many businessmen have fled the country and aren't likely to come back.

• GDP per capita is $ 1,000 (Iraq $ 3,400)
  
• Unemployment rate 85% (Iraq 25% 2005 est.)

Literacy seems to be higher than in Iraq:

• total population: 57.5% (40,4%)
• male: 73.3% (55,9%)
• female: 41.6% (24,4%)

(2003 est.)

Wealthy international donors, who are ready to assist reconstruction efforts, are withholding funding until Z's National Assembly signs onto a Plan that was created to help ensure transparent revenue collection and allocation - something that was lacking under the Transitional Government and that has limited Z's economic recovery. The reconstruction of infrastructure and the raising of incomes in this ravaged economy will largely depend on generous financial support and technical assistance from donor countries.

The ongoing domestic crisis in a neighbouring country and militias remaining in the border region holds an additional danger to destabilise the country anew.

So these are the rough data about Z. What jumped to my eyes when Representative XY was speaking was the question how much time a country is given in order to overcome its ordeals from the past...